This week, the Rev’s DJ pick is “Norfolk Blues” by Drayton Farley! Born and raised in Alabama, Drayton Farley traded his blue collar job for the life of a professional musician. Farley was introduced to Americana in 8th/9th grade by a friend who loved Jason Isbell. Suddenly launched into the world of alt-country, artists like John Prine and Tyler Childers inspired him when it came to songwriting. As an adult, Farley began working at a Mercedes-Benz factory, recording music during his free-time. Starting his music career releasing two EPs titled Hargrove and Sweet Southern Sadness, he had 49 Spotify listeners to his name. After releasing his debut album A Hard Up Life in 2021, he gained an overwhelming amount of support. Now at over 600,000 monthly listeners, Drayton Farley is able to pursue music full time.
“Norfolk Blues” is the second track from Farley’s latest album Twenty on High, released on March 3, 2023. Desiring a timeless sound, this is the first album of Farley’s that features a full band. In “Norfolk Blues” Drayton Farley draws on his own experiences to paint a clear picture. The song is about the working class life, and the hope for a better one. This opening lines are, “The days are all long and the years they’re short. Homes down South I’m stuck up North. Working on a living for the family. Wishing I could give them all a fantasy.” Coming from humble beginnings, Farley has such a unique perspective, relating to his audience in a very special way.
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all week to hear “Norfolk Blues” by Drayton Farley, Keith’s DJ Pick of the Week. Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter.
