Young singer/songwriters are popping up across the country to join the burgeoning folk movement led by the likes of Sufjan Stevens and M. Ward, but what if two of those songwriters teamed up and led a progressive bluegrass band? You’d have the Farewell Drifters – part folk, part bluegrass – heavy on vocal harmony and intricate arrangements. Zach Bevill (guitar, lead vocals) and Joshua Britt (mandolin, vocals) write eclectic folk songs unbound by tradition, yet invariably influenced by it. Add the rest of the Drifters – Clayton Britt (lead guitar), Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle), and Dean Marold (upright bass) –and you have a delightful synthesis of folk pop and traditional string band music that appeals to a wide range of listeners.
The Farewell Drifters’ debut album, Sweet Summer Breeze, enjoyed rave reviews and contains a single that reached 1 on Sirius/XM Radio, and the band earned coveted slots at festivals like Merlefest and Grey Fox. As they pick up speed, the Drifters are increasingly inspired by the overwhelming response they receive from fans. “When someone digs what we do, it still excites us,” admits Bevill. “We create and perform - hoping, trusting that folks out there feel what we feel and see what we see every day.” And as Bevill and Britt internalize world around them, their distinct voices tend to evoke both the sorrow and the hope that encompasses the human condition. The Farewell Drifters embolden this honesty with the true sounds of acoustic instruments like the mandolin and fiddle and with three or four voices in deep harmony. This string band setting is a wonderful home for songwriters and the resulting outfit deftly combines beautiful melodies with an instrumental dexterity that leaves the door wide open for the sonic landscapes that come pouring out. The Farewell Drifters’ music, like life’s most compelling creations, is a paradox – complex, yet simple; relevant, yet folksy; and sophisticated, yet heartfelt.
Just dropping in to say hello! I am going to be spending a few weeks in Tennessee, possibly visiting Nashville, and I hope you play a show around that time (first/second week of November! It'd be great to see you play again. Hope all's well!
The Farewell Drifters, How's it going? I just wanted to let you know that my debut CD "Like I'm Beautiful" is now available on iTunes, on sale for only $5.94 this week!
Hope that you enjoy and have a blessed day! Kelly Murray
Hey boys! Here's our first Tuesday short stories video... We'll be putting one out every Tuesday for the next few months! I really hope you like it! -Brian
Stopping by to show some love! So I will be doing fittings this week in Nashville!! Hit me up today if you are interested in talking biz on in-ears, custom plugs, etc.
