Start Listening To: Frozemode
Originating from the vibrant streets of London, Frozemode might just be the next big thing in British Hip-Hop.
Frozemode, the British trio hailing from London, is a remarkable example of a rising force in the world of alternative rap. With their high-energy, carefree, and in-your-face sound, Frozemode are impossible to ignore. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into the world of Frozemode, exploring their origins, their creative processes, their growing recognition in the music industry, and their aspirations for the future. The band's members – Cho Hollo, I.V. GATLIN, and Lisong – open up about their musical journey, influences, and the uniqueness that sets them apart in the world of alternative rap.
For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
We are Frozemode, three mates from London who make alternative rap music together. Our music is usually pretty high-energy, carefree and in your face with a lot of punk influence. We bring our everyday into our music and always keep it impulsive and in the moment so each track always feels different and naturally having three vocalists the songs always feel pretty dynamic.
Your recent single ‘Vermin’ is accompanied by a visually striking music video. Can you share the creative process behind co-directing the video and the ideas you aimed to convey through its visuals?
We made an in-depth shot list before the day we filmed the music video so the shoot-day could run fast and smooth. We wanted the visuals to be as dark, gritty and janky as the song sounds. The song does feel like a bit of a descent into madness in a way and definitely felt very nocturnal especially in comparison to some of our other songs so we did what we felt we needed to to achieve that.
You recently made your first appearance at the Reading & Leeds Festival, and it was a remarkable one. Can you describe the energy and experience of performing on the BBC Introducing stage?
It was sick. It was obviously one of the most important stages we’d ever performed on so we knew how lucky we were, so we all felt hella grateful and made sure to give every bit of energy we had to give the best show we could. We had so much fun.
Your co-producer for "Vermin" is band member I.V GATLIN. Can you elaborate on your collaborative creative process within the group and how each member contributes to your music?
(FYI- Gatlin didn’t co-produce vermin - he just co - directed the music video)
Our sessions are always open and they always change day to day. We aren’t the type of guys who stick to a formula or a set of rules when in a session. Our creative process is always pretty chaotic and impulsive. We never know what’s going to happen each day we start on a new song but we just start writing and spitting ideas to build something together. We always each write our own individual lyrics but are open to suggestions or notes from each other.
Your group seems to be the British answer to Brockhampton. How important is collaboration and creative control to you as a group?
Three heads are definitely better than one. We wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are now if there weren’t all three of us so collaboration is the key. We are open to creative suggestion from the outside but at the end of the day overall creative control of what we do is imperative for us to retain, this project wouldn’t work if we didn’t have that, it wouldn’t feel real anymore.
You've rapidly gained momentum as impressive live performers. Can you share your journey from having almost no live experience to performing at prestigious festivals?
We’ve done a lot of shows in the last year and definitely grown with every one. 2 of the members have had previous experience on stage as actors and that had definitely helped. It’s also great having 3 people who love performing and we bounce of each other well giving us all more confidence and the ability to take risks.
NME has recognised you as a "must-see act." How does this recognition and the growing anticipation for your performances affect your approach to your music and live shows?
For us live shows is a massive part of our identity and who we are as artists. We always want to have fun and give the audience something to remember. When we go into shows we want them to feel like they’re there on stage with us. When it comes to the music it depends on the track but with one like “Making It Up” it definitely plays a part when structuring the song and coming up with ideas.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?
Cho Hollo: Giggs - walk in da park, First time hearing gangster rap in a strong uk accent and he made it sound hella litt.
I.V.GATLIN : Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP, One of the best albums of all time in my opinion. The flows, the rhyme schemes, the story telling, the hooks, the production etc- Eminem is 100% in his prime here and I’ve learnt a lot from this album.
Lisong: Drake - Take Care, The mixture of singing and rap was something that really caught my attention. Also currently break up season for Lisong so definitely going to be back in rotation.
What do you love right now?
The new season of Jujutsu Kaisen.
What do you hate right now?
Still getting followed around shops by security at our big age.
Looking ahead, what can fans anticipate from Frozemode in the coming months or years, and are there any exciting collaborations, projects, or goals on the horizon?
We’re always looking to collaborate with sick artists, you gotta keep an eye out for what happens there. We’ve got a project coming out soon which we’re hella excited for which sort of rounds up this mad year. Goals… sky's the limit really, we want to take over the game.
