The audience experienced a wealth of musicianship brought to the stage as Freya officially launched her latest single "Barfly". Performing as a soloist and as part of numerous line-ups during the evening, an eclectic range of musical instruments and styles were explored. After wetting our appetite with a number of acoustic arrangements following with guest performers and a string quartet, the crowd was excited as Freya introduced her band "The Brutal Moon". The band joined Freya in performing her cleverly written single "Barfly". Space on the dance floor began to shrink as they played everything from funky folk riffs to jazzy rhythms and reggae styles.

As you entered Mojos, you were welcomed with homemade brownies and sausage rolls, the perfect appetisers for such an intimate setting and the introspective works performed. With two talented female acoustic support acts commencing the show, the audience was ready for an enjoyable evening of emotive lyrics and inspiring performances.

Freya opened with many of early works. A warm atmosphere was created as she shared thoughts and life anecdotes with the audience, between playing a range of older and more current material. An impressive vocal range, particularly her beautiful lower register, made way for the inclusion of well rehearsed harmonies. Vocal harmonies remained an integral part of all compositions and ensembles throughout the evening.

Freya's musicality was evident with her uniquely structured compositions. Unusual key changes and time sequences particularly characterised songs played with the string quartet. The smooth folksy sounds of the strings were the perfect compliment to such pure vocals and meaningful lyrics. This originality was again evident in the interesting rhythms emanated through the band.

Freya and The Brutal Moon had fantastic appeal and variety within their sound. The precise fast paced bongo work, coupled with the deep humming of the double bass and rhythmic guitar made you feel as if you were on a tropical island participating in a tribal dance festival. In contrast a couple of their tunes could be very much likened to an Irish Jig, whereas others had a chilled reggae feel about them.

There were a number of guest performers, playing a mix of instruments. Freya graced us with her ability as a flautist, others played shakers, trumpets and my personal favourite - the alligator shaped xylophone. A celebratory atmosphere was created with good music by real musicians. The stand out song for the night was definitely the single 'Barfly'. The crowd danced as they listened to the brilliantly honest lyrics of the funky folk song.

Freya executes a humble, earthy, professional presentation, well reflecting her gifted song writing ability. A talented performer, she engages the audience with her beautiful nature and talented musicianship. If you're interested in listening to emotive lyrics that tell a story and appreciate real musical talent then definitely check out Freya!

Gifted writing expressed through song
Folksy melodies, tapping along
Earthy and spiritual, with vocals so pure
She strums her guitar with enticing allure:
A talented musician with complex arrangements
As a soloist or with the band - good entertainment
Emotion and passion with every tune
Check out "Freya and The Brutal Moon"

(Skye Fitzgerald)

****

What style of music do you most closely identify yourself with and how long have you been playing around Perth venues?

As much as it has a bit of a jaded wrap, I'd have to say that folk is the most central genre in my music. It makes up the foundation of the songs I think, and then I try to always explore new territory with where they go. I try to write more in the style that the song calls for, instead of what genre I'd like it to be in. Songs are like kids, you never know what personality they'll take on, and you can't really control that either!

I've been back in Perth (from Melbourne) for 3 years, and have been playing that whole time around town (mostly the Freo area) but it's been in the last 12 months that I've got the hang of the place and how it works, and I've been working harder too, so more gigs come out of that.

After years of performing as a solo artist, what made you decide to create a band?

I love playing solo, so it's not something I was in a rush to move away from. However, the songs I'd written have more complexity (to me) than what I can manage to present with guitar accompaniment only. Like colouring in pictures, with outline only, sort of. Although there is a real rawness and intimacy to that style that I really love, it's amazing to hear the songs come alive with the band, and other people's ideas and colours added - opening up the songs to other people's creativity is a great sharing process, and can add a lot more meaning.

How has your musical career been affected since performing with your band 'the Brutal Moon'?

So many more gig opportunities! And so much more organization, management, etc. So it's sort of opened everything up hugely, which is equally as much more fun as it is more work!

Being such a talented lyricist, do you have a main source of inspiration for your work?

Thank you! I think I just love language, and respect any artist who shares the passion of emoting through use of words, and who craft their lyrics with intelligence and feeling. And life itself gives you plenty of inspiration and emotional fuel to drive any creative medium…

Was there a particular venue or event that inspired the lyrics for the single 'Barfly'?

No, it was born out of experiencing similar situations time after time. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have felt the need to get it off my chest! It was sort of my revenge for not feeling like I was being respected in the venues where I was playing, but in a tongue and cheek way, because actually playing in the hard-core pubs was the best musical apprenticeship -. I value the experience enormously now, as it's made me a less precious performer!!!

What do you love most about performing?

Feeling a connection with a group of people (the audience) that wouldn't be possible otherwise. You can't just waltz into an unknown gathering and form a bond with people, but performing presents you with that incredible privilege.

After the official 'Barfly' launch, what's next on the agenda?

In January we have some regional shows but the focus is on recording, and then by February we'll be back into gigging in Perth, leading up to the album launch! Fingers crossed…

****

Place your mouse over
pics for a larger view

© 2006 - WA Gig Guide