With original songs ranging from rock and metal to alternative and even seasonal holiday music, indie artist Kevin Farkas’s versatility is boundless. A guitarist and singer who writes, records, programs and engineers his own tracks, Farkas feels the music is in his blood. With guitar players in the family going back several generations, the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based music maker’s point is well taken. But this is merely the beginning of the story.

The Details  

After listening to Kevin Farkas’s tracks, enthusiasts quickly discover the music often displays simplicity at its best. “What I’m Missin’,” rocks heavy with classic electric appeal and lyrics like “Watch that little bastard squirm with deep regret,” from “Not Going Down Easy,” are ear catching and quickly stand out. Available on Reverbnation, there are others, each containing impressive hooks, highlights and styling.

The musician’s list of recordings includes the single “Bring It On”; “ABC Rock,” from the collection of the same name; a self-titled album; Lost In Love; Private; and Kevsongs. Among the recommended titles is the holiday themed “Merry Christmas Dude”; the collaborations “One More Time” and “Not Going Down Easy”; and “Barbed Wire,” a 2:53 cover with words and music by Mike Davis. “Rybacks Stomp – Feed Me More” strikes a powerful metal chord. The personal distinction in Farkas’s work can be heard clearly in each of these selections. But Farkas is more than just a musician.

On the Air

As the host of the popular I-Net radio show “The FarCast,” airing Monday nights at 9pm EST through WBDN and streaming on the Diversity Broadcasting Network, Kevin is all about advancing other indie artists’ careers by providing exposure via the web. On Twitter as @kbfarkas and Facebook, KF often uses the tag #GotKev.

An Interview with Kevin Farkas

Musicinterviewmagazine.com joined Kevin Farkas for questions and answers about his music, song lyrics, The FarCast and more.

Your music offers a variety of styles and themes. What fuels your appetite to write a song?

My songs are pages from my life. I like to rock, but I have no commitment to a specific genre. I’m not your typical artist and I don’t have a stack of songs or lyrics sitting on my desk waiting to be produced. As I sit and ‘masturbate’ with my guitar, the riffs and hooks randomly come and go and just swim around in my head, hoping to be recalled at a later date, some never going anywhere. When my heart and soul need to breathe, that’s when my songs come to life. Once a tune gets done, I can get past whatever it is that’s been eating at my brain and move on. It’s like therapy.

Tell us about “Not Goin Down Easy.” The lyrics include the line, “Watch that little bastard squirm with deep regret…” Is there a particular story behind the song?

It’s about a wife who cheats with a younger man. Though she’s married, they refused to terminate the relationship. The original title of the cut was “Shotgun Brain Surgery” and the opening lyrics of the song explain this best: “We all heard the story, bout’ click click pull; it’s the feeling that you get when your heart is full of lies, deceit, the pain, it eats.” The collaboration’s title was changed at my writing partner’s request because the words, “Shotgun Brain Surgery,” were not included in the lyrics.

You’ve mentioned that music is “in your blood.” Is it true that playing guitar is a family tradition?  

The music is indeed in my blood. I live, eat, breathe, sleep and bleed music. Yes, even drops of blood on the ground can create a symphony. I am Hungarian by descent and my roots can be traced back to the old country. My father was the first born on American soil. I can recall stories from my youth, my family singing and dancing about the countryside, roaming from town to town and very gypsy-like. My grandfather played guitar while my dad loved to dance and had a great ear. All of my siblings also are musically inclined. My oldest brother and I are currently the only two who remain active. I tried shelving my music, but I was miserable.

As the host of The FarCast Internet radio show, you provide exposure for other indie artists. What type of music is featured? How does a band or solo artist get their music on the show? Where can they reach you?

I try to support hungry musicians who actively network and usually side step the throw-it-against-the-wall and see what sticks kind of artist. Most of them are in it for the money, not the fame or the love of their craft. My preference is hard rock and metal, but I spin almost all genres of music. If it’s good, I play it. It’s that simple. My catalog is all handpicked. As a DJ, I’ve been involved with multiple stations and never pulled from their databases. My catalog is unique to The FarCast and full of triple-A rated artists. The submissions window is always open and suggestions can be sent directly to kbfarkas@hotmail.com.  You can also use Facebook, Twitter, or Reverbnation.

What is the Diversity Broadcasting Network?

The Diversity Broadcasting Network is an Internet-based radio station streaming out of Ithaca, New York and owned and operated by psychic medium and paranormal investigator Renee Marie. The station features select DJs and hosts from across the country. The platform’s shows range from indie music, talk, news, entertainment, cooking, paranormal and of course, the rotation of her awesome catalog of indie artists. There is something for everyone. WDBN is a proud supporter of independent music worldwide. We want you to make us your number one preset.

What’s next for Kevin Farkas?

As an artist, I’ll continue to write new material. I’ve been very fortunate that my songs are accepted and get spun multiple times every day. The indie world of music definitely knows my name. A crossover to mainstream would be awesome, but corporate doesn’t want me as a non-performing artist. They can’t make touring money. As far as being a DJ, I wish I could go mainstream and bring all the fabulous indie talent into the light. They deserve it. There’s a lot of garbage on commercial radio. As for me, well, because the indie world knows my name, I will not be just a dead social security number when I die. Knowing that is enough for me.

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