INTERVIEW: FREYA BEER
With influences ranging from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Cat Power to Kate Bush, Freya Beer combines poetic lyrics with a distinctive sound. As a ten-year-old, Beer began writing lyrics, which led to her performing her songs with just a guitar at 16 years old.
Her debut single ‘Bike Boy’ was self-released in 2018 during her time studying ‘Music Performance’. BBC Introducing and a multitude of music blogs had all given the single positive reviews. A successful release of ‘Bike Boy’ led to the release of ‘Six Months’, which was also well received and landed the artist a BBC Introducing Solent Live Lounge Session, a feature on BBC Radio 6 and a BBC Wales feature.
“Fantasy” // “Galore” is Freya’s first new music of 2023, as she prepares the follow-up to her acclaimed debut album “Beast”. Freya Beer uses these two new tracks to explore what drives our deepest desires while displaying two very different sides of her artistic abilities. The lyrics play with lucid fantasies and shadowy realities, delving into all that tempts us.
Rachel caught up with Freya to chat about her latest couple of singles and upcoming gigs.
Can you give our readers an introduction to you and your music…
I would describe my music as goth-pop, I take a lot of my influence from art and poetry so therefore my lyrics are very poetical. The overall aesthetic of my music I call a gothic-disco.
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.
In regards to your craft, what is a habit you have implemented over the years that has led to a massive growth in your work?
If I’m writing a song which I don’t think is great I really force myself to finish it. I don’t like unfinished business, in life really, so when it comes to writing a song I get myself to finish it and then set it aside. At least then I didn’t give up on it.
Some artists feel accomplishment when they get tons of streams, for others when they get to express that particular idea, and for some, they feel accomplishment when they see their music bring joy… For you, when are you most fulfilled when you are making music?
I’m most fulfilled when individuals reach out to me to say how much they connect to the songs.
You have gigs up and down the UK in April and May. What can we expect from the shows? Does a lot of thought and planning go into your performances?
You can expect new songs and possibly a cover…maybe. In terms of planning, I’m a routine person so when I adapt this to my performances I feel at ease. Even if it’s the order of who goes on stage first.
Freya Beer plays the following dates in May…
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