Folk Fest Profile – Ian Felice

While the Brooklyn Folk Festival generally features underrepresented artists, indie folk fans might recognize Ian Felice of The Felice Brothers as a national touring act.

Hailing from Palenville, New York, The Felice Brothers are an American folk rock/country rock group. With brother James on accordion and keys, and a cracking band behind them, they are well established on the roots-rock scene.

The Felice Brothers have played The Newport Folk Festival, toured with Old Crow Medicine Show, Justin Townes Earle, and Dave Matthews, and have collaborated with Conor Oberst, Phoebe Bridgers, and Titus Andronicus.

Ian Felice is the lead singer-songwriter-guitarist of the band and will be performing a solo set at the Brooklyn Folk Festival. I spoke to him recently by email.

SR: How did you get involved with the Brooklyn Folk Fest?

IF: My friend Nick Panken, who plays in a band called Spirit Family Reunion, put the organizers of the festival in touch with me. I’ve heard about the festival before but have never had the pleasure to play it.

SR: Can you tell me about your cover of Fred Neil’s “I’ve Got A Secret”? Though highly influential, Neil seems underappreciated. I feel like he should be more celebrated.

IF: Yes, I think he should be more widely known. However, I don’t think it’s uncommon for great artists to go uncelebrated. His album “The Many Sides of Fred Neil” is one of my all-time favorites. He was such a great songwriter and interpreter of songs, and his voice is deeply emotive and beautiful.

SR: How does your songwriting process work?

IF: I write my songs on a cash register. I’m usually behind on the rent.

SR: What’s different about performing solo versus with the band?

IF: It’s freeing because you can do whatever you are feeling in the moment and not worry about throwing other musicians off. It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there year-round.

SR: Can you tell me about your new album?

IF: Our new album is called “Undress.” It’s coming out this May. It sounds like umbrellas being raised up against a storm.

SR: What about your work with Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers?

IF: I recorded an old song that I wrote about my mother with them last fall. They sang very beautifully. They’re like two dreamers in a rowboat. I’ve been making music and touring with Conor for over a decade.

SR: Anything else you’d like the public to know?

IF: I love the world beyond measure.

For more information on The Felice Brothers, see their website at thefelicebrothers.com.