“I was worried it’s like cheating, releasing something like this, but if the material is good, and it sounds good, there you go,” jokes James Felice of folk rock/country rock outfit The Felice Brothers during a recent chat. He’s referring to Valley of Abandoned Songs, the group’s latest full-length, which dropped this June as the first release on Million Stars, the new label from longtime fan and friend of the band, Conor Oberst. The cheating James is referencing is the fact that the 13 songs of the album were, until recently, unreleased demos lead singer and primary songwriter Ian Felice had accumulated over the course of many album cycles. Although the original idea was to post the songs online, Oberst liked them so much that he decided to start the label just to give them a proper release.
The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection already had an opportunity to hear a handful of tracks from Valley of Abandoned Songs live this July, when The Felice Brothers returned to World Café Live. But next Saturday, December 28th, the band will be back in the 215 to bring their year-end show to Brooklyn Bowl for the third year in a row (Brooklyn Bowl seems to have a knack for year-end celebrations… This won’t be the last one you hear about from PHILTHY in 2024…) James Felice recently took some time to give me his own personal thoughts on Brooklyn Bowl venues, playing Philly, and The Felice Brothers’ 2024 LP.
Izzy Cihak: You’ve played Philadelphia a lot over the years, including a show at World Café Live just this summer and these year-end shows you’ve been playing at Brooklyn Bowl for a few years. What are some of your favorite memories from the city?
James Felice: I feel like pinning down a favorite moment will be tough, because we really have played your city many, many times. The first time ever was First Unitarian Church, in the basement. I’ll never forget that show. Must have been 15 years ago. It was sweaty and wild and people were going absolutely nuts. A great introduction to your fair city.
Izzy: You’ve played both our Brooklyn Bowl and the original Brooklyn one a few times now. What are your thoughts on the venues and their vibes?
James: I thought it was ridiculous in concept! But actually, they are great places to play. The staff is kind, the food is good, it sounds great (even with the bowling happening), and I feel like the audience enjoy themselves. And if you get bored, you can go bowling.
Izzy: What can be expected of the year-end show at Brooklyn Bowl this year? You’ve definitely mixed it up in the past few years and obviously you’ve released a full-length since last year’s show.
James: I think it will be much like it’s been. Good songs, good vibes, the joyfulness of the holiday spirit.
Izzy: With such a massive catalogue at this point, how do you go about deciding what older songs to bring into a given tour’s setlists? Is it mostly about what you’re all currently feeling, what the fans have been asking for, or what seems to fit best with the new material? Or, is it some combination of a bunch of things like that?
James: Yeah, there’s some classics from back in the day we usually play at every show. Sometimes someone will call out a song at a show that we haven’t played (or thought about at all) in years and we will endeavor to figure it out for the next show. For us the setlist is mostly just based on how we are feeling at the time. My brother Ian usually writes it about five minutes before we go onstage.
Izzy: You’re playing these shows with Merce Lemon, whose new album is so amazing. What are your thoughts on her and her music? Are you excited to get to see her on these dates?
James: Never met her! But I really do like the album, and I’m pumped to hear her play live.
Izzy: Like I said, you did drop a new LP this year, Valley of Abandoned Songs, which you’ve spent much of the summer and fall touring. What have been some of the highlights of promoting the new album, which I know is actually a collection of previously penned material?
James: It’s just really nice to know that even though these are older songs (and some of them were just demos) that people are actually enjoying them. I was worried it’s like cheating, releasing something like this, but if the material is good, and it sounds good, there you go.
Izzy: The album is the first official release from Million Stars, the new label from Conor Oberst, who has released a couple of your albums in the past. How does it feel to be part of that landmark with such a longtime friend?
James: It’s like going home after a long journey away. Conor is such a supportive, kind, and generous man. It still, to this day, blows my mind that such an incredibly talented person enjoys our music. I’m also just grateful to still be such good friends even after all these many years. What a gift!
Izzy: Since the year is just about over, I’m curious if you’ve had any favorite music of 2024?
James: Our pal Taylor Hollingsworth released a record a couple months ago called Yahola. It’s so awesome. Give it a listen. You’ll be hooked from the first song.
Izzy: Finally, what is the band hoping and planning for 2025? Anything you’re especially focused on or excited about? You have a history of putting out music with quite impressive frequency.
James: Next year holds a lot of promise. I think we have some extremely cool and exciting things coming up. Music will be played! And recorded! And maybe even released. We still have something to sing about.
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