Cate Ferris

Cate Ferris

Cate Ferris is a United Kingdom singer-songwriter based in Brighton. Her music draws on folk and dark soul, with largely acoustic arrangements, hard-hitting lyrics and intricate harmonies. She performs as a solo artist using guitar, keyboard, a loop station and drum, and she also works under the wonkypop genre tag.

Background and early development

Ferris begins songwriting at the age of eleven. She first performs on the grand piano at her school, playing for the cleaners after lessons, then for friends, family and local audiences. Six years later, after deciding that a keyboard is too difficult to travel with, she teaches herself guitar and travels to Israel and then India. In India she studies classical Indian flute and singing.

Band work and collaborations

After returning to the UK, Ferris joins the indie band Oceana and expands her vocal style while exploring heavier forms of music. She later spends three years writing and performing before forming Afterspark with bassist Adam Staff. The pair self-release an album titled Sometimes we Forget. Ferris also supports acts including Aqualung during this period.

Alongside her solo work, Ferris works with Disraeli and the Small Gods. She writes and records the song Minus 2 Degrees, produced by Nick Manasseh and released by Roots Garden Records, and also records Shine with Brighton duo Nordic Giants.

Solo work

Ferris develops a solo project built around her voice and acoustic instruments. Her planned first album includes the songs Hurricane Skies, How to do Magic Tricks and Trapeze. She also performs live versions of these songs online.

Label

Ferris is associated with Audio Network.