Biography

Radio contact:
Dark Shadow Recording
Jana Mougin
pr@darkshadowrecording.com

THE NEXT MOUNTAIN

"Beyond the quality of the songs themselves — all of which Faris had a hand in writing — the musicianship is first rate, practically a given considering those that are involved. The fact that the melodies and arrangements fit so well in sync makes it clear that even at this point in his career, Faris is firing on all cylinders. It’s not hard to imagine that his efforts will result in contention for various best-of lists at the end of the year. At the very least, The Next Mountain ought to take Faris to the next plateau." -Lee Zimmerman (Bluegrass Today)

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Rick Faris was born to play music.

Most kids learn to fish or hunt from their dad. Rick learned G-runs, fiddle tunes and musical insights from his.

Rick's dad was a touring musician that rendered Bluegrass in the Ozarks, swung wide in western swing bands in dance halls and even played with legends like Reba McIntyre on Hee Haw, Nashville Now and the Grand Ole Opry. Rick’s love for music is one that can only be carefully cultivated when conditions are right and the stars just align. Rick says, “I didn’t know anyone who didn’t play or at least have an instrument in their house until I was 5.” The family of a humble musician’s means didn’t have a radio in the car so the 4 Faris boys spent the 9-hour trips up to grandma’s house singing and entertaining each other.

The four brother plus mom and dad made up the award winning Faris Family Bluegrass Band. They played festivals, taught Bluegrass in the Schools programs and shared real connections for the 12 years they toured professionally. After the family decided to stop touring, Rick was looking for a new full-time gig. He got his first break when the Bluegrass stalwart, Greg Cahill, called and asked him to audition for Special Consensus. The job was to be transformative for Faris because Greg hired him to play mandolin rather than the guitar he had been honing since he was a child. With 5 weeks to learn the mandolin and win the audition, Rick Faris stepped into the next stage of his career. After 6 years, 1 Grammy-Nomination and 2 IBMA Awards he switched back home to guitar and the band picked up another 3 IBMA Awards and a 2nd Grammy-Nomination. Rick now has been globetrotting with Special Consensus for 10 years. Under Greg Cahill he learned the meaning of professionalism and giving back to the Bluegrass community through performing, teaching, leading and service.

Rick’s strong desire to shine out with a genuine connection to the fans and players on stage caught Stephen Mougin’s attention. His label, Dark Shadow Recording, signed Rick Faris on as a solo artist in September of 2018. Rick started writing songs and selecting the right personnel that could handle anything. With watertight harmony singers and mind-blowing pickers, Rick set out to show the world what his brand of Bluegrass sounds like.

The first single, the blazing-fast title track written by Rick, “Breaking In Lonesome”, was released in March of 2019. It debuted at #2 on the Bluegrass Today Charts only to climb to #1 the next week. The album and its tracks are still appearing on the charts. Rick’s album, "Breaking In Lonesome", was ranked #6 in the Top 12 Albums of 2019 by Bluegrass Today only a month after the albums official release in November.

“Rick Faris has constantly wowed me with his powerful vocals and virtuoso mandolin and guitar playing…I immediately noticed he is a great singer live…In short, I thought of the guy as the vanguard of younger musicians who are carrying Bluegrass forward…Bluegrass music might be entering its 9th decade, but Breaking in Lonesome proves it's more vital than ever, and this project is a perfect showcase for one of its truly bright lights. " - Tim Stafford of Blue Highway

DEEP RIVER - Musicians: Russ Carson (Banjo), Laura Orshaw (Fiddle), Zac McLamb (Bass), Harry Clark (Mandolin), and Shawn Lane (Harmony).

SONG: Deep River
ARTIST: Rick Faris
SONGWRITERS: Rick Faris / Mark “Brink” Brinkman
ISRC: QMEAX2100021
LABEL: Dark Shadow Recording
RELEASE DATE: 3.30.21
PRODUCED, RECORDED and MIXED by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording

Smart Link: https://sc.lnk.to/RFdr-s

SONG: See You On The Other Side
ARTIST: Rick Faris feat. Sam Bush
LABEL: Dark Shadow Recording
DATE: 7.23.21
ISRC: QMEAX2100022
SONGWRITERS: Rick Faris / Rick Lang
PICKERS: Rick Faris (GTR), Sam Bush (MANDO), Mike Bub (BASS), Jason Carter (FIDDLE), Russ Carson (BANJO)
SINGERS: Rick Faris / Sam Bush / Stephen Mougin / Jason Carter
PRODUCED, RECORDED and MIXED by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording
Smart link: https://sc.lnk.to/FBos-s




SONG: Can’t Build A Bridge To Glory
ARTIST: Rick Faris feat. Ronnie Bowman, Eddie Faris, & Dale Perry
LABEL: Dark Shadow Recording
DATE: 7.23.21
ISRC: QMEAX2100023
SONGWRITERS: Rick Faris / Becky Buller
PICKERS: Rick Faris (GTR), Laura Orshaw (FIDDLE), Zac McLamb (BASS)
SINGERS: Rick Faris / Ronnie Bowman / Eddie Faris / Dale Perry
PRODUCED, RECORDED and MIXED by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording

Smart link: https://sc.lnk.to/RFbtg-s

Album smart link: https://sc.lnk.to/RFtnm-lp