Big-Freedia-2Big Freedia returns to Fuse TV for Season 6 of Big Freedia Bounces Back

Big Freedia returns to Fuse TV today, September 12, for Season 6 of Big Freedia Bounces Back—and has just released a single with Mannie Fresh. Freedia’s profile has been rising since guest appearances on the Beyoncé single “Formation,” the NBA Anthony Davis video “The Tony,” and the Terrence Malick film, Song to Song—with Ryan Gosling.

Big Freedia has a passion for the New Orleans genre of hip hop called bounce music. Freedia has been credited with popularizing the genre, which was largely underground since it developed in the early 1990s.

Even though Season 6 launches today, Big Freedia took the time to talk with us about the recent devastation of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and had a message for the musicians in those communities—and their role in providing hope for those communities as they work together and rebuild.

BIG FREEDIA Interview with M Music & Musicians magazine publisher, Merlin David

We are experiencing Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Tell us how Hurricane Katrina impacted you and the music scene in New Orleans?
It displaced us to different cities and states, and separated us. The music of New Orleans, especially bounce music, helped us get through those trying times. It was the one thing that helped bridge us—and keep us together. While we were apart, the music kept us connected to the culture of New Orleans—that we missed so much. Certain DJs would go around to different clubs and play the music, and people kept emailing each other—buying CDs, sending songs. The songs and the music helped us bounce back from Katrina.

Do musicians have a responsibility to help people come together, especially in times of crisis?
Most definitely. Music speaks on very high volumes. It’s our nourishment and our comfort—for life situations. Musicians have a responsibility to speak to the world through their unique brand of music. Musicians have a platform to get a message out there, and they should use it to offer help to others.

How did you bounce back—and recreate a music scene?
I always got requests to perform and bring people back home to New Orleans—to give people a sense of comfort. When I left New Orleans, I went to Houston. And when I came back, I started something called FEMA Friday which lasted for many years. It turned out to be some of the best times of my career, where the music, volume, vibe and energy in the room were unbelievable—like never before. We had a song, “F-Katrina,” that brought a sense of laughter, a sense of comfort. Even though Katrina hit us hard, it also gave us something to remember that no matter what comes our way, we are strong. And if we all pull together, we can bounce back from anything.

Big-Freedia-1Do you have any suggestions for the music community in Houston?
Do some benefit concerts. I’m putting some together for the people of Houston. Get people to have a good time in these trying times—spread love and laughter—spread the message of hope. People are going through hardship right now. Music can help the healing—give comfort and hope, so people know they can make it through.

Which Musicians inspired you to become a musician? 
All the greats: Michael Jackson, Sylvester, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Luther Vandross, The O’Jays, Frankie Beverly & Maze. I grew up in a household where we listened to all of that. My mom and dad would have us jamming. So many of these greats—they paved the way for other music. They are iconic and I still look up to them.

What were your favorite albums?
We listened to a lot of Michael Jackson—all of his albums. We would keep those albums on repeat. Especially when we had to cleanup on Saturday for Sunday mornings, the music would be bumping in the house. It inspired us to want to get up and do things. So many people tell me that they wake up to my music—they use it bumping into work or exercise with it. I am blown away by that love and support.

Best advice you’d like to give upcoming musicians.
Give it your all. Do the best you can do. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy what you do. I have fun making music. When I’m making music, I think of how I’d like my fans to feel when I’m on stage, and how I’d like them to feel when they leave. I want fans to have fun. I want them to say, “Wow—did you hear that?”

What are your thoughts about social justice?
I tell people to live life freely. Live life full—because the next moment is not promised. Believe in what you believe, and stand for what you believe. Be humble about it. Be a kind spirit. Be kind to people. Be polite and courteous to people you meet because it will come back to you—full circle.

Where can your new fans get more info and stay updated?
BigFreedia.com

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