She's the larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans bounce music, and alongside a stellar solo career in music and entertainment has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Drake, and Beyonce (most recently on 'Break My Soul'). Now, Big Freedia hits Brisbane’s MELT Festival.
MELT, Brisbane Powerhouse’s unabashed celebration of queer art, artists, allies, icons and ideas will come to life across November.
The festival will have it all, from global headliners, award-winning cabaret and high-energy music club nights to a queer comedy gala, cutting-edge contemporary dance, and art.
There'll be a night filled with tech house beats curated by Joel Devereux, a cabaret show featuring a cast of glass ceiling-smashing, system-dismantling, genderqueer creatives, a night with LGBTQIA+ storytellers, a solo dance work, moving image and First Nations art, and so much more on offer throughout the event. Creative expression is set to run rampant, in all of its forms.
Big Freedia's one-night-only Brisbane offering will see her shattering the stage with her signature musical stylings and boundless energy – a frenetic and wild beginning to the festival sure to start the celebrations with a bang.
The artist, performer, TV personality and musician has been seen everywhere from hosting the Met Gala's Instagram red carpet event to hanging out with late night's Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. Plus, she's had her own reality show ('Big Freedia Bounces Back') and memoir ('God Save The Queen Diva'). It's safe to say Big Freedia's MELT appearance will not be one to miss.
We caught up with Queen Diva Big Freedia for a chat before MELT.
In your own words... Who is Big Freedia?
I’m the New Orleans queen of bounce music and culture. I’m an artist and a champion of the LGBTQIA+ community and really all people who have felt like they don't fit neatly into a box!
For those unfamiliar, talk a little bit about the genre of bounce music.
Bounce is a style of hip hop that was born and bred here in New Orleans. It’s a call and response style music set to a hyper fast beat. Bounce specifically has a Triggerman beat.
How were you introduced to music and who were some of your favourite artists growing up?
My mother introduced me to music. She was a gospel music fan, so that’s what was on at home and set the stage for me. I loved the hymns and songs. Growing up, I was a Michael Jackson fan, a RUN DMC fan and of course I love our local artists – Mia X, Magnolia Shorty, Cheeky Blakk, Juvenile.
You’ve received recognition for popularising this genre of music. What attracts you to it?
It's in my DNA.
“I think the more we have safe spaces and are the main attraction, the more young kids will come out and celebrate their uniqueness!” - Big Freedia
You can now say you’ve been sampled on MULTIPLE Beyonce tracks. How does this feel?!
There really aren't any words. I’m very, very honoured.
How does that process happen – who reached out to you about ‘Break My Soul’ and what was your reaction?
For 'Break My Soul', Beyonce's people reached out to my manager, and said she was interested in sampling my song. I was like, OF COURSE. Later, they called and asked me to come to the studio to listen to it. She happened to be in the studio that day, so I got to listen with her there. I still feel like it was a dream.
What are you excited for when it comes to heading to Australia for the MELT Festival?
Australia was the first country (outside the US) to embrace me, so I have so many wonderful memories dating way back. I cannot wait to see all my Australian fans!
What’s the most alluring thing to you about the art of live performance and why?
The energy between me and the fans! You can't replicate it and it’s never the same twice.
What’s it like to be given the opportunity to perform at LGBTQIA+ events internationally?
It’s an honour. I take my role seriously.
Why do you think events like the MELT Festival are important?
Because it celebrates LGBTQIA+ people everywhere on an international level. I think the more we have safe spaces and are the main attraction, the more young kids will come out and celebrate their uniqueness!
What’s next for Big Freedia?
Oh so much – a new album next year, a new season of my reality TV show next year, a hotel in New Orleans, so much!
Big Freedia plays Brisbane Powerhouse as part of MELT Festival on 10 November, opening with Kinder. MELT runs from 10-27 November.
