Haute & Freddy, the LA-based pop duo of Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp, are sending a jolt through TikTok with their maximalist, Regency-styled songs that evoke the synth-heavy sounds of the 1980s. With shades of Erasure and a touch of theatrical flair, the pair are reviving the decade’s beloved synthpop sound and captivating audiences across the platform.
Despite the industry’s recent shift away from the ’80s aesthetic, Haute & Freddy are proving that the era’s influence is far from over. The duo, who have co-written for the likes of Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, and Britney Spears, have channeled their experience into crafting their own distinct sound – one that favours maximalism, with orchestral flourishes, thunderous stadium drums, and lyrics that emote wildly.
Their latest single, “Dance the Pain Away,” is a dazzling sad-pop production that bursts through the January gloom, thrusting a spritzer in your hand and beckoning you to the dancefloor. Filled with the ghosts of synth-pop classics like “West End Girls” and “Smalltown Boy,” the track pays homage to the past while carving out a fresh, captivating identity.
While Haute & Freddy’s visual aesthetic may seem meticulously constructed, with nods to the Regency era and Elizabeth I-inspired eyebrows, the duo’s music is anything but contrived. Their seven singles to date showcase a genuine passion for the sounds of the ’80s, delivered with a thrilling, unapologetic energy that is sure to resonate with TikTok’s synth-loving audience.
As the pop landscape continues to evolve, Haute & Freddy’s maximalist approach serves as a reminder that the enduring appeal of the ’80s synth-pop sound is far from over. With their infectious melodies and unabashed embrace of the era’s flamboyance, the duo are poised to bring a much-needed jolt of nostalgia and excitement to the digital music scene.
