FEATURE: Spotlight: Freya Beer — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

Freya Beer

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I have been meaning…

PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Stone

to spotlight Freya Beer for years now. I have taken the opportunity now as I know there is news afoot. Last year, she released the brilliant singles, Tatianna and False Hope. Cry Baby came out earlier this year. Such a distinct and arresting artist, there is someone I can recommend to everyone. I have been following her for a long time now and love everything that she puts out. I am going to get to some interviews with this incredible talent. Go and follow Beer on social media. If you need some convincing as to why she is worth your time and energy, then I hope what I am about to include sells it! Even though the interviews are from 2023/last year, it is important to head back to a year where she was very busy and was gaining a lot of new attention. I am not sure what is around the corner, though it seems that something might be brewing. I want to start out with an interview from 2023. Talking around the release of FANTASY/GALORE, it was a moment in Freya Beer’s career when she was still seen as ‘emerging’. Maybe she still is, though I do feel she has established herself as someone very much here to stay. An artist who has staked her claim. There is plenty ahead. This is what Northern Exposure Magazine asked the phenomenal Freya Beer:

“Your new double A-side single “FANTASY” is described as ‘celebrating the uncensored version of ourselves that we become in our wildest daydreams’. Where did this idea originate?

The idea originated from coming across certain emotions which you may not have felt before, some of us experience this in our adolescent years but for me, being a introverted youngster, it was only coming into my adult life I began to come across different thoughts and feelings which were new to me. Fantasy is about accepting those feelings, no matter how sexual they are!

“GALORE” is about “people who are infatuated with something” Has there been someone or something that inspired you to write this track?

I wouldn’t say it was someone in particular but other people experiences of this. It’s quite a psychological subject so to speak I thought it was an interesting topic to write a song about.

All the critics and music fans lauded your debut album ‘Beast’ for its excellent lyrics, production and sound. How would you say your songwriting process evolved from your debut album ‘Beast’ to “FANTASY” // “GALORE”?

I think my song-writing in Fantasy/Galore touches upon darker subjects which I didn’t come across when writing Beast. I’m always very picky with the words I use in my songs and I think Fantasy in particular will catch the listeners ear as I lyrically it’s quite sexual.

I noticed that you release via your own label Sisterhood Records. What made you start your own label, and what has running a label taught you about the music industry?

The decision of starting a label was suggested by my management team. I honestly never thought I would have my own label but it’s such a great idea as you have free reign to release whatever you want.

On that note… What is the most valuable advice you’ve ever received in the music industry?

The most valuable advice to me is that you won’t be able to please everyone. There’ll always be someone amongst the shadows trying to pick out flaws in your art, so you might as well just carry on what you’re doing. If you come across this type of crowd then you must be doing something interesting otherwise they wouldn’t put all their energy into you.

As an artist, you have a very defined visual style as well in your photographs and videos. How much thought do you put into that side of things?

I’ve always loved visuals, whether that’s paintings or cinema. My visual aesthetic is a huge part of my music as it compliments the listening experience. I’ve found that naturally I’m evolving my image as I release new music.

I see that poetry and art have heavily inspired your music… Who is your favourite poet and artist and what is it about them that influences you so much?

My favourite poet would have to be Charles Bukowski, some may say he was a controversial guy but the raw bitter truth which lies upon his words really resonates to me. The first poem I came across of his was ‘So You Want to Be a Writer’, and as a young creative coming across this poem at the age 16, it really gave me confidence to believe in my art and if I want it that badly it will come”.

Early last year, Fresh on the Net chatted with Freya Beer. She was looking ahead to some dates supporting John Cooper Clarke during his U.K. spoken word tour. It must have been a dream come true when those dates happened. Since then, Beer has been played by stations including BBC Radio 6 Music. She is an artist that I know is going to be around for years more:

“You’re an artist from West London, how did it all begin for you?

I’ve been putting music out for years, I was a young teenager when I started and I only did it for fun. Writing has always been a huge part of my life, whether that’s to write a song or poem or even just to vent! It was really in 2019, when I teamed up with my amazing management and released Dear Sweet Rosie that my journey into the industry began.

What did you listen to growing up?

I listened to various styles of music growing up. What I was really drawn towards was Country music and French music, an interesting combination but I was obsessed. From Johnny Cash to Serge Gainsbourg, I was sold.

You also did some lockdown cover versions — what was your favourite to perform?
My favourite was Happiness Is A Butterfly by Lana Del Rey. I thought the song showed off my voice, and it was nice to sing something slow for a change.

You’ve also been featured on BBC Introducing Live Lounge, what was that like?

Incredible. Truly grateful for all the support the BBC and BBC Introducing has given me over the past few years. It felt very rewarding doing a live lounge for them.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I’m currently listening to the French band Juniore. The lead singer, Anna, her voice reminds me of François Hardy, who I absolutely adore. Also! I had the opportunity to support them a few years ago and they gave me a cassette of their album which was very kind”.

I am going to finish off with an interview with an interview from last September from Babystep Magazine. With new music out, it was a perfect time to shine a light on Freya Beer. I am pumped to see what comes next for her. This is a very special talent. Keep an eye on her social media channels to see what is going on. I feel like we will see this artist play some massive stages soon enough (though she has already played the London Palladium!):

“You've built a reputation for blending gothic and disco elements in your music. How did these influences shape the sound of your upcoming EP Tatianna and how does it differ from your previous work?

My EP ‘Tatianna’ in comparison to my debut album ‘Beast’ is a lot more maturer I believe. The sound of this EP feels solid, and that I’ve secured my place in the world of Goth but I never want to pigeon hole myself to one brand or genre. I wouldn’t say that my music is your typical Disco record but I was really inspired by an artist called Zella Day whose recent catalogue is a mix of Disco and Pop. It’s interesting to look at how artists and bands are using the element of Disco in their work without being too obvious. My album ‘Beast’ was a lot darker than ‘Tatianna’ but like I mentioned before that was a different time and I feel way more confident in my art now.

You’ve had the unique opportunity to open for John Cooper Clarke with both your music and poetry. How does your background as a poet influence your songwriting and performances?

I started writing when I was very young, I don’t know if I would class that as poetry or songs but I wrote because I loved taking my imagination on a journey to a world which I created. I soon discovered poetry and adored the use of words I would come across. I would note down any words or subjects which a poem would be about and used it as inspiration for my songwriting.

With your extensive UK tour coming up, how do you prepare for such an intense schedule, and what can fans expect from your live shows this time around?

In general, I’m a very organised person and I love a good schedule so therefore it’s not too stressful when I have a huge tour coming up. A big part of this organisation is by my incredible managment team, who have been planning it all. When it comes to the live shows, I’ve been really picky this time round about how I want the stage to look. I’ve been doing a lot of research and figuring out how to bring out my aesthetic within the live performances.

Running your own label, Sisterhood Records, has given you creative control over your releases. How has this independence impacted your career, and what advice would you give to other artists looking to go the independent route?

The independence of releasing under your own terms is empowering and inspiring because no one is telling you to go down a certain route or portray yourself in a way you’re not comfortable with. If you know what you want to put out into the ether of the music world then definitely feel confident in releasing under your own label. I’ve found it inspires others and realistically it’s not that hard if you’re prepared and well organised”.

I am going to finish off here. Someone I have a lot of admiration for, Freya Beer needs to be on your radar. Cry Baby is another slice of gold from someone who grows better by the release. Such a remarkable talent who you cannot easily compare to anyone. An original in my view. In a busy and crowded music industry, you cannot say that of every artist! Do yourself a favour and spend some time…