Farayi
Responsible Agent: Lee Olsen & Andrew Bestick
Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Download: Press photos
"Prayer for the People” marks a bold new solo chapter for Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Farayi. Influenced by gospel and roots music and featuring haunting bluegrass instrumentation from Grammy-winning band the SteelDrivers, the single asks that people find relief from the challenges facing the world today: despair, anger, loneliness, and fright. Throughout, Farayi’s vocals are tender and empathetic, infused with deep spirituality and steely strength.
Ken Irwin from Down The Road Records (original Rounder Records founder) states “From the first time we saw her, we recognized Farayi as not only an inspiring artist and performer but as an instant favorite. It's an honor and a pleasure to play a part in introducing her to a larger audience, who will also appreciate the depth, soulfulness, and virtuosity of such a unique and visionary talent.”
“Farayi is an incredible new talent to hit the roots music scene,” says Tammy Rogers of the SteelDrivers. “She is proof that the future of roots music is in great hands."
Farayi grew up fiddling in rural Idaho and gained inspiration from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Hank Williams, and Bob Wills.
She earned a bachelor’s of music at the New England Conservatory of Music and master’s degree at Berklee College of Music. Farayi is now the Managing Director of the Berklee Roots program, whose illustrious alumni include Sierra Hull, Julian Lage, and Molly Tuttle. “For so long I was afraid of putting myself out there. And when I saw my students doing it, I really felt inspired to do the same.”
Farayi is a Salt Lick Incubator Artist, selected by a panel that includes T-Bone Burnett and Jon Batiste. Her debut album on Down The Road Records will feature The Steeldrivers, Sister Sadie, and Tony Trischka, among others.
“The Idaho born Malek grew up loving bluegrass, American folk and gospel, with influences from her Zimbabwean father. Now a Grammy nominated vocalist, writer and instructor, she has been called by former President of Berklee and founder of the Salt Lick Incubator Roger Brown as a “once in a generation voice.”