[Cover photo credit to Amber Gilbert]

Indie artist Ferry Townes has released her debut album Side Effects of Happiness via Licorice Pizza Records. For singer/songwriter Julia Gargano, this debut project as Ferry Townes marks a new chapter. The album focuses on the problems of young adulthood and for it, Gargano tries new sounds.

She says:

I had a huge catalog (of music) for everyone but me.

The album includes singles “Times Two” an exploration of heartache, “T.G.F.K” (Thank God For Kyle) an ode to her best friend, and the meditative “Be Here”. Alongside the single, Gargano has released a video for “Times Two”, rejoicing in being a party of one.

She reflects on the album:

Every page of lyrics tries to be closure to a tumultuous day, trying to compost the hard shit and turn it into energy, heartbreak into audacity, anxiousness into meditation. Nothing about life right now is normal and we are all off-roading emotionally and these songs should feel like a 4×4 for listeners. 

Born and raised in Staten Island, the artist’s use of the name Ferry Townes pays homage to The Staten Island Ferry, a symbol of her teen years commuting to LaGuardia High School, family days, dates, and watching the Statue of Liberty pass by.