Freya McKee
The rising singer from London is ready to embody Mazzy Star's fairy charm. Freya McKee is not your average musician. Born and raised in South-West London, she started writing songs at just 16 years old. Now 25, Freya has developed a unique style that combines her passion for shoegaze and dream-pop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Beach Fossils, The Sundays, Mazzy Star, and Slowdive. Her sound resonates with the ethereal charm and introspective depth that characterized these iconic bands.
In 2021, Freya McKee rose to fame with an unconventional route to singing. She first gained attention by selling t-shirts on Depop before launching her own brand and becoming known for her commitment to sourcing and producing sustainable garments. McKee's brand has gained massive popularity on social media, thanks to celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter and Emma Chamberlain, who have been seen wearing Freya's garments.
Her musical journey, however, began earlier. Freya’s debut single “Oob,” released in 2021, marked her transition from fashion to music. McKee has been experimenting with music since she was a teenager, initially using her iPhone and recording with her headphone mic—an experience she fondly recalls as the beginning of her creative exploration.
Later on, Freya decided to seriously pursue a musical project and released an EP in July 2024, titled "Lychee Juice" in honor of her all-time favorite drink. This whimsical project delves into the experiences of girlhood and the trials of early adulthood, offering a female perspective on what it is like being in your first 20s, exploring the essence of emerging womanhood. The EP is a reflective exploration of both the highs and lows of this transformative period.
The passion for fashion, however, didn't stop with the release of the EP; the intersection of Freya’s dual passions is evident in her recent endeavors. She has designed a capsule collection inspired by “Lychee Juice,” complemented by a fashion film that doubles as a music video. If you think you're already deep into the dream pop atmosphere, just wait until you see this short film. Featuring tracks like “Be Ok Soon” and “Blue” and filmed in a bedroom during the artist’s travels through Japan, the visual presentation evokes the cinematic style of Sofia Coppola, known for her dreamy pop aesthetics.
Still from ‘Be Ok Soon’. Courtesy of Freya McKee / Claryn Chong via Dazed Digital
In the EP, Freya combines her love for the genres that have always inspired her with lyrics that resonate deeply with her soul. Although her fashion career briefly paused her musical journey, in 2019 she and her friend Daniel Bath began recording tracks together. Daniel played guitar while Freya contributed lyrics, melody, and lead hooks. Songs like “Lychee” and “Forget Everything” are intentionally influenced by The Sundays, Hope Sandoval, and The Warm Inventions.
Looking at Freya's aesthetic and listening to the EP, Mazzy Star springs to one’s mind without much effort, particularly due to her honeyed vocals and the slow, almost whispery music. Mazzy Star’s work, characterized by its understated yet profound impact, remains somewhat underappreciated. Many fans, in fact, wish they were more appreciated and discussed when referring to the music of the 90s. You can play those songs straight through without any skips: ethereal lyrics sung by Hope Sandoval with her dreamy voice, tasteful and subtle instrumentals, a songwriting style that makes you flutter.
Mazzy Star's music is known for conveying "serious vibes" that you can feel and not just hear. Their legacy is enduring without being overt, which is why it's no wonder that young artists like Freya decide to follow in their footsteps when approaching music.
