Brian & Molly Wallen and Mavis Farr of The Make-Believe Spurs have been making music together since 2022. Now, their debut album is set to be released this month. The Marquette-based alt-folk band will share their album "A Thing With Feathers" on June 11th with an album release party at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette. We had an opportunity to bring the three members into our studio to talk about the band and the making of the album.
For those just discovering the trio, "sparkly alt-folk" might raise a few eyebrows. Brian clarifies, "It means we’re always dressed in sparkly attire, especially Mavis! Basically, it just means we play folk music and folk-influenced music. We do a lot of bluegrass, blues, country, and rock, and it’s all kind of mixed together. The sparkly part of it is kind of fun. I think sparkly is also a feeling. And for us, it means fun." Molly adds that this ethos extends beyond their attire, permeating their music-making and performances. "We're all aligned on the idea that diversity and inclusion are really positive things," she states. "We want it to be fun, and in order for it to be fun for everybody, everybody's invited. We want everybody to have a place to escape from all of it and just unwind for a while." This commitment to inclusivity is evident in their scheduled performances at Keweenaw Pride Fest and U.P. Pride Fest, showcasing their dedication to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all.
The band's origin story, despite their seemingly seamless blend, is as unique as their sound. Formed in 2022, the members were brought together through the serendipitous matchmaking of a mutual friend, Kira Goodrich. Molly recounts, "Brian and I have been friends with Kira for as long as we’ve been together, 8 or 9 years now. And basically, she would tell us about each other." Mavis, who had moved back to the area during the COVID outbreak, eventually crossed paths with Brian and Molly. Despite Brian's persistent invitations to jam, Mavis was initially "very noncommittal." However, a turning point arrived when Mavis declared, "I'll start tomorrow." Brian remembers, "No jamming happened. We just showed up. She had a suitcase full of drums on her front porch, and we went and played the Delft."
Watch The Make-Believe Spurs and friends perform the music of Bob Dylan for a Kaufman Auditorium benefit:
"A Thing with Feathers" marks the band's debut full-length album, a significant milestone for the trio. The title itself is a nod to Emily Dickinson's poem, "Hope is a thing with feathers," a theme that resonates deeply with the band. "Hope is a big part of the album and trying to put some more of that back into the world," Molly explains. The album also features numerous bird references, including Brian's "Crow Song," fitting given the band's collective appreciation for feathered creatures.
The songwriting process for "A Thing with Feathers" was a fluid and organic affair. Unlike previous projects, Brian notes, "We didn’t write for an album. We never really put ourselves on a timeline, and the songs just sort of emerged organically over the past two or three years." The album is a collaborative effort, featuring tunes written individually by Brian and Molly, two special covers chosen by Mavis (including Jason Molina's "Whip-poor-will"), and even a co-written track with Andy Langlois from Blackrocks Brewery. This relaxed approach allowed the songs to "settle" and ensured only the best made the final cut.
Recording the album was a mix of "fun and stressful," as Brian admits, who self-produced the record at his home studio in Ishpeming. This project marked his first time recording with drums and percussion, a "fun challenge" he ultimately mastered. Mavis, with her extensive percussion background from bands like Cry on Cue and a samba marching band, brought a "minimal amount of takes" approach to the studio, prioritizing efficiency. "I prefer to do minimal amount of takes," Mavis states, "Not endless, endless studio time." This contrasted Brian's tendency to do "many, many takes" for guitar parts, creating an interesting dynamic in the studio.
Listen to Brian, Molly, and Mavis speak with Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth:
(This interview was aired as a part of a broadcast of The Shuffle on Saturday, June7th, 2025, and was also edited for clarity and broadcast)
Fans can celebrate the release of "A Thing with Feathers" at their album release party on June 11th at Blackrocks Brewery. The event promises "shenanigans," limited-edition merch (including "crow shirts"), and two distinct sets: a full album performance followed by a jam session with special guest Andy Langlois.
Looking ahead, The Make-Believe Spurs have a busy summer planned, with performances at UP Pride Fest and their debut at the Hiawatha Music Fest, which also happens to fall on Mavis's birthday. And for those eager for more, Brian is already "thinking about the next record," fueled by the positive reception and support. With their fire lit and a clear vision, The Make-Believe Spurs are ready to continue sharing their sparkly, inclusive, and heartfelt music with the world.
Find out more at themakebelievespurs.com.
