This CD is being released in anticipation of a full album release in the Fall 2014. I released my first CD in 2010 – Kiliegh by the Sea. I was awarded an honorable mention in the 2011 Woody Guthrie Songwriting Competition for my song "Hard Times." I was awarded honorable mention in the American Songwriting Magazine lyric contest July/Aug 2009 for my song Needle and Thread. I performed at the Sisters Folk Festival Artist’s Showcase in 2012. You can see a video of that performance at http://youtu.be/gqrTN18CcH4 I performed again this year at the Norman Music Festival, Norman, OK. This was my 4th year to perform on the FOLK stage. And, of course, I perform regularly at house concerts, art openings, charity events, and other venues. Short Bio So far, Farrel has lived an interesting life. He is a Veteran from the Vietnam Era, was an electronic equipment technician in the US Air Force, a mechanical engineer for 25 years, and finally owned a restaurant for 7 years. He is now a full-time musician. 
Farrel is musically influenced by many musical styles but especially loves Lyle Lovett, Steely Dan, and Chris Isaak. Farrel says, “I am in love with the art of songwriting. But, if I don’t sing them, who will hear them?” Farrel Droke’s songs are lyrical glimpses into the man’s heart. His melodies also reflect the emotional connection he feels with the people and places that grace his music. This includes unflinching, self-reflections of an imperfect soul earning his redemption one truth and one confession at a time. Farrel writes of struggle and sadness, happiness and pure joy. His songs make it clear that each has played a defining role in shaping his life, and by extension, his music. From the grit and hard times of Oklahoma’s epic dust storms to the elegant simplicity of a purple dress, Farrel Droke throws open wide the doors to his heart so the rest of us can walk through and find our truths in his. ~ Larry Diehl, Singer/Songwriter, Sacramento, CA Farrel’s songs ooze with sincerity and truth. The topics are universal, the feelings are real and come the depths of the heart. ~ Mark Fasset, Singer/Songwriter, San Diego, CA Farrel can craft a ballad or a love song that any songwriter would be proud of. But what I admire most is his ability to create beautiful “song poems” about the most mundane of daily activities, such as folding the laundry or sewing a garment. These are the kind of deeply-embedded memories that everyone has, and songs like “Needle & Thread” and “The Laundry” establish an immediate emotional connection with his audiences. Too many songwriters get lost in complexity (of lyrics, melody, arrangement, etc); Farrel has a knack for celebrating, in song, the simple acts of everyday life. ~ Bill Valenti, Submerging Artist, Bend, OR Contact: Farrel Droke, 540 Tulsa Street, Norman, OK 73071 Email: farrel@farreldroke.com