With their infectious enthusiasm and knack for turning a catchy original into something even more electrifying, FREAK SHOW has become a name to watch in the buzzing alternative music scene. Their cover of Hotel Ugly's ‘Shut Up My Moms Calling’ blew up almost immediately, gaining them a loyal fanbase and sparking viral attention online.
As the story goes, “One year ago I was sitting in my bedroom studying the original song. It was too damn good I must've listened to it 100 times. I decided to make a cover so I could get it out of my head.”
One year on from that pivotal moment and the world has fallen in love with FREAK SHOW’s cover, so we decided it was only fitting to get in touch and learn a bit more about what they’re getting up to next.
Thank youfor taking the time to speak with ustoday! Let’s get stuck right into things - when did you first start making music, how did it all come together?
“In middle school me and my friend Guro would hack the computers to use free DAWs and I've been making music since. I started out as a ghost producer and made dubstep from time to time. I was burning with passion and was learning anything I could (except music theory lmao).”
You’ve been getting a wave of new attention lately; how would you describe your sound?
“I wouldn't say I'm too different from others yet, but I do feel like it's authentic and that's what matters to me most. Overall, I have an RnB/trap sound, but also plenty of rage alongside that. I do love to challenge the expectations of society.”
Have there been any artists, moments, or experiences that have influenced your music in a big way?
“This has changed a lot throughout time and I don't have many ‘idols’ these days. However, there are plenty of Artists I love to study! Virtual Riot, Fineas, Nascar Aloe, Gorillaz, and many more. I find these artists influence my sound at times.”
Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on at the moment?
“Upcoming I have a lot of things happening. I just officially launched my Collective ‘The Dollhouse’ and we're about to drop merch, music services, fundraisers, all sorts of shit it's gonna be great! An absolute takeover.”
What is your songwriting process when you’re approaching a new release?
“Throughout my day I think about music and I hop on my laptop every chance I get. When it comes to the production process I like to call it ‘Organized Chaos’. Music is art and art is how we share our feelings, tell stories, and see a glimpse inside the mind of another individual. When I'm telling my stories and sharing my feelings I lay it out raw and honest. I think of my catalogue like a journal, where I can scribble and write whatever I want. I never start any particular way nor do I stick with any routine.”
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?
“The story maybe. or just the authenticity. A good message is awesome but a good message with an amazing performance and awesome instrument choice and oh man did you hear those drums?! you get the point. something that leaves an impression. I listen to many genres and many artists within each. a lot of indie artists are starting to compete with these mainstream ones.”
What’s next for you as an artist?
“I plan on working with my collective to get started on Launching our Clothing line and helping our community. We have come up with so many amazing ideas for content, stunts, partnerships and future projects to come! My ultimate goal is for ‘The Dollhouse’ to become the middleman for indie artists and record labels, small businesses, and corporations. So that the world can be drowned in art!”
What advice would you give to bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to find their sound?
“There's nothing I can tell you a YouTube tutorial can't, but in my experience I've learned one very important thing so far and that is to never stop learning. Baboom. A lot of folks get full of themselves and stop trying to learn then end up in a loop of ‘What do’ where they cluelessly try to learn something they don't even know what to look for. This was me. Often.”
“I was very self-absorbed and took a break from learning and just like that I stopped making music altogether. For a while, I was miserable and didn't know why. I sat behind my Computer and wrote a song about it. [The] next day I got myself a popsicle, mastered that song, and released it two weeks later.”
What has been your best moment as a musician so far?
“I got a $5 Check in the mail from BMI. it's sitting on a granite card holder on my desk.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience?
“Greatly appreciate being able to share my stories and talk to you all. I wish the best in your endeavours and the worst on UMG.”
FREAK SHOW isn't just about making good music – they're about challenging the status quo. Their blend of raw talent, unfiltered honesty, and disdain for industry giants makes them an artist to watch – and a force to be reckoned with. ‘The Dollhouse’ signals much more than just a collective; it's the start of a movement to reshape the music scene, where authenticity and artistic vision conquer manufactured hits.
It's clear that FREAK SHOW is just getting started.
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