First Friday: Fern Murphy

Fern Murphy is a dream pop/shoegaze band hailing from the heart of Indianapolis, IN. Born out of the collaborative spirit of Gabriel Adams, Tommy Behan, and Benjamin Pearson, Fern Murphy distinguished themselves with meticulous arrangements that melded shoegaze, dream pop, and experimental elements into lush, introspective soundscapes.

The early Demo EP (2018) showcased their penchant for ambient guitars and dreamy vocals, while drawing inspiration from their indie alternative roots. As the band evolved, so did their sound, crystallizing into the experimental/shoegaze fusion evident in their second EP, 'Gringo Love,' released in 2019.

The crowning achievement came in 2021 with the release of their debut full-length double album, 'Violet Hours.' This milestone not only solidified Fern Murphy as a unique shoegaze force but also garnered regional success. Fern Murphy has since been seen sharing stages with genre titans such as Beach House and DIIV, as well as sharing memorable performances with the likes of Vampire Weekend and Cake.

In 2022, the band expanded its lineup with the addition of Travis Brown and Jason Bales, infusing new dimensions into their already rich soundscape. A brief hiatus in 2023 led to a rejuvenation of the band, welcoming Gilberto Huerta on drums and Leah Foster on keys/vocals. With new members in tow, Fern Murphy has delved deeper into their unique sound further pushing the bounds Shoegaze music, releasing an Ep (‘Driftless’) in 2024 and plans to release their sophomore album in 2025.