)%20(Blog%20Banner)%20(4000%20%C3%97%201.png)
Freya Beer is a gothic noir songstress I first became aware of a couple of years ago via Instagram.
Ruby lipped, raven haired and siren eyed- I was struck by her bold enchantress image that seemed to reciprocate interest in old Hollywood glamour, rock and roll and a perhaps even occult-esque aesthetic. Neatly sealed by the perfect a name to match, 'Freya' evoking Goddess imagery [with reference to one of the Norse deities].
Impressed and intrigued by her clean execution, I dove into her tracks. I found myself enraptured by her magical yet gritty sound, sensual, witchy voice and poetic lyricism. Visceral yet heavenly. This is an artist I have been waiting for on the London scene, I thought. I then had a bit of a flash back.
'She seems like she might like Nick Cave' I thought, 'In fact, I'm sure I stood beside her at the Nick Cave concert at the O2 Arena back in September 2017? I'll ask her!'
So into Freya's DMs I trod. Was it her?! Disappointingly, no. But it broke the ice and over the last few years we developed built a sweet rapport with mutual artist support (and to answer the important question, yes, she likes Nick Cave).
It is no surprise to me that Freya's music is accelerating at the speed it is. She started her own label 'Sisterhood Records' in 2019 before her debut single 'Dear Sweet Rosie', drawing the attention and praise of BBC 6 Music who later invited her for a live session met with raving reviews and positive critical reception. In 2021 came her debut album 'Beast' which the British Library loved so much, they asked permission to archive it in the heritage catalogue. She recently secured her own show 'Freya's Gothic Disco' on Islington Radio, and earlier this month released a new single., the risqué, 'Fantasy'. You can catch her on tour this spring / summer [including festival dates] with details at www.freyabeer.com
I am super honoured that Freya, as a style icon as well as a musician, has agreed to this light hearted interview with Astral Apparel. Enjoy!
Freya, thank you for saying yes to this interview! What's happening in your world?:
At the moment the main focus is on my May tour. I just completed my northern dates!
If your personal style had its own spell, what it include?:
Oooh my spell would be to knock out all unnecessary negativity.
What are your dressing essentials?:
My dressing essential would be leather trousers, heeled boots, glitter on my eyes and red crimson lips.
What / who are your style inspirations?:
My style inspirations vary from different decades. I would definitely say my inspirations are Pamela Anderson from the 90s meet David Bowie’s the Man Who Fell to Earth 70s. Basically leather and metallics/glitter!
Who are your musical inspirations?:
My musical inspirations are Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Vanessa Paradis and a hint of Serge Gainsbourg.
What are your favourite eras of fashion and why?:
Favourite eras would have to be the 70s, 90s, and early 2000s. Majority of my style inspirations come from those decades.
Favourite fashion pieces from film, art and music?:
From a film it would have to be Morticia Addams dress from the Addams Family.
Art would be Rossetti’s ‘Proserpine’ dress.
Music would be Suzi Quatro’s leather jumpsuit.
How important is adornment and / or dressing to you?:
Very! I’ve always loved fashion. When I was younger I was obsessed with the Antwerp artist Ann Demeulemeester. I even started designing my own merch through painting my single artworks on plain button shirts.
Favourite places to go treasure hunting?:
The beach, of course!
When did you begin Songwriting?:
I began songwriting when I was around 10/11 years old. I started that young because it felt like my own diary and I was able to let out my feelings without feeling judged. It was a secret.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?:
Always vocal warm ups! But when I started out when I was younger I always had a thing about brushing my teeth before a show! Such a weirdo.
Any funny recording or live show anecdotes you would like to share?:
Nothing immediately springs to mind.
From most to least favourite, what do you prefer between writing, recording and performing?:
Wow this is a tough question!! So in order I would say performing, writing, and then recording.
What is the trickiest part about being an independent musician?:
The trickiest part would honestly have to be the funding of it all. I’ve been very lucky with have a management team who have helped massively with funding my art and I’m eternally grateful for that.
What is the most rewarding or fulfilling part?:
Having individuals come up to me and mention about how much they love a song or my album. That really inspires me to keep going.
I love the lo-fi effect you used in the 'Fantasy' video, which even with the renaissance of 80s/90s indie aesthetic, seems to be discouraged amongst independent artists utilising social media. In this age of super HD perfection where micro content is chronically pushed, I wonder on your musical journey so far have you been met with people telling you how to go about your art? What are your thoughts on this?:
Thank you! I love the lo-fi effect, it really completed the overall vibe of the music video. In terms of coming across people telling me what to do, I’ve come across it quite a bit actually, especially when I was in an educational environment, but it only gave me more ignition to pursue my vision.
What are the highlights of your career so far?:
Highlights so far would have to be releasing my debut album and then having the British Library asking if I want to induct it into their archive of British music history. Also playing the Isle of Wight festival in 2021!
If you could give another artist any advice, what would it be?:
As corny as it sounds, just be yourself. If you have a clear vision of how you want to represent yourself then stay true to it. No matter how big or small you are as an artist, there’s always individuals out there trying to change you or even just bring you down. To round up that advice is basically NEVER react to that type of crowd because all they’re after is a reaction.
What is next for you?:
Next up is playing more shows and recording the next single!
Find more on Freya Beer here:
Facebook: @freyabeerofficial
Twitter: @freyabeer
Instagram: @freya_beer