Fera

Listen up --- To FERA

FERA, identical twin sisters Courtney and Stephanie Fera, are emerging as one of Vancouver’s leading alt country rock duos. No wonder their evocative lyrics and intricate harmonies are catching the attention of Canada’s west coast --- and now national audiences.

FERA’s unique sound is an eclectic mix that blends the country influence of the Dixie Chicks with the rockin’ edge of Sheryl Crow. Influenced by Patty Griffin, Bryan Adams, Hanson, and the Everly Brothers, to name a few, FERA attracts discriminating audiences who embrace music that goes beyond ‘in-the-box’ description. The identical twins have done just that while continuing to satisfy with their captivating harmonies, adding a remarkable dimension that simply can’t be replicated.

“When people ask what we sound like, I always tell them we sound like FERA. We don’t necessarily fit into one specific genre. Being undefined keeps us original.”
-Stephanie Fera

After learning how to play the drums in 1997, the girls soon gravitated toward the guitar to realize their potential as songwriters. Born into a musical family, both Courtney and Stephanie immediately acquired an instinctive ability to write catchy, relatable songs. With acoustic guitars in hand, FERA played the open-mic circuit and performed at local coffee shops and festivals around Vancouver (including showcases at both New Music West and the Western Canadian Music Awards). But with increasing popularity, it was only natural for FERA to fill out their sound with a live band.

FERA’s acoustic demo CD was released in 2004 and attracted a variety of listeners. The success of the CD landed them a performance at the 2005 Merritt Mountain Music Festival as well as opening for Lisa Brokop twice on the Canadian leg of her 2006 tour.

Soon after, Dean Brokop, brother and manager to Lisa Brokop, introduced FERA to respected country producer, Tom Mckillip (Aaron Pritchett, Karen-Lee Batten). With Tom Mckillip on board and eleven songs written and ready, FERA began recording in February 2006 at the Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC. Their debut full length album, entitled “Familiar Feeling”, is an inside look at the girl’s experiences over the last few years.

“We decided to call the album “Familiar Feeling” because each song seemed to encompass a reoccurring theme in our life – being segregated for being who we are and not being afraid of it, or for just simply being twins.”
-Courtney Fera

With the up-tempo rock melodies of “It’s Gonna Be Ok” – shedding light on life as a twin, to the storytelling lyrics of “Regret Everything” and the raw emotion of “Fairytales, FERA has something for everybody.

FERA is closing out 2006 with a bang. Along with a refreshing and energetic performance at the BC Country Music Association Awards in October, FERA also received their first nomination for the Horizon Award.

With the release of “Familiar Feeling” in December 2006, this coming year looks to be a promising one. FERA plans to introduce themselves to nationwide radio and embark on a 2007 summer cross-Canada tour.