Freak Slug’s universe is shimmering, glitchy, and raunchy, uplifted by nostalgia of 90’s dream pop and indie rock. The Mancunian creative labels herself as many things: singer, songwriter, guitarist, artist, painter. Under her moniker, Xenya Genovese blooms into a person who is expressive, authentic, and subverted. She has already garnered a cult-following, following the release of numerous off-kilter EPs Freak Slug offers a kind of brave, bent, sticky honesty.
The multihyphenate is still rolling with the momentum of releasing 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 dream-like guitar arrangements and sharp-tongued lyricism, channelling the spirit of Mazzy Star and Stephen Malkmus.

The album was recorded in her hometown, where she roped in the help of producer Alex Headford. 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 in the industry, 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 DIY-infused tracks. She is the answer to any shoegaze, grudge-pop lover’s needs, bundled in a sound that is distinctively hers. Ahead of her appearance, we caught up with her to get the low down on where I Blow Out Big Candles will take her, what her ideal festival experience is, and what’s next on the cards.