FAREWELL TO FARAWAY

One of Qatar’s favourite adopted sons, Irish teacher and singer-songwriter Faraway Martin, is heading out onto the big world stage, having made the decision to quit the day job and pursue music full time.

Describing himself as “excited but sometimes filled with existential dread”, the performer, who’s been a regular on the Qatar live-music scene since arriving in the country to teach music at GEMS American Academy in 2015, took to social media to announce his decision.

The 31-year-old, who got his name because he loves travelling and is always away from home is heading back to Ireland, temporarily, but says it will take some getting used to. He explained: “It was 47 degrees the day I landed in Doha – summer in Ireland gets to 25 degrees [max] so it took some time to adjust to the heat! Now, it’s going to take some time to get used to all the rain in Ireland!”

However, he won’t have to put up the rain for long with big plans for the future. “I plan to release lots of new music, travel around the world playing as many shows in as many places as I can and hopefully continue to play big stages around the world,” he says. He’s also hoping to release his debut album next year!

Of the fame he’s found in Qatar, where older students often turned up in the audience. He adds: “It’s crazy hearing your name being called from the stage. It’s even crazier when you’re at the mall or out and about! Just yesterday I got stopped for a selfie, something I’ll never get used to! I have to say, the support the band and I get here in Doha is phenomenal. People have really gotten behind us. We have become a part of their social lives in Qatar and we always aim to deliver the best experience for anyone that comes along to see us play.”

Which has made this big decision even harder but, with a ‘no time like the present attitude’ the now-former school master says: “I love teaching and have had some of my proudest experiences in the classroom but my dream has always been to be on stage. It was very hard to walk away from a great job, teaching awesome kids but I’m not getting any younger! You regret the things you don’t do in life – so it just felt like it’s time to pursue music full time. I’m excited for what the future will bring!”

But, fans don’t need to be too downhearted as he promises he’ll back to Doha regularly to play shows and is hoping to return for the Formula One in October. ✤

GO: KEEP UP WITH HIS ADVENTURES @FARAWAYMARTIN AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC ON WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ CHANNEL/UCF3DKNIAJEHX54H7I-3BUXA