Freya Ridings, the British singer-songwriter known for her hauntingly beautiful ballads, has undergone a profound transformation in her career. Emerging from a tumultuous period marked by self-doubt and panic attacks, Ridings is reclaiming her narrative and artistic identity. With a new album on the horizon, she reflects on the struggles that have shaped her music and the empowering journey that brought her to this pivotal moment.
A Battle with Self-Doubt
Despite the anthemic sound of her latest tracks, Ridings has not always exuded the confidence of a seasoned artist. During the recording of her second album, *Blood Orange*, she found herself in a creative crisis. “I was questioning and doubting myself more than I ever had,” Ridings confided to BBC News. Panic attacks plagued her studio sessions, clouding her artistic vision. The pressure to collaborate with high-profile producers left her feeling constrained and vulnerable.
“It wasn’t my choice to be with those people,” she recalled. The environment was predominantly male-dominated, making it difficult for her to express her true self. “I got hammered a little bit. It kind of broke my spirit,” she admitted. The downsizing of her record label during the pandemic compounded her struggles, as the supportive figures from her debut album had disappeared. The breakdown of her relationship with her manager further contributed to a sense of toxicity that loomed over her creative process.
Taking Control
With her mental health suffering and her music career in jeopardy, Ridings experienced a turning point. Following the lacklustre reception of *Blood Orange*, she was dropped by her label, leading to a public breakdown during an Instagram live session. “I was falling through the cracks,” she said, “but my fans caught me.”
In a bid to reclaim her autonomy, Ridings made a bold decision to take charge of her career. She purchased her own plane ticket to Los Angeles to collaborate with Jen Decilveo, a producer whose work she admired. “I was crapping myself,” she laughed, recalling the nerves of deviating from the path set for her. But this act of defiance ignited a new flame within her.
Energised by her newfound freedom, Ridings spent a year in Los Angeles, writing and rediscovering her passion for music. “I didn’t really have the money to do that, but I was determined,” she noted. The song “Euphoria” emerged from this period, encapsulating her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
A New Musical Chapter
As Ridings penned her new album, *Mother of Pearl*, she embraced her roots and the themes of resilience and rebellion. The album features tracks that reflect her personal experiences, including “RUOK,” a poignant ballad reaching out to a friend in distress, and “I Have Always Loved You,” which explores the intricacies of unspoken love.
Her family background also plays a significant role in her storytelling. Inspired by the love story of her parents, Ridings weaves narratives that resonate with her audience. “It’s like folklore in our family,” she shared, recounting how her father’s performance in Coventry led to a serendipitous encounter with her mother.
The recording process for her third album was vastly different from her previous experience. Surrounded by supportive producers who believed in her vision, Ridings felt a sense of camaraderie that had been absent before. “It was like being in the studio with friends,” she reflected.
Now aligned with a new team and a record label that champions her artistry, Ridings is set to release her album on 29 May. Early reactions from her recent Australian tour with OneRepublic have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a promising new chapter for the artist.
Why it Matters
Freya Ridings’ story is not merely one of personal triumph; it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of authenticity in the music industry. Her journey from a place of despair to one of empowerment illustrates the power of reclaiming control over one’s narrative. As she prepares to launch her new album, Ridings embodies the resilience of artists who refuse to be silenced by external pressures. Her music, now infused with a sense of self-assurance, resonates not only with her fans but also inspires others navigating their own struggles.
