We asked music journalist and Apple Music presenter Hattie Collins to curate and interview her top emerging music artists for Issue 01. First up the incredible Fred Roberts. Deffo one to watch.
Artists curated and interviewed by music journalist Hattie Collins
Fred Roberts’ (22) perfectly pitched coming-of-age pop bops explore unrequited love, devastating disappointment, and a yearning for more – but they also embody a blissful shot of unyielding optimism. Fred is from Chorleywood.
Insta -@_fredroberts
What’s it like where you’re from?
I really like it. It’s on the Metropolitan line so you feel like you're in London, but it’s in the countryside. I walk my dog most days.
Where would you like to live?
Well, saying that I would like to live in London! Just to experience it. And to not have to get the last train home before midnight.
Why do you make music?
I didn't start writing music to be well known – which is maybe a bit naive – but it was lockdown, and I realised I had a lot to think about. I went to an all-boys school, and boys don’t talk to each other about how they feel. Writing helped me unpack a few things.
What do you make music about?
They’re stories. It always starts with a real experience and then I spew loads of randomness onto my Notes app. I try to make my songs sound like poems.
What track are you best known for that you’re most proud of?
My most popular is my first single ‘Runaway’, but in terms of fans, then it’s ‘Disguise’. It was a more personal story. I didn’t sing explicitly about being gay, but those lyrics wouldn’t have existed if I wasn’t gay. It’s also my favourite.
Are you bringing the Sad Gay Agenda back with your new single, ‘Object of Desire’?
(Laughs) It’s definitely back. I want it back. I feel like Troye had the sad gay agenda for a long time, and he made it fun. I’m like, “No, let's bring the sad side back!” That’s the music I love. ‘Object of Desire’ is about when someone wants you for just one thing. So, I’m trying to bring back the sadness. There’s too much happiness!
Who are the people, places, or sounds that impact you most creatively?
Troye Sivan for sure, and then more recently I started listening to Coldplay’s A Rush Of Blood To The Head, which feels like something I should have done a long time ago. The Killers’ ‘Mr Brightside’, and Brandon Flowers in general, soundtracked my growing up.
What’s the best thing about being a singer?
Growing a community. People are very engaged, it doesn’t feel like a passive listenership. Looking out at the crowd at my gigs and seeing two boys with their arms around each other is really fulfilling.
What’s the most exciting thing to happen to you in the last 12 months?
Supporting Griff on her European tour. I didn’t expect the crowds to be so big – 1500-2000 people – for a support slot. It gave me a glimpse of what I want. It’s given me confidence and a lot of drive.
Who’s on the moodboard when you get dressed?
I just get dressed! I have four jumpers and four pairs of jeans that I rotate. TikTok is where I look to get ideas, and I always find something in the Brick Lane Vintage Market. It’s good for stage stuff.
Who do you admire most?
Not to be cheesy, but in terms of wanting to be more like someone it would be my brother, who’s a sculptor. He sees the world differently to me. He’s so driven and creative.
Are you hopeful about the future of the human race?
I do feel hopeful, but that might be me ignoring every single sign we’ve been given, because the world is literally burning. But I’m a hopeful guy. While [Trump] is the less hopeful side, I do believe that the world isn’t full of evil, selfish men, and there are good people who will save it. Maybe that’s naïve. It’s a scary time, especially being part of the LGBT+ community. But I’m hopeful.
Most interesting DM slide to date?
Normally it’s full of weird men. Oh, there was a well-known singer I've admired for ages who slid in. They said they liked my new song. That’s all I’m saying!
What’s next?
I’ve got an EP ready to go – it should be out in the next couple of months.
What does success look like to you?
Of course I’d like to be well known, but in terms of happiness and feeling fulfilled, then to live in London and do music full time. I want to be able to write and perform forever. When I’m in that place I’ll know I’ve made it. Oh, and when I play Reading!
