We had the good fortune of connecting with FREiBERD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi FREiBERD, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
If you look around you’ll notice that art is all around us, it moves us it provokes thought and action within us. I chose a career in the arts because it’s a direct way to promote change. It is the one area in life where I can express myself freely and push past boundaries, fear, or concepts that make me feel less free. Creating is also an act of service, as I grow and heal so does my art and my message. I can then help others experience growth and healing just by expressing my thoughts and experiences creatively. Let’s not forget it’s incredibly fun.! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is in crafting songs and performances that provoke thought and feeling. Being black, queer, and perceived as male its often difficult to connect or navigate life. I figured I couldn’t be the only one experiencing this, so I started being more intentional with my music. At the start of my career it was not acceptable to be openly queer, and I always found myself hiding and being something that wasn’t fully me. I had many wonderful opportunities and worked with many celebrities, but still I felt I didn’t truly belong. It was after I was released from my major label contract that I decided to take control of my own narrative. Creating and being my full authentic self was the game changer. Although an uphill battle I refused to quit. Finding support and community were and are still extremely important for my current and future success. What I want people to know is that when you truly experience a free life it will come with challenges, but if you allow yourself the space to feel, learn from your mistakes, and connect with people authentically your journey will be most fulfilling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm this is a fun one. Atlanta has so much to offer in regards to entertainment it’s hard to fit it all into one week. I’d definitely take them to shop and snack in my favourite creative districts like L5P (little five points), Cabbagetown, and Castleberry Hill. I feel like you can literally just pop into any place in these areas and have a great time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 2015 I lost my mother, and that was an incredibly dark time for me. Not only did I lose my mother, but I also lost the biggest support system I had in life. Without her presence in my life I questioned the point of having my career at all, or if my message even had any purpose. It was through the exploration of these thoughts and feelings that I realised although no longer here physically my mother still influenced me, She often encouraged me to ”just be free” and ”show people what I’m workin’ with”. Those two phrases keep me going in times when I question myself or my work. Although she wasn’t famous or a millionaire she created a safe apace for me and encouraged me to exercise my freedom to chose and succeed at whatever I wanted in life. My shout out definitely goes out to her. I could never thank her enough.

Website: www.freiberd.com
Instagram: @Freiberd
Twitter: @freiberd
Facebook: Facebook.com/Freiberdmusic
Youtube: www.youtube.com/freiberd

Image Credits
Libra Cordero, Leo Photography, TL Media

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