Known for her unique melodies and candid storytelling, Frex is an artist to watch that is carving her own path and putting human connection at the forefront of her genre-blending artistry. Pulling inspiration from R&B, pop, jazz, classic rock, and more, Frex uses her music to process her feelings and experiences, and push boundaries with the hope that her artistry helps others embrace their own vulnerability and overcome what they’re going through. Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania and now residing in LA, the rising talent is ready to bring her sound to a global stage.

Frex’s appearance at APE this weekend follows the runaway success of her breakthrough viral single ‘Oxford Circus’, inspired by her last visit to London. We got the chance to catch up with her after her headline show at Folklore Hoxton

So tell me how did it all begin, what sparked your passion for music?

I’ve always loved music, I can’t tell you a certain moment where something sparked it. I think it’s always just been there.

You have recently played All Points East and had a headline show at Hackney Folkore in London. Could you tell us more about how it went?

Honestly I tried to manage my expectations before the shows just in case the whole thing ended up being a total flop, but it definitely went way better than I imagined. The festival had some people who knew every word to the released stuff, and then some people who I think stumbled across me just by being at all points east, and they were vibing. As for my headline show, I’m so happy and almost surprised at how many people showed up. one guy said he found out that same day that I was performing and travelled 2.5 hours to see me. Another girl told me ‘oxford circus’ inspired her to move to London. plus people were singing along and that always warms my heart. It was special. 

If you could curate your own festival line up, which 3 artists would you have headlining?

SZA, Rihanna, then maybe a band like the Strokes or Tame Impala or something like that.

You recently released a track called ‘Hoodie Back’ Could you tell more about it?

The song was inspired by a personal experience of mine where I never got some clothes back from someone I was talking to. It was almost an inside joke between me and this person that I was never going to get my clothes back, and I thought it’d be kind of a funny concept to write about. Mulherin (the co-writers of the song) helped me bring that idea to life. It all came together really fast and we made it in our first session together.

Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?

Instead of telling you my biggest musical inspirations, because the big ones are sort of basic, I will just tell you that all of the songs I write are heavily influenced by real life situations I find myself in, involving people I am romantically delusional about. My music is influenced by romantic fantasies, heartbreak, connection, nostalgia, naivety, and harsh truths.

What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?

Having the nerve to fly overseas for my first headline show and have it go as well as it did was pretty amazing. I feel like if I pulled that off I can do so much more. I feel like I really connected to everyone who attended the show, so to know my music has this far of a reach feels like a big accomplishment. 

Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I know everyone says this, but focus on yourself. don’t focus on who isn’t supporting you, what artist or producer you can work with that you think is gonna make you blow up, or how you’re “not getting enough numbers”.  Stop focusing on the externals. Tap into the things you like, and use it. Do the internal work and self-discovery. More than likely the reason you blow up will not just be because of a feature or a retweet, but because of all of the hours of work you put into your craft that no one else witnessed but you. Also, don’t be afraid to show it to the world.

Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?

I’d love to work with the Gorillaz because I grew up listening to them and I feel like they always have really cool collaborations so to work with them would be a dream. I’d love to write a song with Partynextdoor, and lastly Frank Ocean (self-explanatory)

What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?

Partymobile by partynextdoor or Blonde by Frank Ocean

What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?

SZA at Wireless Festival was unreal. Seeing her perform CTRL live was everything I ever needed lol.

What have you got planned for the not so distant future?

I’m going to New York Fashion Week this year which I’m excited about. I also have a project coming out very soon, but like actually. I’ve said I have a project for years now but this is actually the one, so I’m excited to finally give people a body of work.

Picture Credits: @jaedakissss

Be sure to follow Frex for the latest. Her music - available to stream here.