Big Freedia's one-night-only Brisbane offering at MELT Festival will see her shattering the stage with her signature musical stylings and boundless energy – a frenetic and boundless 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 locals artists – Mia X, Magnolia Shorty, Cheeky Blakk, Juvenile.
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.
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!
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 on 10 November, opening with Kinder. MELT Festival runs from 10-27 November.
A version of this story originally appeared on our sister site, scenestr.
