Farewell Friend, an indie folk rock band hailing from North Carolina, captivates audiences with their distinctive instrumentation and the sheer poetic brilliance of their songwriting. In a musical landscape where conformity often reigns, Farewell Friend and Tom Troyer stand out as pioneers. Their fusion of indie, folk, and rock elements creates a sonic tapestry that lingers long after the last chord fades away. From the evocative lyrics to the intricately crafted melodies, Farewell Friend invites listeners on a deeply personal and introspective journey.
At the helm of this remarkable musical journey is Tom Troyer, the band's lead songwriter, producer, guitarist, and vocalist. Tom Troyer is not just a talented musician but also a prolific songwriter, constantly honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of his craft. While he is known for his exceptional proficiency across various instruments, it is his songwriting prowess and captivating vocals that take center stage. With a voice that conveys both vulnerability and strength, Tom's heartfelt delivery evokes a range of emotions, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who listens.
With an unwavering commitment to his craft, Tom has poured his heart and soul into the creation of Farewell Friend's three albums, personally writing, composing, and engineering each of these masterpieces. Tom frequently collaborates with different instrumentalists to bring his music to life on stage and in the recordings. Among these musical companions is Evan Campfield, a skilled upright bassist who has graced three of Farewell Friend's albums and has been a steadfast presence in their live performances since 2016. Joining Tom and Evan on their musical journey is the talented Zac Covington (drums), who frequently joins Farewell Friend's full-band performances. With his dynamic contributions, Zac brings additional layers of texture and energy to the band's sound. Furthermore, Caleb Baer, a masterful fiddle and electric guitar player, will be featured on their upcoming album, further expanding the band's sonic palette.
Whether performing in intimate venues or larger stages, Farewell Friend and Tom Troyer leave an indelible mark on their audiences. Their music resonates with authenticity, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to the power of poetic storytelling. With each passing composition, they continue to carve their path, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of indie folk rock.
Their latest album "[SAMSON]" is an autobiographical album that delves into Troyer's poignant upbringing as the son of a small-town preacher in rural Indiana, the sense of alienation experienced as an outsider in the South, and the profound personal struggles of his . Through the use of Old Testament tragic heroes and an exploration of fragmented American masculinity, the album artfully examines the political climate of the past five years. With its upfront vocals and acoustic instruments intertwined with raw electric textures, modern synth, and minimal percussion, "Samson" becomes a cathartic shadow work, offering a contemplative reflection akin to hazard lights flickering and a resonating foghorn signaling the impending storm.
With the release of their second album, "Glenwood and Gomorrah," in the Summer of 2019, Tom Troyer solidified his role as producer and audio engineer, expertly mixing and mastering the entire album within the confines of a small bedroom in his former home situated in the Glenwood neighborhood. This remarkable album serves as both an introspective inquiry and a heartfelt plea, offering a profound reflection on Troyer's long time residency in a redlined neighborhood and documenting his personal connections with the residents amidst the rapid waves of gentrification..
"Lineage," the debut album, is a captivating compilation of three distinct EPs that collectively weave a narrative tracing the turbulent generational journey of a family. Delving into a tapestry of struggle, challenge, success, and tragedy, this extraordinary musical project traverses a vast range of styles and influences, mirroring the diversity of an extended family reunion while capturing the divergent essence of the American landscape.
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This week, hosts Courtney Lynn & Quinn welcome the front man of the band Farewell Friend, Tom Troyer. He shares about playing flute and trumpet as a kid, how is early writing was influenced by the King James Bible, his wide range of skills as a songwriter, producer and instrumentalist. He also break down the inspiration & creation behind his band's song, "Birds in Flight."
Album Premiere W/Interview: Farewell Friend “Samson”
This album is some unquestionably quality songwriting, sometimes with an easy country groove, and sometimes with darker folk and even punk style inflections. “Chasing the Glow” is a little bit eclectic folk and a little bit groovy and “Birds in Flight” is a country folk number. “Dying at the Hands of Love” is shines a light on the cruel banalities of being just a number in society. Taken all together, the album is at the heart of contemporary Americana music. [READ MORE]
"Farewell Friend is not a group to overlook, their work is absolutely stunning and evokes elements of love, despair, religion, comfort and creativity. Father & Son brings to life some of the best parts of North Carolina, this group is a product of true grassroots talent."
-Reviewed by local Greensboro writer Rebecca Harrelson
Farewell Friend's Samson: A Welcome Howl
Some music fans, when they imagine Samson, might see a Biblical strongman with long hair who, in both the Bible and a legendary blues song by the Reverend Gary Davis, was bedeviled by a temptress named Delilah. But in their gorgeous new album, Samson, Farewell Friend invites listeners into a new vision of this myth. Rather than lean on the misogynistic tropes that have so often translated Samson’s story into popular culture, singer-songwriter Tom Troyer reimagines the tale of the boy who became the man that defeated “the Philistines,” a derogatory term people often deploy to describe the anti-intellectual or those without taste. Troyer is himself an anti-Philistine insofar as he pushes his audience to tear down the walls of contemporary music, poetry, and storytelling. [READ MORE]
With so many ways to communicate at our disposal, we must not forget the transformative power of a live music experience and genuine human exchange. — Jon Batiste
Now that live musical performances are returning to the Gate City in a big way, we could almost rename this town Gig City. Not only can you catch live music at the usual suspects — Flat Iron, Oden Brewing Company, White Oak Amphitheatre and The Blind Tiger — but also at Center City Park and LeBauer Park, both of which hosted amazing local performers all summer.