Chris Farren, who plays Hooch and Hive in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 16, 2023. Credit: Photo by Kat Nijmeddin

For indie-rock lovers over 35 years old, the name Chris Farren conjures warm memories of Sunshine State rock band Fake Problems.

In his solo endeavors, the 37-year-old Naples man remains one of the nicest dudes in rock and roll, and he’s on the road supporting Doom Singer, a new album produced by Melina Duterte. The Jay Som principal coached Farren into some of his finest work yet.
Singles like “Cosmic Leash,” “Bluish” and “First Place” find his vocal sounding bigger than ever on songs that are Farren’s most joyous to date—and you might credit some of that to Duterte, drummer Frankie Impastato and Jeff Rosenstock who helped him bring the record to life.

“Looking back on those records… I have no good memories of making them,” Farren said in a press release about his previous solo output. “It’s always been a lonely, doubt-ridden process.”

Welcome back, buddy.

Tickets to see Chris Farren play Hooch and Hive in Tampa on Saturday, Sept. 16 are still available and start at $16.

And if you want bonus live music, Diners is playing a free in-store at Seminole Heights record store Microgroove at 3 p.m.