INTERVIEW: Freya Magee releases debut single “Duplicity”

Newcomer Freya Magee is an artist whose music feels like it was written in the hours somewhere between dusk and dawn, between decision and regret, between who we are and who we’re still becoming. Born in Melbourne, raised with Northern Irish heritage and now living in London, her indie folk stylings tread gently yet deliberately through themes of identity, contradiction and longing. Her journey into songwriting began not in a studio, but in lockdown solitude; Melbourne’s 2020 restrictions became the unlikely catalyst that saw her pick up a guitar for the first time, sketching early songs as her musical vision began to form.

Those initial ideas became the emotional bedrock of her sound, moody, spacious and cinematic, with a moving context running throughout. Later, after moving to London, an unexpected dinner party conversation led to her first gigs at local pubs. The transition from bedroom songwriting to performing in public spaces seemed almost fated and before long she was recording with producer Phil Taylor at Laurel Sound Studios.

Freya’s music sits comfortably in the spheres of reflective indie folk, echoing artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Holly Humberstone, offering a stripped back sound that’s atmospheric and wrapped in emotion. Making her official artistic entrance, she now unveils her original sound with her brand new debut single titled “Duplicity.”

Built on delicate vocals and cinematic production, the track explores the uneasy beauty of wanting to be many things at once. As its name suggests, it’s a reflection on duality, delivered with both tenderness and heartfelt performance which distils the tension of living between identities. Set up by the warm strums of acoustic guitar, Freya’s delicate voice enters to spin bright melodic lines carrying picture painting lyricism above as softly drifting textures swirl around her voice.

Casting a dreamy folk pop atmosphere, the song gently glides with immersive instrumentation and blissful melodies tinged with graceful piano plinks and hazy aesthetic. With subtly catchy writing and the aching emotion in her voice, the song gradually swells with the laid back patter of drums and full band energy, reaching a dazzling finale that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with listeners across the UK and beyond.

Putting her poignant songwriting and unique sound on full display, “Duplicity” sees Freya Magee make a stunning entrance with a charming and truly absorbing debut offering. Currently at work on her debut EP, Freya is shaping a sound that’s based in meaningful storytelling and intimate folk sound and she’s sure to win over countless fans on her breakout year.

We caught up with Freya Magee to find out more about her musical journey so far, her debut single “Duplicity” and what’s she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Freya Magee below.

Hey Freya, how’s things?

I’m visiting Berlin and I just released my first song, so pretty great thanks!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I had a recordable cassette toy with a red microphone that I was always very attached to, but I remember specifically writing a song with my friends and performing it to our class at school. It was about going on a date with a man who kept taking work calls. I was 8.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

All the girls… Lizzy McAlpine, Samia, Feist, Caroline Polachek, Phoebe Bridgers, Laura Marling, Orla Gartland…

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Comedy, poetry, paintings, philosophy, theatre, office water cooler chat… I once read a line in a Dolly Alderton book and wrote a whole song called “Loved Like That.”

What’s been your highlight for the year so far?

It’s actually been a big year of life milestones, like getting my Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK! But in terms of music it’s so wild to be releasing a finished song into the world. My child self is skipping.

What do you love about the London music scene?

Coming from Melbourne, I’m floored at how many of my favourite artists are always touring here. It’s also a city that makes you want to keep creating just to keep up, but the community is actually so generous and inclusive.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I love long train rides and find music always sounds best when in motion. It’s always a little melancholy, a little hopeful. So, train, car, or playground swings at a pinch.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’ve been writing songs on acoustic guitar, but sine working with producer Phil Taylor every possibility is at my finger tips, so my sound is more expansive. We’re blending a lot of electric guitar with textural spaces and subtle lo-fi effects.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Working at Long Pond Studios with Aaron Dessner is on my vision board. But I also love tragic duets so maybe one with Justin Vernon for a close-up on his craftsmanship.

How did you find making your debut single “Duplicity”?

It’s possibly the most fun I’ve ever had creatively. Being my first single, it was such an engrossing exploration of what I like vs what I’m like. Phil made that experience of discovery and discernment so relaxed, but also educational, which I’m grateful for. We talked in metaphors all damn day.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

‘Duplicity’ expresses the tension of wanting to live multiple versions of yourself at once. Maybe listeners can embrace their own contradictions, maybe it just captures a feeling, or maybe they just play it in the background of microwaving soup. That’s up to them now!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

The album of the year for me has to be Cameron Winter. So unpredictable and zany with a timeless beauty and haunting quality – I can’t wait to see him live in December. Lorde’s Virgin is runner up for her unflinching inquiry into modern womanhood.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I’m a writer first, so I guess selfishly I want my songs to be heard attentively. It blows my mind that some people don’t even listen to lyrics. But thinking of the listener’s own experience, I hope my music is at least a gentle companion to colour the atmosphere. Maybe for some it will hold a supportive emotional quality. And maybe for a small few, unlock something unspoken.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Every performance is my favourite, but I had so much adrenaline during the first one. It was a little pub up the road, a bunch of friends came, and I was really proud of myself for ticking off a life goal.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

I’m lucky to have seen a lot of dreamy line-ups in my life! I love being in a crowd of people who are into the music as much as you, singing along, so if I could take some artists that are a little lesser known in London and put them in a field of fans it would be so fun seeing Spoon, Margaret Glaspy and The Vanns on a big stage at Victoria Park (so I can walk home).

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I’m not qualified whatsoever but one thing I value in artistry is that it’s more than the music – it’s expressing your taste across mediums and creating an experience for people. Even on a small scale. Make sure there’s something you’re passionate about exploring.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

I’m releasing two more singles, “Forget Yourself Not” and “Over there,” later this year, and working towards my first EP. I’m also playing a set on Thursday, 7th August at The Amersham Arms in London. Tickets are available here.

Listen to Duplicity below