Freya Ridings, the singer-songwriter who captured hearts with her emotive ballad “Lost Without You” in 2018, has emerged from a tumultuous period of self-doubt and external pressure to reclaim her artistry. As she prepares to unveil her highly anticipated third album, *Mother of Pearl*, Ridings reflects on the struggles that nearly derailed her career and how a single act of rebellion ignited her creative resurgence.
The Weight of Expectations
Despite the powerful sound of her latest singles, one might assume that Ridings feels like a formidable warrior in the music industry. However, she confesses that the recording sessions for her new material were rife with anxiety. “I was questioning and doubting myself more than I ever had,” she shared in an interview with BBC News. This crisis of confidence stemmed from the release of her second album, *Blood Orange*, a project that left her feeling out of control and compromised.
Having burst onto the scene with her Brit Award-nominated debut, Ridings was thrust into the spotlight, celebrated for her stirring vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Yet, the pressure of working with high-profile producers for her follow-up was overwhelming. “I hated it,” she admits. “It wasn’t my choice to be with those people.” The environment, dominated by male producers, stifled her creativity and left her feeling vulnerable and defeated, leading her to describe the experience as “toxic.”
A Defining Moment
As Ridings grappled with her eroded confidence, the pandemic further complicated her situation. Her record label underwent downsizing, and the team that had originally supported her was gone. To make matters worse, her relationship with her manager deteriorated, leaving her feeling isolated in an industry that thrives on collaboration. “I felt petrified because other people were petrified for me,” she reflects, a sentiment that resonated deeply as she navigated her artistic identity.
In early 2023, *Blood Orange* debuted in the Top 10 but quickly fell off the charts. Shortly after its lacklustre performance, Ridings was dropped by her label. During a vulnerable Instagram Live session, she revealed her breakdown to her fans, stating, “I was falling through the cracks, but my fans caught me.” With no label backing her and no financial support, she managed to sell out a 32-date European tour, a testament to her unwavering connection with her audience.
It was during this period of uncertainty that Ridings made a pivotal decision. Eager to collaborate with the acclaimed US producer Jen Decilveo, she discovered that her former manager had discouraged the partnership without informing her that Decilveo was interested. Frustrated and feeling controlled, Ridings took a bold step: “I paid for my own ticket and I got on the plane anyway.”
“I was crapping myself,” she admits, recalling the mix of fear and exhilaration that accompanied her choice to break free from convention. “I felt scared, like a naughty schoolchild, because this was the first time in a long time where I hadn’t done exactly what I was told.”
Rebirth in Los Angeles
Ridings’ journey to Los Angeles marked a significant turning point. Despite financial constraints, she was resolute in her belief that her creativity was not extinguished. “I still believed there was something here. It wasn’t dead, and I wanted it to grow back,” she asserts. The song “Euphoria” became a testament to her newfound self-belief, encapsulating the emotions of her journey with lines that echo her Celtic heritage.
As she honed her sound, Ridings returned to her roots, performing her works-in-progress at intimate venues across LA. This approach allowed her to gather feedback from her audience, fostering a genuine connection that ultimately influenced her songwriting. Among the album’s highlights are poignant tracks such as “RUOK,” a heartfelt outreach to a friend, and “I Have Always Loved You,” which captures the delicate dance of unspoken feelings between friends.
Ridings also weaves in personal family history, recounting the charming tale of how her parents met in Coventry in 1983 during a one-man show her father performed. “It’s like folklore in our family; we know every single phrase of that story,” she smiles, illustrating the close-knit bonds that have shaped her perspective.
A New Chapter
As the recording sessions for her third album progressed, Ridings experienced a transformation. The panic attacks that had plagued her dissipated as she collaborated with producers who shared her vision, such as Sam De Jong, Fraser T Smith, and Toby Gad. “It was like being in the studio with friends,” she recalls, contrasting it with her prior experiences. However, when she sent the completed tracks to her manager, they went unheard for a year, prompting her to sever ties and seek new representation.
Now signed with BMG, Ridings feels invigorated and ready to share *Mother of Pearl*, set for release on 29 May. The album has already generated buzz during her recent tour of Australia with OneRepublic, a clear indication that her artistic comeback is resonating with audiences.
Reflecting on her journey, Ridings acknowledges the immense emotional weight behind her music. “A lot of these songs were rebellions. I used them to rebuild myself, piece by piece, brick by brick,” she explains, a powerful testament to her resilience.
Why it Matters
Freya Ridings’ story is one of reclamation—a reminder that the path to authenticity in artistry is often fraught with challenges. Her journey from self-doubt to empowerment not only inspires her fans but also serves as a beacon for artists grappling with similar struggles. In an industry that can be stifling and demanding, Ridings’ defiance in the face of adversity reaffirms the importance of staying true to oneself. As she prepares to launch her new album, the world eagerly awaits the evolution of a talent that has not only survived but thrived through the storm.
