Freya Roy, a 27-year-old singer originally from Halesworth in Suffolk, has made a powerful return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus. Now residing in Norwich, Roy has released a new song to honor Pride Month, drawing from her personal experiences with homophobic abuse. This release marks the beginning of a series of songs she plans to unveil over the next year.
During her break from her solo career, Roy focused on collaborations and producing music for other artists. She described this period as a time of significant growth and exploration. “I’ve had quite a long period of producing and collaborating,” Roy shared with BBC Introducing Norfolk & Suffolk. “I had no real plan of what was to come and then I’ve found myself with a bunch of tunes that are ready to go so I thought, let’s go with it.”
Her new track, titled “Waiting Line,” is the first of several releases scheduled for the coming year. Roy describes it as a “queer anthem,” a song born out of her need to address the homophobic experiences she has endured. She revealed on social media that she and her partner were subjected to public harassment, including being shouted at and clapped at while kissing.
This personal turmoil fueled her creative process, leading to the creation of “Waiting Line.” “I came through with this little beat I was working on and it slowly developed into just offloading all of this stuff,” she explained. “It fell quite nicely with Pride and I thought I’d use it to highlight Pride Month and use it as a way to celebrate it. Maybe it’s something other people can relate to when they hear it.”
Roy emphasized the importance of community and finding support among those who share similar experiences. “I think it’s important to find your community of people,” she said. “It’s important to go to places where you’re around similar people – like queer communities where you feel accepted… and there is a shared exchange between everyone that is unspoken.”
Her return to music is not just a personal victory but also a message of resilience and solidarity. By sharing her story and her music, Roy hopes to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. “You can have confidence and let that carry you to help you through situations that are not so nice,” she added.
Roy’s journey back to her music career is a testament to her strength and determination. After taking time to collaborate and produce for others, she has returned with a renewed focus on her own work. This period of detachment allowed her to come back to her music with fresh energy and perspective.
Her new releases, starting with “Waiting Line,” are set to resonate with many, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community. By addressing her experiences with homophobic abuse through her music, Roy is not only healing herself but also offering a voice to others who may feel silenced.
The singer’s decision to release her new track during Pride Month is particularly poignant. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of visibility and representation. Roy’s music is a celebration of Pride, a defiant stand against hate, and a call for unity and acceptance.
As she continues to release new music over the next year, Roy’s fans can look forward to more songs that reflect her journey and experiences. Her return to the music scene is a powerful reminder of the impact that personal stories can have when shared through art.
Freya Roy’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Her new music not only marks her return to the industry but also serves as a beacon of hope and strength for others facing similar challenges. By turning her pain into art, Roy is making a significant contribution to the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
Source: BBC News, Suffolk
