In collaboration with
- Words Millie Dunn-Christensen
- Photographer Joslyn Whiteman
- Photography Assistant Matt Howes
- Photography Assistant Fredi Mecaj
- Creative Production Studio Notion
- Production Assistant Shakira J’Bair
In anticipation of her set at Latitude Festival, we sat down with rising Mancunian grunge-pop artist Freak Slug to find out about I Blow Out Big Candles, her best festival memories and what to expect from her performance.
Freak Slug’s universe is shimmering, glitchy, and raunchy, uplifted by the nostalgia of ’90s dream pop and indie rock. The Mancunian creative labels herself as many things: singer, songwriter, guitarist, artist and painter, but under her moniker, Xenya Genovese blooms into a person who is expressive, authentic, and subversive. She has already garnered a cult following with the release of numerous off-kilter EPs, where she offers listeners a brave and relatable honesty.
The multihyphenate is still rolling with the momentum of her debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles, a project that was pulled together by her raw and unabashed approach to creativity. The sound is a culmination of shimmering guitar arrangements and sharp-tongued lyricism, channelling the spirit of Mazzy Star and Stephen Malkmus.
The album was recorded in her hometown with the help of producer Alex Headford, who’s one half of Jadu Heart. Grounded in a sense of playfulness, the production is exploratory, while not being afraid to dig into the dark and rough sides of Freak Slug’s sound. Over the years, the artist has been steadily building up her reputation as a magnetic force, bringing a painter’s eye to her songwriting, where she mixes vivid imagery and raw emotion into her tracks.
This summer, Freak Slug will be taking to the Latitude Festival stage to showcase her blends of shoegaze and grunge-pop. Ahead of her appearance, we caught up to get the low down on where I Blow Out Big Candles will take her, what her ideal festival experience is, and what’s on the cards next.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?
I first fell in love with music second-hand, seeing my mother experience her love for music. Usually something like Madonna would be playing and we’d dance around the house – I’d manically plait her hair so she looked like Medusa. We called it our crazy cat hour, like when cats run around before they empty their bowels.
Tell us about your most recent project, where do you feel like this is leading you to next?
I’m definitely going in a heavier, moodier direction because that’s who I am.
Outside of music, where do you draw influence from?
Recharging in nature, feeding the birds, laughing with my friends, arguing with fools.
What’s your earliest festival memory?
I really enjoyed Gottwood when I was 18, that was a magical environment and a truly memorable experience.
What can people expect from your Latitude set?
Probably something grungy with the usual Northern attitude.
Who are your inspirations when it comes to live performance?
It’s not something I particularly think about.
Who are you most excited to see at Latitude this year and what song are you looking forward to them performing?
Air, Mika, The Wytches, jasmine.4.t… I want to see ‘Sexy Boy’ by Air.
What’s your ideal festival experience?
Somewhere with really beautiful nature, where you can find art installations day and night. I’m a very visual person.
What do you hope the audience takes away from your festival set?
I want them to feel uplifted and hyped.
What’s next for you?
More music, even deeper, and thinking about what I want to achieve sonically.