Featherscale originally started as an album for the RPM Challenge- Written and recorded by Mike in February of 2009, Topaz Stars in a Violet Sky continued the work begun with Imbolc and Ice three years earlier. Shortly afterwards, he recruited Amber to play backup during live shows. It was during this time that the sound became more acoustic based.
With the addition of Tim on guitar, the band began it's transformation from solo project to a true group effort. They began collaborating on original material and performing live with Rob until finding Justin, who joined in the early summer of 2010.
The band is currently promoting their new album, Gypsy Heart while booking appearances at Pagan events throughout New England.
Featherscale is:
Michael Dolan- Guitar, Vocals, "other"
Once known as The Reverend Rat, Mike has been making music for longer than he cares to admit. Mike writes and records virtually all the songs on Topaz Stars, as well as his earlier albums, Sunshine and Imbolc and Ice.
Having followed one Pagan path or another for over 20 years, he now describes himself as an "organic mage" with some degree of study in systems from shamanism to ceremonial magick.
In addition to making music, Mike is a talented woodworker specializing in Pagan ritual tools.
Amber Lee Meagher- Drums and Percussion
Amber has had a love of drumming since the age of ten, when she first saw a live performance.
Although she owes much of her background to jazz, she also counts the Dave Matthews Band, Cars, and Rustic Overtones as strong influences.
Among other things, Amber is a dedicated mom, dog person, and writer of slightly trashy romances.
Tim Clark- Guitar
Over the years, Tim has played with styles from industrial noise and hardcore to celtic traditionals.
A longtime friend, he played with Mike in Speed of Dark and at many open mic nights and festivals.
Tim is a member of the OTO, our crowd's "resident computer guy", and founder of an evil cult that plans to take over the world.
Justin Hunt- Bass
Justin was born in the year 1794 to a family of wealthy Uzbeckistanian aardvark herders. At a young age, he left home to seek his fortune as a cactus trader on the high seas. When this failed due to a sudden allergy to sand, he was taken in by lonely senator from the great state of [REDACTED] who is now forbidden to come within 500 yards.
After some time, he joined Featherscale, where he forgot to send in his band bio: a situation which regrettably led to Mike just making up a silly one for him.
And special guest performers joining us when schedules allow:
Robert McClung- Guitar, Violin, Mandolin, Balalaika
A longtime veteran of the NH music scene, Rob has played with dozens of bands. His credentials include gigs, session work, and touring with the Commitments, the Makem Brothers, and Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Rob served as producer on Gypsy Heart. In addition, he released his solo album Dust Covered Man, in 2005 and is preparing to release an album with his new project Telergy
Rob spends his days giving guitar lessons to the next generation of future rock stars. www.robertmcclung.net
Jenna Greene- Vocals
A renowned performer in her own right, Jenna is a long time friend of the band and occasionally joins us on stage whenever we are lucky enough to be playing the same events. Her debut CD, Crossroads has been featured on radio and podcasts nationwide.
You can hear her at her website: www.greeneladymusic.com
Carl Nickerson- Percussion
Mike's brother-in-law and longtime friend, Carl is an expert drummer with a masters degree in music and formal training in styles ranging from classical and jazz to modern art rock like Rush and Yes.
Carl's true love is the hand drumming of West Africa. He has studied under some of the world's master drummers and teaches a style known as Melenke at his studio, where he also gives group and private lessons.
Carl also plays with Fote, Kulu, and his new project Djolimba Kan a hand drumming ensemble known for performing traditional songs of West Africa- primarily Guinea, Mali, and the Ivory Coast.
He also likes Guinness and squids. www.fotedrum.com