Welcome to L'FREAQ’s Dark Synth-Pop Kingdom —where darker lyrics, inclusivity, and the power of poetry reign. As if that doesn’t sound bad-ass enough, wait until you hear L'FREAQ’s new single “Showgirl”, which is a real demonstration of powerful lyrics backed by intentional artistry of sound. As a master of metaphors, L'FREAQ uses her music as a mode of critique of the facades of the music industry and society at large, and that’s exactly what you get in “Showgirl.” As an ally of everyone on the spectrum of gender and sexuality, bullies, racists, and sexists are not allowed in L'FREAQ's kingdom. She is a supporter of the Ally Coalition and frequently advocates for mental health awareness. We got to sit down with L'FREAQ to dive into her songwriting process, her advocacy work, and what keeps her inspired. Continue reading for our exclusive interview with L'FREAQ below!

Where are you based?
Out of Los Angeles, CA!

We can’t wait to talk about your music! But first, we have to ask, when did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
There’s not a time I can remember that I haven’t wanted to be a musician. I have footage of me singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at four years old. I also had an interesting upbringing in a music studio in Phoenix, Arizona where I met all kinds of musicians that inspired me. That really helped me feel like a career in music was possible.

How did you choose your stage name? What does it mean?
The name L’FREAQ came to me when I was living in New York. A friend asked me to go to a club (now closed) called FREQ. I loved the name and started thinking about the implications. This could be an opportunity to speak to all the “misfits” or “outsiders” like I felt growing up. It could be a word that is subverted to mean something positive instead of the negative connotation it sometimes receives. I fell in love with it from there.

Your most recent release Showgirl is powerful dark synth pop. What drew you to this genre?
I feel that it’s what comes quite naturally for me. I write darker lyrics and have been experimenting with more upbeat music lately, when usually my go-to is slower, more ballad-sounding songs. The dark synth pop sound feels like I can mend my love for dark lyrics and upbeat music.

Why do you call it a battle cry and what’s the story behind the song?
My mom and I went through some tough times together when I was a kid. We lived in an apartment with nothing but a card table and a blow up mattress. I wrote the song for her as a battle cry to continue moving forward through life’s difficulties.

How are things with your mom these days?
My mom is doing really well. She’s an incredible photographer and has had her work featured in Vogue. She’s currently in the states shooting for the first time since lockdown, as she lives in Australia. I’m grateful to have her here.

We know you love a good metaphor! How do you come up with sophisticated metaphors in your music and make them understandable and relatable? How do you use metaphor in Showgirl?
I do love a good metaphor. I wanted “showgirl” to be about what lies beneath the glitz and glamor of a facade. I find that metaphors are great vehicles for getting a point across poetically.

You also recently released your new music video for “Loud”. We love the angry girl vibes on this song and video. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired it and what you want your fans to get from the song and video?
I’ve always been into the riot grrrl movement of the 90’s and felt like this was my opportunity to really lean into that. I wrote the song with my co writer, Chris Ayer. We played badass movie scenes of women standing in their power on mute and let them inspire us. I wanted to write something about all the times I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough. I think we accomplished that.

Jejune loves that you’re an advocate for LBGTQ rights and mental health. You’ve worked with Ally Coalition and we would love to know more about your time with the organization and what you think is important about their work.
I think it’s incredibly important for anyone, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community to receive the mental health care that they deserve. Many people in low income situations do not have easy access to this. I appreciate that they are working on making it easier for them, and also promoting the acceptance movement.

You've also worked with Backline, performing at "Set Break" as a live stream alongside Alanis Morissette, Tom Morello, Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and more to raise funds and awareness for mental health services to be distributed to the music industry for free. Can you tell our readers about this organization and what inspired you to partner with them? What was it like performing alongside such legends?
It was incredible to perform at Set Break. I think as musicians and artists we can be such incredibly sensitive people that don’t necessarily always have the right tools to deal with our mental health. In the show I talked about an experience I had that actually ended up inspiring the first single from my new record, Gimmick. It was about a judge on a singing show calling me “gimmicky.” Mentally I had to deal with the weight of that for months after; not feeling good enough, feeling depressed, wishing things had gone differently. But it was through mental health services, help from family and friends, and learning to really care for myself that I was able to get through it.

Mental health has been a big problem during the pandemic. How have you been staying sane during these times?
Honestly, it has been a struggle for me. I have my good and bad days. I try to do tasks that really ground me like meditation, yoga, and journaling. When I have a strong morning routine it helps me get off on the right foot. And, once again, the strength of my family and friends always helps.

Do you have any advice for our readers?
Be you. I know it’s hard to find your authenticity in a world of social media where everyone posts their best selves. I still struggle with this. But remind yourself that socials are highlight reels. Everyone is going through something behind their screen. It takes a lot of bravery to be the real you. Show yourself off for the world to see.

What’s your life motto?
Lately, I’ve been realizing how short life is. So sometimes I like reminding myself of Carl Sagan’s “pale blue dot” speech. We are lucky enough to be alive on a spinning rock in the vastness of space. Use your talent now. Add to the collective of art and voices. You are unique and needed.

To learn more about L'FREAQ please follow her via the below platforms:
Website: lfreaq.co m
Instagram: lfreaq
Facebook: lfreaq
Twitter: lfreaq

Welcome to L'FREAQ's Dark Syth-Pop Kingdom