Freya Beer talks songwriting, Lana Del Rey, and her new single, ‘The Calm Before The Storm’.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about the music that you make?

My name is Freya Beer, I’m originally from West London but currently residing in Dorset. I like to describe my music as a ‘Gothic Ritual’ and heavy on the drums!

What is your songwriting process like?

My songwriting process can vary. Naturally, I’m always writing something daily whether that’s a couple of lines of poetry or just words I come across and like the sound of! When I write I’ve found that I work best with starting off with a drum beat and building lyrics from there. The guitars usually come last most of the time.

Can you tell us about what went into your new single, ‘The Calm Before The Storm’?

I like to describe this song as the sister to ‘Dear Sweet Rosie’. It definitely has the intense elements of strong drums and a riff which immediately catches your attention when first listening to it. 

How was the track produced? Can we expect similar production across the rest of the upcoming debut?

‘The Calm Before the Storm’ was produced by Peter Hobbs (from The Boy Least Likely To) and recorded all over the UK during the pandemic. This was the same for the rest of my songs on my upcoming album Beast. It was a learning experience as we all had to adjust to using recording softwares and “upping” our equipment to sound the best as we could from home.

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences would probably be Patti Smith, Nick Cave and Brian Wilson.

What do you hate most right now?

I hate the unpredictability of the government’s decisions right now.

What do you love most right now?

From looking back at the past year of being in constant lockdowns, I love looking back at all the online gigs and events I was part of. It just shows that even though we weren’t able to leave our homes we can still connect and gain a strong presence online.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

So, I have a few in mind but I think the most interesting dream collaboration of mine would be working with someone like Lana Del Rey. I adore her songwriting/poetry and think our voices together would sound like milk and honey!

Now that things are easing up around the world, do you have any live shows in the works?

Yes! I have a month-long UK tour in November/December which I can’t wait for! 

How would you say that your move to the south coast has influenced your music?

I moved to the south coast from London when I was quite young with my family so personally I think my influences come from my own research over the years of growing up.

What are your personal top three releases, if you had to choose, from this year?

My top three releases from this year would be, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land by Marina, Chemtrails Over the Country Club by Lana Del Rey and Carnage by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

At risk of playing favourites, and before we have a full frame of reference with its release, of which track on the album are you proudest?

Honestly, I’m proud of every single one of them haha! They all have their own vibe and influences.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Big thanks to those who have been following my music! I really appreciate the support.