Date launched Dec, 2020
Date finished N/A
Still running? Yes
Number of series N/A
Number of episodes p/s 5
Length of each episode Roughly 30 mins
Summary of content – story? Theme? Topic?
Folk Blues duo Ferris & Sylvester uncover the hidden truths behind the songs they love. In each episode, the pair interview an artist on a chosen song and discuss how that song came to be; from the initial idea, to the writing and production process, right through to the finished product. In talk with their peers and heroes, Ferris and Sylvester explore the intricacies in the art of song writing before honouring the song in question with their own rendition, performed live exclusively for the podcast.
Each podcast opens with an introduction to the guest of this week’s episode from Ferris and Sylvester and is then followed by a snippet of the song the duo will be discussing and also the episodes featured musician. The conversation then leads into a discussion around the week’s artist and music, and then finishes with Ferris and Sylvester preforming their own cover and take on the song they have featured preforming in their own signature style.
Most notable/funny/moving/shocking moments
– Abraham Alexander – Stay: During the interview with Alexander the hosts discuss his recording session at Abbey Road Studios when he came to London (he is based in Austin). Alexander discusses the equipment t used to record and the session itself and mentions a favourite part of the recording of this EP being his synth tones on his guitar. Archie then refers back to Alexander’s EP remarking “there are some great tones on that EP, you mentioned about the DI stuff, because I am a big fan of DI guitar. Its sadly gone out of fashion, I mean The Beatles used to DI their guitars, George Harrison did loads of DI stuff and drove them really hard and you would get like biting direct tone you can’t get from an app”.
– Jack Francis – A Little Love: This episode has F&S chatting to the singer-songwriter Jack Francis about his track ‘A little love’. Jack provides a fascinating insight into the starting point when writing this song, explaining he approached it with only his voice and a guitar. “it was only me and an acoustic guitar. It was one of those songs that took about 10 minutes. It was one of those songs, it wasn’t a complicated song (musically), the initial writing was rather easy but the lyrics are born out of frustration and the feeling like you’re not getting anywhere as a musician because as a musician who has been doing this a long time it wasn’t going very well at the time. As we all have those times, but yeah it’s kinda a self-pitying song”.
Host/presenters/journalist names and bio
Ferris & Sylvester (Issy Ferris & Archie Sylvester) are a folk duet who were formed in Streatham, London. The duo has supported the likes of James Blunt and have been featured on Glastonbury’s upcoming artists stage. They have an upcoming album, and both spend their time recording and producing music at their new house down in Somerset.
Description of sound clips sent over
– This clip features the lead singer from the band Flyte discussing his initial writing process and thoughts behind his latest release ‘Under the Skin’
Anything else interesting about the podcast worth noting? Has it won awards? Is it the “most listened to” in its category? Does someone famous love it? Any controversy? Any fun or quirky facts?
– If you haven’t check out their most recent EP “I should be on a train”
– Over the lockdown the duo perfumed weekly live streams for their fans every Friday, bringing joy to the millions of people stuck indoors during the pandemic.
– They have planned to release many more for season 1 and have the Songwriter James Morrison featuring on their next podcast.
Opinion
Of course, I must admit that I am biased considering I work with the band, but from an outsider perspective I would say that this podcast is definitely something different and does provide a fresh and innovative new conversation to the podcast world. While I will admit this podcast isn’t for everyone (some knowledge or interest into the writing of music will make this far more enjoyable) it’s undeniable that the content they provide and insight into the writing of these process behind songs written by more obscure musicians and provides a unique and distinctive exploration into the music world Ferris & Sylvester thrive in.