Exclusive Interview with 2-Time Blues Music Foundation Awards Nominee Miss Freddye
Miss Freddye began her musical journey at a young age, singing in church and drawing inspiration from the soulful blues her mother loved. In 1996, she embraced the blues genre, joining Blues Music Works under the guidance of “Big” Al Leavitt. By 2002, she formed Blue Faze and later established both Miss Freddye’s Blues Band and Miss Freddye’s Homecookin Band, sharing her dynamic blend of electric and acoustic blues with audiences far and wide. Influenced by blues legends like Koko Taylor, Etta James, and Big Mama Thornton, Miss Freddye’s sound is steeped in authenticity and soul.
Throughout her career, Miss Freddye has been committed to using her musical talents for charitable causes, supporting organizations such as Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, Veterans, and Band Together Pittsburgh. Her contributions to the blues community have earned her multiple Iron City Rocks Awards for Best Blues Band and nominations for Blues Foundation Awards. On June 14th, 2024, she released her heartfelt single, “Slippin’ Away,” a poignant blues ballad that showcases her powerful vocals and emotional depth. Produced by Miss Freddye and recorded at Red Caiman Media in Pittsburgh, the track is a soulful ode to love and loss, written by the late Mike Lyzenga in 2018.
Miss Freddye took some time to answer a few questions about her career, her latest single, “Slippin’ Away” and what the future holds for the Lady of the Blues…
Miss Freddye, “Slippin’ Away” is a deeply emotional song about love and loss. Can you tell us what drew you to this song and how you connected with its message?
The first time I heard the first note, I knew I was going to love this song. It’s haunting melody and the words fit so well. They compliment each other. It reminds me of many relationships I have seen that this song fits. This is a song that I want audiences to listen to everything about it. I tell you it only takes one time!
The track was written by the late Mike Lyzenga. How did it feel to bring his lyrics and vision to life, especially with such a poignant subject?
I am honored! Mike was a great songwriter! He just didn’t put words on paper, he applied them as a substance of togetherness, a certain “musical glue” that will “stick” forever. Mike was thrilled when I had listened and was overjoyed to sing the song! I give praise and thanks to him as he has written other songs for me!
You’ve worked with some talented musicians on “Slippin’ Away.” How did you choose the team that helped bring this track to fruition, and what was the recording process like at Red Caiman Media?
Well, it was easy to decide the musicans to play on the song, My bandmates of Miss Freddye’s Homecookin Band. We have been playing this song at our shows before we went into the studio. So we had to “tweek” the song. I mentioned to my bandmates I wanted this song to be as “haunting, yet powerful” as we can make it.
I have worked with Hollis Greathouse, who is the consultanting engineer at Red Caiman Media Studio. I have worked with him on other projects. He is great to work with! I value his opinion. He is a great musican in his own right! The Studio is absolutely fabulous! It has the state-of-the-art recording, clean, and great location (10 minutes for me to get there!) We recorded live, which I live doing. We did several takes! As everyone hears, the finished project!
You’ve mentioned that your musical roots go back to singing in church. How does your gospel background influence your blues performances, especially when tackling emotionally charged songs like “Slippin’ Away”?
It comes “natural” for me. Gospel will always be my roots music, my go to music, my lean on music. When I sing “Slippin Away” it reminds me of hearing the choir as a child, sing with such strength, such conviction, making sure the audiences is listening with not only with their ears, but with their hearts, their spirits, and the love of the music!
Your career is influenced by iconic blues legends like Koko Taylor and Etta James. How have their styles shaped your approach to blues, and how do you bring your own unique sound to the genre?
Oh this is easy to answer!you have ever watched them on stage. It is mesmerizing! They way they took over the stage, how the musicans backing them knew how to follow them! They sang with ease! They performed without hesitating. I believe they had self belief, self awareness, and the drive to take hold of the stage. I saw that in the videos of them. I watched for hours. Checking out their body language, how the words came out ot their mouths. It is breath taking!
I have adopted some of their “stage ways” when I perform. Sassy, yet classy! Powerful, yet gentle! Confident, yet a little shy!! Yes, I still have stage fright! But, that’s another story!
You’re well known for using your music to support various charitable causes. How does your work in philanthropy influence the stories you tell through your songs?
It is about appreciation for what is going on, what is needed. I am one to rarely say no to a charity event. It is important to help, to be there when time is when I am required to step up. I do not ask for nothing in return. Also, I pray others follow the same…….give without a second thought.
Your new single showcases raw emotion and vulnerability. As a performer, how do you tap into these feelings, and how do you hope your listeners will connect with “Slippin’ Away”?
That is the answer! Raw emotion and showing vulnerability! Audiences love it!! It shows I am “human”. It shows I care so much I get involved in the song, which in turns have audience get involved!! It is a win for all!
Looking ahead, what can we expect from you musically after the release of “Slippin’ Away”? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans should be excited about?
Absolutely!! Finishing my Blues and Roots album, another single(country blues!),recording a love song for another musican friend, and a love sonnet album for Valentine’s Day!!
Stay tuned!
Follow Miss Freddye at www.missfreddye.com
