Big Freedia has catapulted herself from local New Orleans favorite to becoming the anointed Queen of Bounce, sharing some of her high energy flavor on massive hit tracks like Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Formation” and Drake’s “Nice For What”. Freedia has been shaping contemporary culture by bringing bounce music, twerking, shaking and wiggling to a national platform.
Freedia is very excited about the tour, seeing fans and trying all types of different foods. She took some time to talk to Equality365 about her music, dancing, working with Beyoncé and so much more. Freedia is on The Head Banga Tour with Tank And The Bangas, and The Naughty Professor. They have 3 shows scheduled in the Pacific Northwest with Seattle on Tuesday, November 6th sandwiched between Vancouver BC and Portland. Get more info here.
Check Out Our Interview With Big Freedia – The Queen Of Bounce
Earle Dutton (ED): How would you describe your style and music to a new person?
Big Freedia (BF): I am me! I am a fun outgoing person. I am really into music. I am a loving person and family oriented. I make great music for people to dance to and shake their ass. I am known as the Queen of Bounce! There are so many things I have to tell them. I would have a long introduction.
ED: Do you think you could teach me how to twerk?
BF: Oh yeah! Most definitely! Everybody can twerk (laughter). It don’t matter what size the ass is, no matter what race or gender. Everybody’s got a little twerk in them. I am been all over the world teaching people to twerk. I have taught many people the power of ass.
ED: I love your song “Rent”. Was it at all autobiographical?
BF: “Rent” was a very interesting process. When I did “Rent” I was going through some stuff at home and in my head. I just started thinking of some ideas of how I could tell that story. It isn’t just about paying rent at home. It is about people taking up space in your head and your heart while not giving you anything in return.
ED: What was your favorite part about working with Lizzo?
BF: Well, Lizzo and I were best friends way before we worked together. Lizzo is very cool and down to earth. She is a sweet heart. She is very talented. Getting to work with her is just the icing on the cake. We have been friends for more than 5 years.
ED: What was it like working with Beyoncé, especially in your hometown of New Orleans?
BF: That’s the Queen. You know what I am saying. I died at home and came back to life when I got that phone call directly from her. That was just an amazing feeling. It was a big accomplishment for me, my career and bounce music. It took it all to another level. I am just very grateful for being on the phone with her.
ED: What would you like people to remember most about New Orleans?
BF: There is no place like it in the world. We are dope. We are an amazing city. Our culture is phenomenal. We have a lot to offer here. We have some great musicians as well.
ED: What makes you feel creative?
BF: Just being in my creative space. It takes good energy, good vibes and good people around me. The creativity comes naturally. I have been doing it a long time. It is important to create that safe and positive space.
ED: How do you juggle your interior design career and music?
BF: Interior design is secondary now. It has to be someone that I want to work with. I just have to let bitches know, I still got it.
ED: How did it feel to appear on “Treme”?
BF: That was awesome! Being a part of anything that represents New Orleans is a great feeling. I was able to be myself as well. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I even got to promote my music.
ED: Who were your musical influences growing up?
BF: Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Luthor Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott and there are so many more. Shit, the list is long. Anybody who was doing something great. If you make great music, you influence a part of someone’s life.
ED: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
BF: I would like to work with Beyoncé again but this time for my record. I would to do Drake again but also this time for my record. Fantasia, Kelly Price, Ella Mai, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Little Wayne, the list is long for that too. There are so many artists that I would like to do songs with.
ED: What excites you most about visiting Seattle again?
BF: I love Seattle. I love the hotdogs there. I love the people there as well. The shows are getting bigger and better every time. The energy just gets crazy! I have a cousin and his fiancée that live there.
ED: Do you have a message for LGBTQ youth?
BF: Be yourself, first and foremost. You really do have to love you before you can love anyone else. Find yourself before you make decisions. Think before you act. Make smart and wise decisions. Trouble is easy to find and get into. It is also hell to get out.
