The Father, J. O’Brien profile picture

The Father, J. O’Brien

About Me


Spreading the mantra, "LIVE, LOVE, DIE" from Portland, Oregon!
THE FATHER howls and moans his way into our hearts with his soulful music. As a one man act he falls into a rare breed of singer/songwriter in the company of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and Leonard Cohen. The Father's surprisingly powerful performances incite boot stomping, drinking, smoking, cheers, jeers, and tears in a single night. His most recent EP release, "Fresh Pack of *Failures", has succeeded in capturing the raw emotion and in-your-face style of his live performances. Don't take my word for it. Here's what "they" say about the music of The Father, J. O'Brien...
Sean Keating (Silk Trade)
"O'Brien's are melancholy narratives of contradictions: fumbling characters steeped in myth; melodies full of charm, wit, bravado, and an ultimately yielding self-effacement. His is a locomotive ride to our collective subconcious: tragically full of that American optimism so inseparable from despair."
Planet Glee
"Planet Glee rocked again. I have so much fun when there's a musical guest on the show. So far, the musicians who have been on are new and raw. Last night's guest was a total trip. He calls himself "The Father J. O'Brien." I asked him where the "father" came from. He said it had to do with a group of friends in San Diego, and then he blurted what he was called before and it had some usually-unheard-on-tv words in it. We were on Planet Glee again.
The Father J. O'Brien is in his mid-twenties sings with the wisdom of someone with more life experience. An old soul with an incredible voice (deep like Tom Waits but also with something else--something a J. Mascis voice of inner knowledge and common sense."
XPress Magazine
"...acoustic romps (that) conjure Tom Waits...audience members even played the solos to the songs on their kazoos and stomping feet."
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE FATHER FOR BOOKING, PRESS, OR HATE MAIL!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 18/01/2006
Band Website: thefatherjobrien.com
Band Members:

Influences: Every once and awhile I go over 'em, but mostly under.

Waits, Cohen, Cave, Hawkins, Smith, Wolf, Oldham

Sounds Like:

Fan Quotes
"Like a breath of fresh whiskey..."
"...rough and sexy..."
"Dark, literate, and musical..."
"There's lots going on here, both musically and lyrically..."
"I was hooked immediately..."
"...full of attitude. Love it..."
"The kind of poetic ramble that brings to mind smokey blues pubs and punters hanging on every word. This guy is a poet."
"This performance is heartfelt and honest...a gift that makes people stop and listen."

Record Label: Fight them
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

News

The Father project has moved to beautiful Portland, OR. The Airplay will host the first show in the area with Robert Moore opening. A fundraiser for the Women's National Rugby Team and a Val's Wicke...
Posted by on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:44:00 GMT

Venues of Repute That Would Have Me

Airplay Cafe - Portland, ORBazaar - San Francisco, CABeale Street Bar - San Francisco, CABlackthorne Tavern - San Francisco, CABrainwash - San Francisco, CAThe Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CAEdi...
Posted by on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:40:00 GMT

Songlist & Lyrics

Master List of Songs Currently Played Live by The Father, J. O'Brien:A Web Built for TwoIt could be such a good life to lead if I wasn't constantly on the slyOn a tributary low road that keeps pulling...
Posted by on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:56:00 GMT