Finding the best new and emerging artists is our top priority here in the hive. Up next on our roster is folk artist, Ferry Townes. She recently released her debut album, Side Effects of Happiness, and is continuing to introduce herself musically on her latest drop, ‘What You’ve Done.’ We loved the new song so much that we had to sit down with Ferry to discuss all the behind-the-scenes details!
You can stream the new song with us here while we chat with Ferry about growing up around songwriters, collaborating with Liz Gillies, and the importance of making solo music.
MEET FERRY
Welcome to The Honey Pop, Ferry! We are so thrilled to be chatting with you today about your new release ‘What You’ve Done.’ Let’s go way back to a time before you even picked up a microphone. Tell us a bit about what made you decide to explore music. Did you grow up with a lot of music around you?
Hi Honey Pop! Thank you so much for having me 🙂 i’m so excited to be here. Music was always what I wanted to fill my time with growing up. Playing it, listening to it, performing it – all of it was the best thing ever. My dad writes songs and I grew up hearing and singing all of his originals with him, which had me writing at an early age. I had a lot of big feelings growing up, so I’m very grateful that I was given that outlet to say what otherwise I couldn’t.
You recently posted a photo to Instagram of a young Ferry playing the drums. Did you grow up playing the drums? Are there any other instruments you feel a strong connection to?
Yes, I did! The drums were the first instrument I was interested in. I had a lot of energy as a kid so I think I mostly enjoyed moving every limb at once haha. Piano was the first instrument I started to write songs on and have a particularly special connection with. I play guitar way more often these days but the piano feels like a friend that gets me at this point.
‘WHAT YOU’VE DONE’
This new song was made in collaboration with the wickedly talented Liz Gillies. Tell us a bit about that collaboration process and why it was important to have Liz on the track.
Liz and I have such an easy and fulfilling collaboration going. We share a few favorite artists and inspirations so our ideas often seem to fill in each other’s blanks. When we wrote ‘What You’ve Done’ we knew it was a perfect song for two-part harmony and that we wanted it to just be our voices and a guitar. Singing with her is incredible, I love her voice so much and how good she makes me sound haha.
The new song is slow, tangy, and irresistible to the ears. Do you find comfort in singing within the boundaries of the country and blues genres?
Aw, thank you so much!!! I love listening to folk and am so happy that Liz and I naturally gravitated towards that space. Ferry Townes is Alternative Pop so I’m excited to showcase this different side of my project, which is a huge part of who I am as a musician. To do that with Liz, who is an incredible artist and writer, is simply the coolest.
Relationships can tear us down as easily as they can pick us up, and oftentimes that repeats in a cycle. ‘What You’ve Done’ speaks on these themes in a beautiful way. Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself, or your relationships, during the writing process of this song?
Liz and I liked the idea of titling a love song, something that at first glance looks sad and dark – but “What You’ve Done” is about blaming someone for making you able and open to falling in love again. Looking for things to go wrong in order to save yourself from future heartbreak can be easy, but harder to do when everything feels sweet and safe. It was a nice reminder to let good things be good.
SIDE EFFECTS OF HAPPINESS AND SOLO MUSIC
Your solo music is so beautiful! ‘Be Here’ is such a stunning track and reminds us of the likes of Lorde’s Solar Power. Who are some musicians you grew up listening to that played a role in morphing you into the musician you are today?
Thank you, I love Lorde! I think my big 3 are Radiohead, Rufus Wainwright, and Taylor Swift. Taylor was the first artist that had me ugly crying in my room to a song, feeling like someone was singing about my baby heartbreaks. In High School, Rufus and Radiohead sent me into an orbit and got me into exploring my instruments and melodies more. All three definitely shaped my musical language for sure.
“Don’t ask the hard questions if you don’t want the truth” is from ‘Me Over You.’ What is the hardest life lesson you’ve had to learn thus far in your life?
How easy it is to be your own worst enemy! I constantly am learning this lesson and it’s pissing me off. Like, I get it ok ;’)
Side Effects Of Happiness is your new album and your debut album. Congratulations on the release! What has been one thing this year that has brought you the most happiness?
Thank you!! Not just because you brought it up, but putting out my first album was something I’ve been working towards my whole career and definitely a ginormous highlight of 2024. Compiling these songs and feeling so confident and represented by my music was a true milestone for me.
WHAT’S NEXT
We have to talk about what is next for you! Is there anything special coming up that you can spill to the hive?
I can spill that you should stay tuned for more new music coming really soon and that this collab may not be the last 🙂
Finally, is there anything else you want to share with our readers that we didn’t touch on today?
I think you covered everything! These were such fun questions to answer. Thank you Honey Pop <3
Thanks again to the beautiful Ferry for chatting with us today. Don’t forget to stream ‘What You’ve Done’ and follow Ferry along on her musical journey, because as she hinted, more is coming soon! What was your favorite moments from this interview? Let us know in the comments below or by chatting with us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook 🐝
Looking for more artist interviews? Check ’em out!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FERRY TOWNES:
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