Peacefeather is an experimental, psychedelic music band originating from State College, Pennsylvania. They utilize feedback, synthesizers, and analog sequencing to accompany an array of instrumentation. Their concerts and albums range from pure improvisation to minimalist beats; along with the occasional cover of the a popular Beach Boy's song. Although often compared to music from the 1960's, Peacefeather is at home in any decade of sound, and has embraced technologies both cutting edge and obsolete.
Early History
Peacefeather came together during the fall semester of 2004, at Penn State University. Most of the band either attended or taught class there, and the school unwittingly provided the band with a rehearsal and recording space in its music building's orchestra room. There, Peacefeather routinely held jam sessions using the band room's Vibraphone, Celeste, grand Piano, and Marimba. These sessions were later overdubbed using Analog synthesizers, de-tuned guitar, and drum machines at the group's own home studios'; the results eventually becoming Peacefeather's self titled debut. Prolific in the studio, Peacefeather also played concerts in and around central Pennsylvania during this time period. However, despite a handful of bar gigs, the band was better received in non-traditional venues; such as their performance at the local "cosmic skate" or their marathon set powered by wind turbines in the Houserville hills. Even playing out of town was a relief as they were welcomed in New York, Philadelphia, and most notably, Wilkes Berre, Pennsylvania.
Currently
On July 7th, 2007 Peacefeather held a recording session which lasted most of that day. Although a few members had moved from central Pennsylvania, their reunion produced hours of workable tape, and the band continued this momentum into a second full length album. ON THE RAIN OF A STAR (2011) differed greatly from their debut, and featured shorter songs and a wider array of instrumentation. Overall, the album was more melodic and percussive, reflecting the band's love of the Brain Wilson and Sun Ra. To promote the new material, Peacefeather returned to playing live; and had the similar experience of being welcomed in art Galleries, all age shows, even "battle of the bands'" while facing indifference from the bar "scene." Lately the band has seen a rise in exposure due to a plethora of house shows and parties in State College. Once just a psychedelic afterthought in their hometown, Peacefeather is now welcomed in an eclectic scene that embraces noise, drum machines, and pop art.
Sound
Peacefeather's sound can be described as improvised psychedelia. The group usually plays synthesizers, analog drum machines, sequencers, along with sleigh bells, marimba, and other exotic percussion. These days the band avoids the usual rock set up, and will only bring a guitar out for a Beach Boys song or feedback. Their CD's and cassette tapes also feature improvisation and are often mixed and overdubbed simultaneously, by the entire group in one session. Peacefeather records on analog equipment. They are currently working on a third album, which when finished will include over twenty musicians from the State College music scene, past and present. The Clavinet will be featured prominently.
Cassette Releases
Around 2006, Peacefeather released the first of their many "mix tapes." These cassettes allowed the band to live as far as 2,000 miles apart, and still create new music together. Because of this geography, Peacefeather will often use skype during it's concerts to include band members no longer living in central Pennsylvania. 2015 saw the release of Peacefeather "Chew Bubblegum," a mix-tape heavily influenced by Judy Garland, 1960's bubblegum pop, and the movie "They Live."