(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

It all started in London, not with fame or big studios, but with small gigs and chance meetings. Issy Ferris was singing folk songs, quiet, emotional, and heartfelt. Across the same music scene, Archie Sylvester was doing something a little different, leaning more into blues and rock, with a rougher edge. They were playing in the same circles, especially around Camden, where musicians come and go every night chasing something bigger.

Then one day around 2016, they met. At first, it was just another introduction between musicians. But when they started playing together, something clicked almost immediately. Their voices fit together in a way that felt natural, like they had been singing side by side for years. Issy’s softer, folk-style voice blended perfectly with Archie’s gritty blues tone. Before long, they weren’t just collaborating; they were building something real.

Like a lot of artists, they didn’t begin with money or big backing. Instead, they did things themselves. They wrote songs in their flat in South London. They recorded music with what they had. They played wherever they could. In 2017, they released their first EP, The Yellow Line. It didn’t make them stars overnight, but it got people to start to take notice and pay attention.

Then came Made in Streatham in 2018. This one really started to turn heads. One of the songs, “London’s Blues,” started spreading online. People connected with it. It felt real, like it came from actual life, not just a polished studio idea. The EP even climbed to the top of the iTunes singer-songwriter chart, which was a big deal for two artists doing everything on their own.

After that, things started picking up fast. They toured a lot. Small venues, big venues, festivals, anywhere that would have them. And this is where Ferris & Sylvester really built their reputation. Because live, they were different. They didn’t just play songs, they felt them. Their performances were intense, emotional, and sometimes almost explosive. People would walk in not knowing who they were and leave as fans.

They even got to open for major artists like Robert Plant and George Ezra, which brought them in front of much bigger audiences. Music magazines and critics started noticing too. Some even called them one of the most exciting new acts in the Americana and folk world.

If you want to support the team and everything we do here at Soundwave, consider donating to The Soundwave Foundation!
Our donor base keeps us truly independent and free—no paywalls on any of our content, no corporate strings attached. Your support lets us stay focused on what matters: delivering daily coverage of the great music being made today, preserving the history that got us here, and expanding with more shows, interviews, live broadcasts, and deep dives into indie and alternative rock. Every contribution—big or small—helps fuel our growth and ensures this space remains open and accessible for fans and artists alike. Donations are tax-deductible through our nonprofit partnership with Fractured Atlas.

Share This story.

Written By: Ginny Gaines

(Report)