With clamor from fans to release new material two years after her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album Long Time Coming dropped, the spellbinding singer-songwriter from West Virginia, Sierra Ferrell, finally delivered. In October 2023, she gifted fans her first single ahead of the release of her 2024 album Trail of Flowers — “Fox Hunt,” which she wrote herself and was produced by Grammy Award winners Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa.
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A high-energy, foot-stomping track with a catchy melody played along with Ferrell’s powerful vocals and enchanting stage presence; the song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in her live concert setlist.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ferrell shared that the track was an homage to her friend John R. Miller and his band, Fox Hunt. It was their music that captivated her and made her fall in love with country music. “I was in my jam band era and ready to branch out,” she said. “It spoke to me, and I wanted to be part of it. This is me looking back and tipping my hat and saying thank you for the inspiration.”
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Meaning Behind the Song
As the soaring and dipping melody of the fiddle and steady drumbeat starts, the song depicts the preparations for a hunt, painting a picture of a family getting ready with a familiar routine. There’s excitement about the potential catch and the thrill of the chase through the woods. It highlights hunting as more than just an activity but a necessity to survive.
Sierra Ferrell openly details her inspiration for writing “Fox Hunt” in the description of its official music video, animated by Rob Fidel and directed by Bobbi Rich. She refers to the song as an ode to hunters who lived back in time when comfort was just a concept and hunting and gathering were imperative for survival. Ferrell also highlights how people shouldn’t take for granted the convenience and quality of life present today, for it wasn’t long ago that once you left home, coming back empty-handed wasn’t an option.
While “Fox Hunt” isn’t strictly traditional bluegrass, it incorporates several genre elements. Using acoustic instruments like the banjo, guitar, and mandolin adds a layer of authenticity and recalls the roots of country and bluegrass music. These instruments blend seamlessly with the fiddle and vocals, creating a cohesive and organic sound. Touches of old-time country and folk music create a unique sound that further defies easy categorization. “Fox Hunt” reflects this approach, drawing from bluegrass influences while maintaining its distinctive character.
It is upbeat, high-tempo, and high-energy music reminiscent of happy time bar scenes in films and rhythm that will get its audience on their feet or, at the very least, stomp to the beat. Experience the fun with us, and check out Sierra Ferrell’s live performance of “Fox Hunt” on Jimmy Kimmel in the video below.
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