Oh, to be young again! And have musical talent and a creative vision. Well that seems to be the case for the four young Nashvillians who make up the band The Thing With Feathers: Dave Welcsh (vocals and guitar), Sean Carroll (bass), Alex Hendricks (lead guitar) and Chris Roussell (drums).

Together since 2017, the band first made its mark releasing three singles last year, including a song that should, and likely will someday be all over the radio, “Figure it Out.” It’s sharp, fresh and rocks in a funky way. I think you will love it as much as I do.

We thank one of the Feathers, Dave Welcsh, for eleven great answers and look forward to the success that he and his young band seem destined for. You can see The Thing With Feathers at The High Watt on February 22. Show starts at 8pm with a couple of openers before the Feathers take the stage. Hope to see you there.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I grew up in Cleveland, which is a great place except for the fact that it’s kind of a musical desert. There are a few people playing out at places but there’s not a lot of room to grow as an artist. So, growing up, my thought was always, “Man I’ve just gotta get out to LA and then I’ll figure it out from there.” But as fate would have it, Nashville was growing like crazy by the time I was ready to leave home. I kept hearing about all of the young musicians that were migrating to Nashville and building their own scene with their own sounds which was something I had always dreamt of doing myself. Then to get here, meet the guys, and have things work the way they have, it’s been perfect.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first CD I can remember buying was Lenny Kravitz’s 5 with my dad. I don’t know how I even found out about the album because it came out when I was really little, but not long after, I knew every word to his cover of “American Woman.” It must have been pretty peculiar for my parents to hear my five-year-old self scream it from the backseat of their car. That purchase turned into me putting on many concerts via our living room stereo, where I would rock out with my spatula that I imagined into a guitar.

The last vinyl records I bought were, Remain in Light (Deluxe Version) by Talking Heads and the Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (2012 Remastered Version), both of which I got at Grimey’s.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first concert is probably the most stereotypical “Nashville” thing about me. My parents didn’t really let me go to concerts until I was in high school, but when I was 12 years old, they took me to see Brooks & Dunn on their farewell tour. They played at an outdoor amphitheater called Blossom Music Center just south of the city. Looking back, it’s pretty hysterical to think that was my first concert, but man did I fall in love. Not so much with country music, but with everything else. The show, performance, lights and even the smell of the green smoke above my head. I had never experienced an atmosphere so electric in my life, and I was hooked. I wanted in.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I would probably have to say John Rich. Just because of all the awesome shit you hear about him. I don’t know why, but I always seem to catch whispering about him and his presence around town. I’m sure it’s 90% false, but I still think it’s funny. I heard that he has a pool in the shape of a guitar that overlooks the city, which is the most Beverly Hillbilly-esque thing ever and just awesome. Seems like a very cool guy.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Coffee is easy. Portland Brew is always the move. You run into everybody and their mother there, so it’s a lot of fun. Pizza on the other hand is harder. There are a lot of great places. Alex, our guitarist, took me to 312 Pizza Company, and I liked that a lot. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the place I frequent most is Dolce Vita. There’s just something about them being open until 5am that really satisfies my pizza needs.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

That is a tough one. There is such a long, rich history of records that were made in this town. I mean, truly, there have been so many records made in Nashville that have changed music forever. One of my favorite records that I’ve had on repeat this year is Only by the Night by Kings of Leon. I was never really into Kings of Leon before this past year, but I’ve gone back and listened to a lot of their stuff and I really like it. Only by the Night is just a killer record. It was done at Blackbird. Jacquire King and Angelo produced it, and the songs are simply massive.

Where’s the best place to eat late-night after a show?

Dino’s. Those Animal-Style fries are a godsend.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

That’s easy. Graham Laderman, Hank Compton, and Spencer Stewart/Jeffery Jordan.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The High Watt, Analog, and The Back Corner are all a lot of fun. I would love to play at Exit/In sometime in the near future as well.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

It would be a wild time to have Dave Grohl as a neighbor. That’s all I’m saying.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

World Domination. Just kidding. Short term, I really want to keep growing and pushing my limits as a songwriter. Being around so many talented people has been inspiring for us as a band and we all want to keep growing our sound and talents. Long term, it might seem overzealous, but we truly want to push the boundaries and create a sound and style that is uniquely our own. We all have such a spiritual connection to music and the way it makes us feel, and because of this band, we’ve gotten to experience what our music can mean to people. We want to push ourselves and run with that, and experience music in all that it can be.