Interview with PA Native J.W. Farrell
J.W. Farrell is coming through The Fire this Saturday, December 1st. Check out our interview with him down below and find out how he creates his music, why he loves performing live and who is on the musical playlist that describes his life.
Q: Growing up in Bucks County, were you pretty familiar with the Philadelphia music scene? Who do you remember going to see play live at venues in the city?
A: When I was around 11 years old my Dad took me and my brothers down to see Bruce Springsteen at the Linc. Even as a little kid I remember being absolutely floored. For a few years after that he brought me to see bigger shows like that such as Bob Dylan, U2 and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. But besides that we were pretty isolated out in the 'burbs so I didn't really come down to see shows in the city until high school and college.
Q: Was music always something you knew you would pursue when you grew up? How did you first get into music?
A: I think I'm still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. I always loved music but never thought it was something I would seriously pursue. It seemed like such an unattainable goal. Even watching friends play I was just always very impressed, so thinking of doing it myself never really occurred to me. I started playing guitar in high school and played in a couple of bands with friends but it was just for fun. It wasn't until I met up with the guys and gal in La La Lush during college that it became a serious pursuit.
Q: During your time with La La Lush, what skills or abilities do you think you gained that really helped you when you transitioned to your solo music?
A: They were an incredible group of musicians, so I think just being around them taught me a lot about how many different ways there are to approach a song. You can express all sorts of ideas and feelings with more than just lyrics and chords.
Q: What was the process like of recording your first EP "Alexandria"? How did you approach creating and choosing the 4 tracks on the record?
A: When La La Lush broke up I was eager to get something out as quickly as possible. I had been writing songs for a long time but never had recorded any of them on my own and still wasn't entirely sure what I was doing. I think I was just trying to prove that I could do it. So everything was recorded on my laptop in my then girlfriend's (now fiancee's) apartment in Alexandria, Virginia. It was really a learning experience.
Q: When you write your songs, do you generally listen to other music for inspiration or start playing around with your instruments and working from there?
A: It's a song by song type of thing. Usually I'll think of a phrase or rhyme that sticks in my head and try to form a some lyrics and chords that. Other times it will come from fooling around on my guitar and something just clicking. Overall I think everything I do writing wise is inspired from whatever I'm listening to at the time either consciously or subconsciously.
Q: What is the best part about performing for a live audience?
A: There's a beauty in spontaneity. Sometimes a song will just take on a life of its own in the moment that you can't recapture. I think that's why I enjoy performing more than recording.
Q: From all the years that you've been involved with music, either as a kid, in a band or during your solo career, what has been your favorite music-related memory?
A: That's a tough one. Each show I've played has been special for one reason or another (not always good haha) But I'd have to say seeing The Tallest Man on Earth at Union Transfer was a life changing experience. His raw talent just had me and the rest of the audience completely captivated. You could hear a pin drop. I had never experienced something like that before.
Q: If you had to make a 5 song playlist that describes your life or the music you love the most, what tracks would be on that playlist?
A: Everything I Do Gohn Be Funky- Lee Dorsey, Incident on 57th Street- Bruce Springsteen, Ashamed- Deer Tick, Fairytale of New York- The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl, I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding
You can check out J.W. Farrell at his website, Facebook, YouTube, Soundcloud and Instagram!
He is joined by James Daniel & the Thursday Night Band, Rare Spirits and Tygersounds THIS SATURDAY!!
Stay up-to-date on all The Fire news and events here: https://www.firephilly.com
By Jackie Karlsson