Photo Credit: Jerod Johnson
Deer Fellow is the serendipitous meeting of musicians Matt Salois (guitar, vocals) and Alyssa Kelly (violin, vocals, piano) at an open mic night in their home of Austin. A quick bond was formed and before too long they began creating music together. Now a couple, the pair have managed to create a cross-genre sound compared to the likes of Arlo Parks and Andrew Bird, which has already seen them garner significant radio and press coverage.
Along with the rest of the Unraveling EP, the new single Insult to Injury was recorded, mixed, and mastered by grammy-winning Erik Wofford. It is an upbeat triumph featuring sultry indie-soul guitar parts married with their trademark vocal harmonies, making it one of their most accomplished creative endeavors to date, if not the best yet. It is a plea to the relentless jerks in life. Those who always bring you down and treat you as lesser-than.
About the track, Matt says:
“The song speaks to the need for empathy amongst friends and enemies alike. Hopefully all those inconsiderate rascals out there hear this one and begin to think a bit differently.”
This is the fifth and final track off their sophomore EP Unraveling, which releases on the same day. The duo is excited to maintain their pace and keep building on the sonic landscape they’ve created as they deliver this new chapter of music. Loaded with themes of social struggle and mental health, this collection of songs reflects on the feelings of coming undone, both within the self and society as a whole.
Fans have previously remarked that their sound feels like ‘taking a bath with a glass of champagne’, and the new single certainly does not disappoint in that respect. Insult to Injury, which comes out on Friday April 28th, is the next chapter for duo Deer Fellow and a continuation of their success to date ahead of their busy summer period touring in Nashville and Colorado, as well as getting back in the studio to record some new singles.
BIO
Deer Fellow is made up of Matt Salois (vocals, electric guitar) and Alyssa Kelly (vocals, piano, violin). Their debut EP Words Unsaid presented a collection of captivating songwriting and soundscapes that “shine with authenticity.” It was named one of the top 5 EP albums of 2021 by the Austin American-Statesman. From live showcases with Austin greats to virtual festivals alongside such artists as John Paul White of The Civil Wars, their style “pulls you in right away, stirring romance and broken hearts,” and has garnered attention within the indie music industry.
The duo’s vocal harmonies and unique guitar-violin blends have landed them features on KUTX Radio, Austin American-Statesman, and EASTside Magazine. Their music has also been chosen as Song of the Day for multiple singles on KUTX Radio, as well as an Indie Acoustic Project honorable mention (best songs). Moreover, Deer Fellow was also a SXSW 2023 shortlisted artist.