Friedberg - Photo Credit: Lewis Vorn
Friedberg is an all-female four-piece bringing a hypnotic mix of dance-punk, indie, and guitar pop to every show.
They’ve been gaining momentum and even caught the eye of AnnenMayKantereit, who invited them to support their German stadium tour last summer. Recently, Friedberg wrapped up a U.S. tour with Giant Rooks after a strong showing at SXSW.
In May, they played the Jazz Café in London, opening for Big Special, and later that summer, they joined Placebo on their UK tour. This added to an impressive list of shows, which includes past tours with Hot Chip in both the UK - the band played a headline show at London’s iconic 100 Club on November 4 - and the U.S.
Their latest singles, released through Clouds Hill, are gaining attention and airplay on BBC 6 Music, Radio 1, and Radio X. Their upcoming album ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’ produced by Oli Bayston, is set to be released on November 8.
In this Q&A, the singer-songwriter and frontwoman for Friedberg Anna Wappel speaks about their album Hardcore Workout Queen, their creative process, and what’s next.
Your album Hardcore Workout Queen has such an intriguing title, what’s the story behind it?
Hardcore Workout Queen is a song on the album that I wrote in a really lazy mood, when I woke up one morning and everyone was running past my house for the third time while I was busy making my third breakfast. I was cheering for all the hardcore workout Queens, but I just couldn't participate. It's kind of a funny look on the whole self optimization obsession, but also in a loving way. It's a song for everyone, no matter if you're on the gym or if you're late in the sofa at home.
If you had to choose one song from your album to introduce people to your music, which one would it be and why?
I think maybe ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’ because I like the lyrics and the drive it has got, but as I can never ever decide, I would also like everyone to listen to 100Times too, because it is such a vibe
How has touring with bands like Placebo and Hot Chip been?
Both were super fun. The U.S. tour with Hot Chip was truly unforgettable! I think a few more dance beats snuck into our album after touring with them. And I’ve also worked in the studio on some new tunes with them which was amazing. The downside: I’ve realised that being a support band on tour is insanely fun, but also ridiculously expensive. I really wish there were more grants for touring musicians.
You’ve built a lot of momentum since forming in 2019. What advice would you give to new artists trying to grow and find their place in the music industry?
Trusting your gut. Trusting your gut. Trusting your gut. Learn to delegate, so you’ll get more time to actually do music. (That’s mainly an advice for myself haha)
What’s your best networking tip?
Be curious to meet people. Don’t be scared to ask a lot of questions.
What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?
The moment when you go to a studio with someone - with a producer, a friend or a bandmate - and you just go in there with nothing, completely blank, and you start to have a jam, and then write or make something up in the moment. It's super scary, but I like the thrill of it and I like to go home in the evening with something we’ve created. That’s my favorite thing.
My least favorite thing is finishing stuff. I find it really hard to make decisions, and the feeling of committing to a final thing, “this is it now, you can't do any more changes”… I love to have all the options, but then I also can't make decisions. So, I find finishing stuff really hard.
Friedberg - Photo Credit: Lewis Vorn
What’s your favorite way to unwind when you’re not making music?
Playing football. I started a football team in Hackney Wick, and we play once a week. It’s the only time I can truly switch off my brain—just chasing that stupid ball around!
If you had to describe your music using three words, what would they be?
Pop, dance, punk
What are you listening to at the moment?
Just discovered Joshua Idehen’s track “Mum Does the Washing“, when I was a guest at 6music’s Roundtable the other day. The lyrics are incredible and you’ve got to hear it. The music video is pretty amazing too.