David Farrell was a pal, a confidante, and a consummate craftsman of words. He was a visionary editor whose passion for music and storytelling transformed Canadian journalism. Much like the finest musicians he celebrated, David possessed an innate rhythm and flow in his writing, weaving narratives that struck at the heart of our shared cultural experience.

I often nudged him to write more. "Do that book," I’d say. The skill, clarity, and tone in his columns were something to marvel at. Recently, he asked me to locate as much of his work as possible. A good amount was available on FYI Music News, but it was the earlier work he was most concerned with. I understand why. There’s gold in those memories—the kind that sparkles brightest when unearthed. Sadly, time was never an ally in organizing those treasures into a book or hunting down the rest.

David and I, like others, shared moments over patio lunches, hovered over phone calls, laughed when laughter was due, and vented when life demanded it. “Let’s meet at the New Yorker—best breakfast in town—and talk about who you should talk to,” he’d suggest. Why don’t you interview so-and-so? You know, I did just that. He made me fearless.

I knew the things that set him off, the undercurrents that could rile him. Those things never fazed me—I’m well-acquainted with the peculiarities of the industry we both inhabited. It’s a place where graciousness and resentment dance hand in hand, and yet, it’s a privilege to play among eight notes and flailing arms rather than toil in a corporate tower, strangled by a noose of ambition disguised as a tie.

As the driving force behind FYI Music News, David chronicled the triumphs, struggles, and evolution of the music industry with clarity and depth that few could match. His commitment to shining a light on Canadian talent was both relentless and heartfelt. He gave voice to the stories that needed to be told, always with an ear tuned to nuance and deep respect for the artist’s journey.

David’s pen was as sharp as his wit. His observations were keenly honed by decades of immersion in the industry he so dearly loved. Yet behind his incisive prose was a generosity of spirit that nurtured countless writers, musicians, and readers. He was the kind of mentor who led by example, showing us how to listen, how to observe, and how to celebrate the essence of artistry.

His legacy endures not only in the articles he wrote or the stories he championed, but also in the inspiration he imparted to those fortunate enough to walk alongside him on this creative journey.

David Farrell was, and will forever remain, a cornerstone of Canada’s music journalism. His work resonates like the sweetest melody, lingering long after the final note has faded. Most of all, he was an eternal friend—a gentle, unwavering presence in a world that often feels too loud.

In his words, in his laughter, and in the spaces he left for us to fill, David left behind a map for those still seeking our way—a map sketched in ink, in rhythm, and in the unyielding belief that stories, like songs, can change the world.