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Biography

Skip Friel began playing guitar, as well as writing songs at an early age and by 17 had formed the folk rock band, 'Fresh Produce,' with brother Randy. In his twenties Skip regularly performed his original music with the band 'String Fever.' Friel took a break from performing in his thirties to focus on a career in engineering. Eventually entering into impromptu sessions with musician friends, those experiences gradually became more frequent.
 
Soon after releasing his 2007 debut album, 'Twilight Red Sky,' Friel was named Winner-2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards for Best International Folk Male Artist. Skip teamed with brother Randy in 2008 to release 'Evergreen Christmas.' The 16-track collection features six originals penned by the two and some new twists to a few Holiday folk classics. Skip's track, 'Evergreens,' received Winner-Best International Folk Song-2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards.
 
On May 5, 2012 Skip released the americana / rock album, 'Passage,' which is currently receiving airplay at several Southeast Virginia radio stations.
 
Since 2003, Friel and his band the Resonators have been regional favorites in Virginia performing at large festivals venues as well as intimate acoustic-friendly stages.Skip Friel began playing guitar and writing songs at an early age. By 17 he had formed the Virginia Beach-based Folk Rock band, 'Fresh Produce,' with brother Randy. In his twenties, Skip regularly performed his original music with the band 'String Fever.' Friel took a break from performing in his thirties to focus on a career in engineering. Eventually entering into impromptu sessions with musician friends, those experiences gradually became more frequent and by 2003, his current band, ‘The Resonators’ had begun to form.  

“Friel is a very talented vocalist with a big and unique voice,” writes Toronto Exclusive Magazine. Whether performing original compositions or favorite cover songs, award-winning songwriter Skip Friel delivers an energetic and moving performance. Entertaining solo or with his band, The Resonators, Friel’s music spans from acoustic variety to tasteful rock. Cover songs include both contemporary and popular tunes of the past. Skip is at home in large festival venues, as well as on intimate, acoustic-friendly stages.

At age thirteen, Friel discovered singing, playing guitar and writing songs would be his medium of comfort, helping him to overcome teenage shyness. By seventeen he had formed the Virginia Beach-based folk rock band, 'Fresh Produce,' with his brother Randy. The working band was influenced by groups such as The Beatles, CS&N, The Bryds and The Eagles.

With follow-on bands, “String Fever” and "Turquoise," Friel began performing more of his own songs. He continued to perform through his twenties and then took a break in his thirties to focus on his career in engineering and ship design.

Eventually entering into impromptu sessions with musician friends, such as bassist Martin Somers, pedal steel player Paul Shufer and guitarist Bill Frierson, those experiences gradually became more frequent. By 2003, Friel's current band, ‘The Resonators,’ had begun to form. The Resonators have long since become Southeast Virginia mainstays at outdoor festivals as well as intimate nightclubs.

Upon releasing his 2007 debut album, 'Twilight Red Sky,' Friel was named “Winner-2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards for Best International Folk Male Artist.” His songs received regional radio airplay on several stations. Friel went on to receive various music awards including the 2008 and 2009 “Port Folio Weekly Magazine Music Awards,” as well as, the “Veer Magazine Music Awards” in 2012 and 2013.

Skip teamed with brother Randy in 2008 to release 'Evergreen Christmas.' The 16-track collection features six originals penned by each of the brothers and some new twists on some Holiday classics. Skip's track, 'Evergreens,' was selected as “Winner-Best International Folk Song-2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards.” In 2012, Skip released the Americana Rock album, 'Passage.' In 2017, he released the three song EP 'Seaworthy Souls,' which continues to receive airplay on Southeast Virginia radio stations such as WHRV and WFOS.

Performing solo or with his band, The Resonators, Friel delivers inspirational performances throughout Southeast Virginia. Skip Friel’s spirited music style captures the emotion and joy of music.