Freya Josephine Hollick’s long-awaited 3rd album The Real World has finally been released globally via Cheersquad Records & Tapes today, September 30th 2022 and we’re celebrating by crowning Freya as our Musician of the Month for October.
Freya Josephine Hollick opens The Real World, her new cosmic country collection perfectly with the track Nobody’s No Better Than No One, featuring a pulsating beat amid a haze of ghostly desert licks and slide guitar. It’s the sound of alt country rock legends Buick 6, Lucinda Williams’ guys doing their thing, along with guitar icon Greg Leisz adding his magic. But let’s not forget the contribution of her Australian musicians including Tommy Brooks, Shane Reilly, Louie King, and James Gilligan to name a few, who played the hell over the beds laid down by their American counterparts. The drums are big, the chords are struck with intent and Freya’s voice floats effortlessly over the top of it all as she delivers her life tales and character-filled stories. It’s a dynamically pleasing trek, containing heartfelt ballads, intense slow burners and fun rock ’n’ rollers, all performed with a large dose of passion and love for the project. With The Real World, Freya steps up a notch, getting closer and closer to the globally-acknowledged artist she seeks and deserves to be.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with Freya Josephine Hollick at one of her September residency gigs at Shotkickers bar in Thornbury to chat about the recording of her album The Real World. Photos and video assistance by Jason Rosewarne.
The gestation of Freya’s new album The Real World was buffeted by the ebbs and flows of a tumultuous three years, constantly testing the artist’s resolve. After recording in Joshua Tree with Lucinda William’s Buick 6, the sessions were brought back and shaped along with her Australian band and producer Roger Bergodaz, delivering four pandemic sustaining singles including Nobody’s No Better Than No One, Impossible To Love, The Real World and Vivian, June, Dolly & Jolene, all of which received official national radio additions.
In the background, label changes, a pivot to a new management and personal health and heart bound struggles were weathered, ultimately delivering new determination and a fresh team brimming with belief and positivity. That belief reflected in the new global arrangement with Cheersquad Records & Tapes helmed by industry stalwart Roderick “Wally” Kempton, a true believer and an ally in trusting wholly in the energy of Hollick’s art.
https://www.freyajosephinehollick.com/
UPCOMING GIGS:
2nd October – Dashville Skyline – Dashville NSW
8th October – Out On The Weekend – Williamstown, VIC
15th October – Marysville Music Weekend, Marysville, VIC
