Ferris Pier's new single, Everything, is out now! We caught up with the musician to chat about the release and so much more.
Image: Supplied.
Seattle-based producer and DJ Ferris Pier recently dropped his new summer anthem, Everything. The track sees the musician team up with fellow Seattle singer Galen Disston, with the song conceptually exploring the ever changing and challenging road to love.
Everything is out now! Read our interview with Ferris Pier below.
Could you tell us a bit about your musical background and what led you to pursuing a career in music?
My dad was a band director, so I grew up in the band room messing around on all the instruments. Piano was the instrument I ultimately fell in love with and allowed me to explore song writing. I majored in jazz performance at Whitworth University, which really gave me a chance to explode as a musician.
Congratulations on the release of your new single Everything. Tell us a bit about the conceptual nature of the track and what prompted you to document it on the track?
Everything was an incredible creative experience, start to finish. We recorded in an old cathedral church that was converted into a premiere recording studio. The place had its pews and stained glass still intact. A Seattle-based gospel choir recorded backing vocals with us, and it vibed so well the studio. The energy in the studio was epic! Galen, the featured vocalist on the track, has an infectious personality that especially comes out in his singing, and I was so glad our music video for the track was able to capture this.
The track sees you team up with Seattle singer Galen Disston. How did that collaboration come about?
I love working with Galen because his voice is a perfect blend of soul and pop. The grit and emotional quality in his voice is palpable in his recordings--he’s truly has a unique voice. I’m a huge fan! We both live in Washington state, so it was somewhat easy to connect that way!
How did the song evolve and change throughout the writing and recording process?
The song started out as a club banger, with a super dancy quality. After working on it for a few months, I just had a deep feeling that it wasn’t going the right direction, so I stripped it back and slowed it down. I love how it turned out -- it’s just how I imagined.
The songs visual offers a behind the scenes glimpse into your creative process. Can you walk us through your process when it comes to conceptualising the clip for Everything and how involved are you with the development of the visuals?
Patrick Kehoe was the videographer for the video. He is Seattle-based. He took a lot of liberty on the visuals, and I LOVE how it turned out. I feel like the song itself, the studio setting, and the crisp visuals all meld together to create a perfect video.
What’s one line from the song you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
Without a doubt, my favorite line in the song (and also happens to be my favorite lyric line out of all of my songs) comes in verse 2: “my heart, I know it’s living in a suitcase making trips within the palm of your hand”. Damn, I love it.
If Everything was a piece of pre-existing visual art (painting, sculpture, photograph etc), which artwork would it be?
If Everything was a piece of pre-existing visual art, it would be the bubbles floating to the top in a Coca-Cola commercial.
How do you feel your music speaks to listeners, and what messages do you hope they take away from the song?
I hope my music helps listeners smile and remember that life is beautiful. I want my music to be the soundtrack they listen to when they need motivation and inspiration.
Could you talk us through your creative process when writing and recording songs?
I usually write a song on the piano, and then begin writing out parts on my computer. I sing rough vocals myself (not a great singer lol), but then begin hunting for the perfect vocalist. I usually end up recording vocals in Seattle with Andy Park (sound engineer) or in L.A. with Matt Anthony (sound engineer).
Will you be dropping a full length release this year? And what can fans expect from your future releases?
No full length this year, but I do have an epic EP coming out very soon!
Seattle has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite acts and why?
I have to say Macklemore and Pickwick (Galen’s band).
With everything that’s been happening in the world touring has changed, what are your 2021 touring plans, what can fans expect from a live show, and is there a chance we’ll see you performing in Australia when you are able to do so?
I would absolutely love to tour in Australia. I’m planning my tour as we speak and will really try to make Australia happen.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Jazz
Dream collaboration?
Dua Lipa
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Discovery
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Dance, sun, dope ass
Best song of 2021 so far?
Brother Leo - People
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
The Karate Kid
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Any Shania Twain song -- but super dancy
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Brighter Days - Sigala
First concert you went to?
Coldplay
First album you ever bought?
Presidents of the United States
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice Girl
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Pop Spice
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
I did a show at Seattle University that was epic -- people were dancing on stage and the venue had to power off the music to get people to settle down, lol.
Guilty music pleasure?
JB
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Brother Leo
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Hard to pick one: Freddy Mercury, Elton John, Coldplay
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now? Take a deep breath and enjoy every moment.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Age 5--I remember hearing a song on the radio and having a visceral desire to want to play that song on the piano. I taught myself to play a lot of songs by ear that way lol.
ความคิดเห็น