Music
Press
With influences as diverse as Nick Drake, Neil Young, and The Kinks, Mutis writes both beautifully expressive ballads (the jazz-influenced "Rainfall," which is on the latest disc) and rock-guitar explosions ("Unspoken Love," recently featured on the CBS drama NUMB3RS). - The Morning Call
Mutis' guitar playing was outstanding; his intricate solos and fingerpicking seemed effortless. - The Morning Call
Joey Mutis III has been an exceptional songwriting talent in the Lehigh Valley and beyond since The Electric Farm began...
...the band's sound has been eclectic, ranging from poignant singer-songwriter ballads to spiraling jazz-based tunes that wend their way into the listener's psyche. - The Morning Call
A listener who enters the "Farm" will find a highly developed melodic sense and an ability to create intriguing lyrics.
His relaxed delivery serves up big-league talent. - Richard Cuccaro
Discography
Receive airplay on college (e.g WMUH), community-run (e.g. WNTI), and internet radio (e.g. homegrownradionj.com, pennspeakradio) primarily within the Pennsylvania/New Jersey listening area.
THE ELECTRIC FARM (self-titled CD, 2005)
> "Unspoken Love" recently showcased on CBS crime drama NUMB3RS
> "Man of the Town" is a favorite of Philly Folk Icon Gene Shay and was originally chosen from more than 600 submissions for inclusion on the PHILADELPHIA PHAST PHOLKS CD compilation released by Fast Folk Magazine--a NY-based talent antenna who were the first to record such music notables as Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and John Gorka.
BOOMSCHLANG VIPER STORY (1997)
> Ranked #1 on CMJ charts (WNTI in Hackettstown, NJ)
> "Shabby Girl" used on popular tv show ONE TREE HILL and in 2oth Century Fox movie DRIVE ME CRAZY
> "Thinkin Bout My Friend" used on 2007 DVD release for tv classic series THE FALL GUY
SIX (EP, 1995)
> Among "Top Philly Picks" by WXPN Program Director Bruce Warren
Photos
Bio
The Electric Farm's signature description for their sound is that it "takes pop into a folky space rock situation."
Singer-songwriter Joey Mutis, who regional press has called "an exceptional songwriting talent (with a) gift for evoking feelings and moods," has garnered more than a few comparisons to Nick Drake.
The foundation of The Farm's music definitely evokes that softer, quieter style of artists like Drake, and covers a spectrum of sounds ranging from British Folk Rockers such as Richard Thompson and Pentangle to pop greats Lovin Spoonful and The Kinks (Village Green era). But you will also hear similarities to Americana songwriters like Elliott Smith, Ron Sexsmith, JJ Cale, Wilco, Neil Young...as well as undertones of influence by everything from Milton Nascimento to jazz colorings (the current band line-up is comprised of some of Philly's top jazz musicians).
The band considers Godfrey Daniels, the venerable coffeehouse in Bethlehem, PA a 'home base' and consistently performs to sold-out audiences there. The song "Lookin" (which was inspired by personal time Mutis spent with Townes Van Zandt around multiple appearances Townes had at Godfrey's prior to his death) acts as a soundtrack to a 2006 independent documentary on the venue, which Mutis also appears in.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Pete Buck of REM played mandolin on early demos recorded by the band at John Keane's studio in Athens, Georgia. Keane, known for his work with REM, Vic Chestnutt, Cowboy Junkies, Indigo Girls and others, also played pedal steel on a few of those demo tracks.
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