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{{short description|American singer-songwriter}}

{{BLP sources|date=November 2010}}
{{BLP sources|date=November 2010}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Jay Farrar
| name = Jay Farrar
| image = Jay Farrar (freeloosedirt).jpg
| image = Jay Farrar (freeloosedirt).jpg
| caption = Jay Farrar in Los Angeles, 2007
| caption = Farrar in Los Angeles in 2007
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Jay Stuart Farrar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/310921894 |title=ALL OF YOUR MIGHT |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=March 13, 2023}}</ref>
| birth_name =
| alias =
| alias = Cane Skretteburg
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1966|12|26}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1966|12|26}}
| birth_place = [[Belleville, Illinois]], United States
| birth_place = [[Belleville, Illinois]], United States
| death_date =
| death_date =
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, harmonica
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|harmonica}}
| genre = [[Alternative Rock]], [[Alternative country]], [[Blues Rock]].
| genre = {{hlist|[[Alternative rock]]|[[alternative country]]|[[blues rock]]}}
| years_active = 1984–present
| years_active = 1984–present
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Dutch East India Trading|Giant/Rockville Records]]
* Giant/Rockville
* [[Sire Records]]
* [[Sire Records|Sire]]
* [[Warner Bros.]]
* [[Warner Records|Warner Bros.]]
* [[Artemis Records]]
* [[Artemis Records|Artemis]]
* Act/Resist
* Act/Resist
* [[Legacy Recordings]]
* [[Legacy Recordings|Legacy]]
}}
}}
| associated_acts = [[Uncle Tupelo]], [[Son Volt]], [[Gob Iron]]
| associated_acts = [[Uncle Tupelo]], [[Son Volt]], [[Gob Iron]]
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}}
}}


'''Jay Farrar''' (born December 26, 1966) is an American songwriter and musician currently based in [[St. Louis]]. A member of two critically acclaimed music groups, [[Uncle Tupelo]] and [[Son Volt]], he began his solo music career in 2001. Beyond his established talents as a songwriter, he is a guitarist, pianist, harmonicist, and a vocalist.
'''Jay Stuart Farrar''' (born December 26, 1966) is an American songwriter and musician currently based in [[St. Louis]]. A member of two critically acclaimed music groups, [[Uncle Tupelo]] and [[Son Volt]], he began his solo music career in 2001. Beyond his established talents as a songwriter, he is a guitarist, pianist, harmonicist, and a vocalist.


==Uncle Tupelo==
==Uncle Tupelo==
Farrar formed [[Uncle Tupelo]] with [[Jeff Tweedy]] and [[Mike Heidorn]] in 1987 after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primatives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville Records, before signing with Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album [[Anodyne (album)|''Anodyne'']], Farrar announced his decision to leave the band owing to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy.
Farrar formed [[Uncle Tupelo]] with [[Jeff Tweedy]] and [[Mike Heidorn]] in 1987 after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primatives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville Records, before signing with Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album [[Anodyne (album)|''Anodyne'']], Farrar announced his decision to leave the band owing to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy. Uncle Tupelo is often mentioned as one of the originators of the [[Alternative country|alt-country]] genre of music or subgenre of country music that combines country, folk and/or bluegrass with punk rock, alt-rock, indie rock or other genres.


==Son Volt==
==Son Volt==
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{{see also|Jay Farrar discography}}
{{see also|Jay Farrar discography}}
In 1995, Farrar collaborated with Kelly Willis on the song "Rex's Blues", which appeared on the [[AIDS]] benefit album [[Red Hot + Bothered]] produced by the [[Red Hot Organization]].
In 1995, Farrar collaborated with Kelly Willis on the song "Rex's Blues", which appeared on the [[AIDS]] benefit album [[Red Hot + Bothered]] produced by the [[Red Hot Organization]].

In 1999, Farrar was invited to participate in the [[tribute album]] for [[Moby Grape]] co-founder [[Skip Spence]], who was terminally ill with cancer. The album, ''[[More Oar: A Tribute to the Skip Spence Album]] '' ([[Birdman Records|Birdman]], 1999), was an album of [[cover version]]s of the songs on Spence's only solo album, ''[[Oar (Skip Spence album)|Oar]]'' ([[Columbia Records|Columbia]], 1999).


As a solo artist, Farrar has released two full-length albums, two EPs, one film score, and various live recordings. His full-length albums are ''[[Sebastopol (album)|Sebastopol]]'' (2001) and ''[[Terroir Blues]]'' (2003), the first released on the [[independent record label]] Artemis Records and the second released on his own label, Transmit Sound.
As a solo artist, Farrar has released two full-length albums, two EPs, one film score, and various live recordings. His full-length albums are ''[[Sebastopol (album)|Sebastopol]]'' (2001) and ''[[Terroir Blues]]'' (2003), the first released on the [[independent record label]] Artemis Records and the second released on his own label, Transmit Sound.
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An EP of songs from the ''Sebastopol'' sessions, entitled ''ThirdShiftGrottoSlack'' was released in 2002. His score for the [[independent film]] ''The Slaughter Rule'' (2002, directors Alex and Andrew Smith) was released in 2003 on the independent record label Bloodshot Records. Farrar formed his own independent record label in 2003, '''Transmit Sound''' (formerly called "Act/Resist Records").
An EP of songs from the ''Sebastopol'' sessions, entitled ''ThirdShiftGrottoSlack'' was released in 2002. His score for the [[independent film]] ''The Slaughter Rule'' (2002, directors Alex and Andrew Smith) was released in 2003 on the independent record label Bloodshot Records. Farrar formed his own independent record label in 2003, '''Transmit Sound''' (formerly called "Act/Resist Records").


In 2004, Farrar released a six-song live acoustic EP entitled ''Live EP''. Also 2004 marked the release of the live CD/DVD ''Stone, Steel & Bright Lights''.
In 2004, Farrar released a six-song live acoustic EP entitled ''Live EP''. Also 2004 marked the release of the live CD/DVD ''[[Stone, Steel & Bright Lights]]''.


Farrar worked closely with keyboardist [[Steven Drozd]] of [[The Flaming Lips]] during the recording of ''Sebastopol''. Eric Heywood, [[Mark Spencer (guitarist)|Mark Spencer]] from the [[Blood Oranges]], and the rock group [[Canyon (band)|Canyon]] have often accompanied Farrar in his solo recordings and performances. Spencer is now a full-time member of Son Volt.
Farrar worked closely with keyboardist [[Steven Drozd]] of [[The Flaming Lips]] during the recording of ''Sebastopol''. Eric Heywood, [[Mark Spencer (guitarist)|Mark Spencer]] from the [[Blood Oranges (band)|Blood Oranges]], and the rock group [[Canyon (indie rock band)|Canyon]] have often accompanied Farrar in his solo recordings and performances. Spencer is now a full-time member of Son Volt.


In 2006, Farrar announced the formation of a new band, [[Gob Iron]], with Varnaline's Anders Parker. The songs which would make up their debut album were recorded in autumn 2004, while Farrar was in the process of recording a new Son Volt album. In April, 2019, Parker and Farrar released a [[single (music)|7-inch single]] using the Gob Iron moniker.
In 2006, Farrar announced the formation of a new band, [[Gob Iron]], with Varnaline's Anders Parker. The songs which would make up their debut album were recorded in autumn 2004, while Farrar was in the process of recording a new Son Volt album. In April 2019, Parker and Farrar released a [[single (music)|7-inch single]] using the Gob Iron moniker.


Farrar collaborated with [[Ben Gibbard]] (of the indie rock band [[Death Cab for Cutie]]) to create all of the music for the soundtrack for the 2009 documentary film ''One Fast Move or I'm Gone'', about [[Jack Kerouac]]'s time spent at [[Big Sur]]. The [[One Fast Move or I'm Gone|soundtrack]] was released on October 20, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267721/death-cabs-ben-gibbard-jay-farrar-team-up-for-kerouac-soundtrack|title="Death Cab's Ben Gibbard, Jay Farrar Team Up For Kerouac Soundtrack"|author=Michael D. Ayers|website=Billboard.com|access-date=13 August 2009}}</ref>
Farrar collaborated with [[Ben Gibbard]] (of the indie rock band [[Death Cab for Cutie]]) to create all of the music for the soundtrack for the 2009 documentary film ''One Fast Move or I'm Gone'', about [[Jack Kerouac]]'s time spent at [[Big Sur]]. The [[One Fast Move or I'm Gone|soundtrack]] was released on October 20, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267721/death-cabs-ben-gibbard-jay-farrar-team-up-for-kerouac-soundtrack|title="Death Cab's Ben Gibbard, Jay Farrar Team Up For Kerouac Soundtrack"|author=Michael D. Ayers|website=Billboard.com|access-date=13 August 2009}}</ref>
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==Style==
==Style==
His musical style ranges from sparse, unaccompanied [[folk music]] to full [[rock and roll]] band arrangements comparable to [[Neil Young]] or [[Dinosaur Jr.]]. His solo recordings also often include sound experiments, reminiscent of psychedelia, with a distinct [[Eastern world|Eastern]] bent. One of the hallmarks of his sound is the use of alternate tunings on the [[guitar]]. His love for Woody Guthrie inspired a custom guitar made by [[Creston Electric Instruments|Creston Lea]] of Vermont. The guitar was made from artifacts Jay gathered from the site of Guthrie's childhood home.
His musical style ranges from sparse, unaccompanied [[folk music]] to full [[rock and roll]] band arrangements comparable to [[Neil Young]] or [[Dinosaur Jr.]] His solo recordings also often include sound experiments, reminiscent of psychedelia, with a distinct [[Eastern world|Eastern]] bent. One of the hallmarks of his sound is the use of alternate tunings on the [[guitar]]. His love for Woody Guthrie inspired a custom guitar made by [[Creston Electric Instruments|Creston Lea]] of Vermont. The guitar was made from artifacts Jay gathered from the site of Guthrie's childhood home.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Illinois]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Illinois]]
[[Category:American rock singers]]
[[Category:American rock singers]]
[[Category:American country singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American country singer-songwriters]]

Latest revision as of 19:13, 27 September 2024

Jay Farrar
Farrar in Los Angeles in 2007
Farrar in Los Angeles in 2007
Background information
Birth nameJay Stuart Farrar[1]
Also known asCane Skretteburg
Born (1966-12-26) December 26, 1966 (age 58)
Belleville, Illinois, United States
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
Years active1984–present
Labels

Jay Stuart Farrar (born December 26, 1966) is an American songwriter and musician currently based in St. Louis. A member of two critically acclaimed music groups, Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, he began his solo music career in 2001. Beyond his established talents as a songwriter, he is a guitarist, pianist, harmonicist, and a vocalist.

Uncle Tupelo

[edit]

Farrar formed Uncle Tupelo with Jeff Tweedy and Mike Heidorn in 1987 after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primatives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville Records, before signing with Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album Anodyne, Farrar announced his decision to leave the band owing to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy. Uncle Tupelo is often mentioned as one of the originators of the alt-country genre of music or subgenre of country music that combines country, folk and/or bluegrass with punk rock, alt-rock, indie rock or other genres.

Son Volt

[edit]
See also: Son Volt § Discography

After the dissolution of Uncle Tupelo in 1994, Farrar formed the rock group Son Volt, whose original lineup released three albums in the late 1990s, before undergoing a hiatus in 1999. In 1999, Farrar was invited to participate in the tribute album for Moby Grape co-founder Skip Spence, who was terminally ill with cancer. The album, More Oar: A Tribute to the Skip Spence Album (Birdman, 1999), was an album of cover versions of the songs on Spence's only solo album, Oar (Columbia, 1999). In 2005, the band re-formed with a different lineup and has since released seven additional albums.

Other

[edit]
See also: Jay Farrar discography

In 1995, Farrar collaborated with Kelly Willis on the song "Rex's Blues", which appeared on the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Bothered produced by the Red Hot Organization.

As a solo artist, Farrar has released two full-length albums, two EPs, one film score, and various live recordings. His full-length albums are Sebastopol (2001) and Terroir Blues (2003), the first released on the independent record label Artemis Records and the second released on his own label, Transmit Sound.

An EP of songs from the Sebastopol sessions, entitled ThirdShiftGrottoSlack was released in 2002. His score for the independent film The Slaughter Rule (2002, directors Alex and Andrew Smith) was released in 2003 on the independent record label Bloodshot Records. Farrar formed his own independent record label in 2003, Transmit Sound (formerly called "Act/Resist Records").

In 2004, Farrar released a six-song live acoustic EP entitled Live EP. Also 2004 marked the release of the live CD/DVD Stone, Steel & Bright Lights.

Farrar worked closely with keyboardist Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips during the recording of Sebastopol. Eric Heywood, Mark Spencer from the Blood Oranges, and the rock group Canyon have often accompanied Farrar in his solo recordings and performances. Spencer is now a full-time member of Son Volt.

In 2006, Farrar announced the formation of a new band, Gob Iron, with Varnaline's Anders Parker. The songs which would make up their debut album were recorded in autumn 2004, while Farrar was in the process of recording a new Son Volt album. In April 2019, Parker and Farrar released a 7-inch single using the Gob Iron moniker.

Farrar collaborated with Ben Gibbard (of the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie) to create all of the music for the soundtrack for the 2009 documentary film One Fast Move or I'm Gone, about Jack Kerouac's time spent at Big Sur. The soundtrack was released on October 20, 2009.[2]

In 2012, Farrar, along with Will Johnson, Yim Yames, and Anders Parker collaborated on the Woody Guthrie archive project, New Multitudes.

Style

[edit]

His musical style ranges from sparse, unaccompanied folk music to full rock and roll band arrangements comparable to Neil Young or Dinosaur Jr. His solo recordings also often include sound experiments, reminiscent of psychedelia, with a distinct Eastern bent. One of the hallmarks of his sound is the use of alternate tunings on the guitar. His love for Woody Guthrie inspired a custom guitar made by Creston Lea of Vermont. The guitar was made from artifacts Jay gathered from the site of Guthrie's childhood home.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ALL OF YOUR MIGHT". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  2. ^ Michael D. Ayers. ""Death Cab's Ben Gibbard, Jay Farrar Team Up For Kerouac Soundtrack"". Billboard.com. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
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