Colin Gordon-Farleigh is a name that resonates deeply within the world of music. As a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter, his latest single, “Lonely Is A Memory,” stands out as a poignant piece on his album, “Dreaming In Nashville.” This song captures the essence of how people turn to different coping mechanisms to handle their emotions—some drink to forget, while others drink to remember. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, the song has found its way into the hearts of listeners worldwide, especially those who have faced loss or heartbreak.
Early Passion for Verse and Music
Colin’s journey into the world of music began at a young age. A country music fan since he was fourteen, he had already started writing verse at the age of eight. His talent was evident early on, as he began to get his work published while still in his teens. Over time, several volumes of his verse found their way into print, laying the foundation for his songwriting career. Initially, his focus was on writing worship songs, reflecting his deep connection with music.
Music was always an integral part of Colin’s life. For a time, his public performances were limited to singing in a choir, but that didn’t stop him from belting out his favorite country tunes whenever he was alone. This early passion and practice undoubtedly honed his vocal skills and nurtured his love for country music.
A Lyricist Turned Composer
Around 25 years ago, Colin’s passion for songwriting intensified. Initially, he worked primarily as a lyricist, collaborating with his music partner at the time, who composed the melodies for his early songs. However, Colin’s natural sense of rhythm soon led him to start composing the melodies for his own songs. This transition marked a significant evolution in his musical journey.
The creativity flowed, and many of Colin’s songs were recorded by various artists in Nashville and the UK. His work did not go unnoticed as accolades began to pour in, recognizing the depth and quality of his songwriting. This recognition was a testament to his ability to craft songs that resonated with a wide audience.
The Nashville Invitation
A pivotal moment in Colin’s career came in 2017 when he received an invitation to sing in Nashville. This opportunity proved to be a turning point. The performance led to an invitation to record, resulting in a 3-track EP. The response was phenomenal, with one of the songs reaching Number 1 on two online radio stations within the first two months of its release. This success was followed by prestigious awards, including being named Bluegrass Singer of the Year by the Akademia Music Awards in both 2018 and 2019.
Colin’s journey did not stop there. He continued to produce more music, culminating in a total of six albums, several singles, and numerous compilation albums featuring other artists performing his songs. His latest album, “Dreaming In Nashville,” released earlier this year, continues to showcase his talent and passion for music.
Broadening Musical Horizons
While Colin’s roots are firmly planted in country music, his songwriting has also been influenced by jazz and classical crossover genres. His ability to blend different musical styles has broadened his appeal and showcased his versatility as an artist. Recording in Nashville under the guidance of his producer, Ernie Rowell, Colin has worked with some of the greats in country music. Ernie’s extensive experience, including working with legends like George Jones, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, and Stonewall Jackson, has undoubtedly contributed to the polished and professional quality of Colin’s recordings.
Colin’s dedication to his craft is evident in his constant drive to write and compose new music. Recently, he composed the music for a Cornish anthem, which is now being embraced by several choirs. This project is a testament to his ability to create music that resonates with diverse audiences and his willingness to explore new creative avenues.
Colin Gordon-Farleigh’s journey through music is a story of passion, dedication, and relentless creativity. You can follow him on Instagram @colingordonfarleigh. From his early days of writing verse to becoming a celebrated singer/songwriter, his career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. His latest single, “Lonely Is A Memory,” and his album, “Dreaming In Nashville,” are just the latest chapters in a musical journey that continues to inspire and touch the hearts of listeners around the world. With each new song, Colin reaffirms his place in the world of music, creating timeless pieces that resonate with the human experience.
We had the privilege of interviewing Colin Gordon-Farleigh. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi Colin, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share your journey with our readers.
Hi, I have been a Country Music fan since I was fourteen; I have been writing verse since the age of eight. I started to be published whilst in my teens, and over time, I have had several volumes of verse published. This led to my early songwriting when I wrote several Worship songs. Music was always important in my life, and for some time, my public singing was confined to singing in a choir, although I used to sing a lot whilst on my own, belting out my country favorites.
About 25 years ago, I started songwriting with a passion and initially worked as a lyricist rather than a composer. My earliest songs had music composed by my current music partner at the time. I was blessed with a natural sense of rhythm, so it was not long before I started to compose the melodies for some of my songs. More and more songs came out, and many of them were recorded by different artists in Nashville and the UK. Awards came along for many of my songs. It was whilst in Nashville in 2017 that I was invited to sing one day, and then the rest, as they say, is history. The result of that invitation was an invite to record, and initially, I recorded a 3-track EP. The result was amazing, with one of the songs becoming Number 1 on two online radio stations in the first two months of release. The following year, I was named by the Akademia Music Awards as their Bluegrass Singer of The Year, an accolade that was repeated in 2019. More albums have followed since then. I currently have six albums, several Sinles, and also several compilation albums with other artists recording songs that I have written. The latest album, Dreaming In Nashville, was released earlier this year. I continue to write more songs and compose more music all the time. I recently composed the music for a Cornish Anthem, which is being picked up by several choirs. Over the years, I have written mainly country music but also songs influenced by Jazz and Classical Crossover genres. I record in Nashville under the watchful eye of my producer, Ernie Rowell, who has played and worked with many of the ‘Greats’ of Country Music, including working with George Jones for 8 years and with artists such as Mel Tillis, Ray Price, and Stonewall Jackson.
Please tell us about your latest single, ‘Lonely Is A Memory.’
My latest single is a song called ‘Lonely Is A Memory,’ which is one of the songs on my album ‘Dreaming In Nashville‘. The song records how some people drink to forget whilst others drink to remember. Currently being played on radio stations across the world, the song resonates with so many people, especially those who have struggled with loss or heartbreak.
What strategies contributed to your success?
Having a good product is essential, but being different is probably the key. My producer created the sound I’m now recognized for, which is Bluegrass with a UK accent.
Any special message for our readers?
Music feeds the soul and makes the world a better place. I hope that my music contributes to feeding and warming as many souls as possible.
How can people find out more about you?
My website is http://sheerjoymusic.com, where you can find more about my musical journey and album releases. I’m also on most social media platforms and music distribution sites.
Thank you so much, Colin, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!