Biography

Born and raised on the north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal (South Africa), singer song-writer Farryl Purkiss's music is captivating, emotive and memorable.

His 2005 debut EP release, “Chapter One'', a self financed project, recorded in collaboration with South African guitar legend Nibs van der Spuy, was nominated for a 2006 South African Music Award (SAMA) in the 'Best Adult Contemporary' category.


He signed with 2 Feet Music early 2006 and recorded and released his eponymous full length debut. A heavy touring schedule ensued including headline appearances at festivals The Big Day Out, Splashy Fen, Wavescapes Film Festival, Mr Price Classic and The Billabong Pro. Farryl also completed two tours as guest of artists Ben Lee (April 2006) and Missy Higgins (July 2006) as well as three smaller Australian tours. Apart from all this Farryl also toured with Donovan Frankenreiter and has played with Jack Johnson, resulting in a co-composition with Jack.


2007 saw Farryl back in Australia for performances at The Big Day Out (Perth) and a guest appearance at The 18th East Coast Roots & Blues in Byron Bay. Farryl has also been featured heavily in the Audi TT (UK) campaign with a cover of Bob Dylan's “Positively 4th Street'' (www.ttremastered.com).


May/June 07 sees him back in Australia a few European press dates, for a fourth tour, this time a 20 date support of Bob Evans, Farryl currently enjoying a great deal of radio and television coverage on that continent, then to Japan where his album will have just been released. The album and Farryl are expected in Europe around August and the US in September. Watch the press!



Reviews:


''his songs caress you with their easy melodies'' - Drum Media, Australia


"He's hailed as SA's big singer-songwriter hope, and you'll see why from song one... thoughtful and unpretentious lyrics and unaffected but expressive vocals complete a near-perfect package." - Jean Barker, www.24.com


"Purkiss is an extremely talented guitarist, and there is enough complexity throughout the album to keep you engaged. And he's not all sweet sunshine lyrics either. Check out 'Before You Go' to see just how truthful he can be. This is an album that gets better the more you listen to it, it's a real treat."

- Rebecca Khan / SL Magazine


"...there is a real musicality here that sets this album apart from the surfboard toting imitators. Solo acoustic instrumental ‘Speechless’ is one of the albums highlights. ‘Please Stay’ is uplifting and heartbreaking all at once, showing off this singer-songwriter’s ability to make a deep impression with just a light touch of the guitar frets."

- Laura MacIntyre, www.mediasearch.com.au


"...a charmingly open, friendly stage presence that pulls you in as his songs caress you with their easy melodies" - Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney, Australia


‘...a great start from a promising songwriter with a voice of his own, and I can’t wait to see what the future yields. Get this album, in a few years you’ll be saying “Oh yeah, I remember listening to Farryl ages ago.” He’s the kind of artist who you’ll want to build a long-term audio relationship with through the collection of every single album. Start yours now.

- Matthew Christensen (4 out of 5)


"Farryl Purkiss is better than damn good, combining inventive guitar play with introspective wordplay on an album that’s delves deep in to the heart’s emotions. An absolute stunner! ... the best debut of the year." - Craig Canavan (4 out of 5)


"Purkiss gave a brilliant performance, apparently unfazed, despite the problems the crew encountered. The crowd also warmed up towards him and when he told a story about how he played with Jack Johnson in 2003 and how Johnson inspired him to finish his song Déjà Vu, with which he'd been struggling, everyone became a fan before he stepped off stage just before 23h00."

- Henriël Veldtmann, Oppikoppi Festival 2006


"He's the kind of artist who youll want to build a long-term audio relationship with through the collection of every single album. Start yours now." - Mio.co.za