“With this album, I aimed to steer clear of the conventional,” Debby Friday shares regarding her new release, ‘The Starrr Of The Queen Of Life’. A fusion of electronica, punk, and ethereal pop, Friday’s second album signifies her daring comeback, presenting genre-defying soundscapes and sonic experimentation. In contrast to her debut, ‘Good Luck’, which delves into darker, heavier themes, ‘The Starrr Of The Queen Of Life’ represents a new growth: Friday is embracing the sunlight, freedom, and collaboration.
Eager to make this her most personal and customized era yet, Clash engaged in a video call with Debby Friday to delve into her new album, cosmic themes, and the liberty of creating a second project.
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The new album presents an exciting blend of punk and electronica, forming a remarkable fusion. Are there specific artists that have shaped this genre combination?
I have numerous influences, including SOPHIE and FKA Twigs – a lot of electronic music.
I emerged during the Deconstructed Club era, which captivated me due to their genre-blending approach. I was fascinated by the concept of ‘overlapping’, creating a true hybrid of genres where they become indistinguishable, resulting in an entirely new sound. This significantly influenced my musical approach, as I believe music is one of the freest forms of art.
Additionally, I draw inspiration from bands like The Runaways, which reflects my punk side.
I’d love to hear about the Canadian music scene and the local artists who have inspired you.
I would say artists like Crystal Castles, Metric, Nelly Furtado, and Fefe Dobson have been very influential. They are Canadian icons recognized not just in Canada but globally, which is impressive given our relatively small size as a country.
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You released ‘The Starrr Of The Queen Of Life’ a little over a week ago – how does it feel now that it's out in the world?
Oh my God, it feels like a huge relief! I’m really happy. It’s been wonderful to see the reactions from both new and longtime fans as they embrace the album, getting to understand it in a broader context. Releasing singles is one thing, but giving out a complete project allows people to fully engage with it, which has been fantastic.
What does this album signify for you?
This record represents a journey of freeing myself in numerous ways, moving beyond outdated perceptions of the music industry and what success means, as well as exploring my identity as a person and an artist.
By releasing this album, I feel I've attained a new level of freedom, as it contrasts significantly with ‘Good Luck’. Sonically, I'm delving into different territories, and allowing myself that exploration has been crucial. I don’t want to confine myself to a specific genre just because of past work. Now, I can venture into whatever I desire, and I trust that my supporters will accompany me on this journey.
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You won the Polaris Prize for your debut album, ‘Good Luck’ – can you share your thoughts on that experience?
It was surreal, absolutely amazing! I didn’t anticipate it, and it completely caught me off guard. I’m so thankful to have received that award.
Did your perspective on your music and career shift following this recognition?
I wouldn’t say there was a drastic change, fundamentally. The main difference has been my awareness of how others perceive me and realizing that they are paying attention to my work.
Acknowledgment or validation from the industry is important, but it’s equally essential to detach from needing that validation and not allow it to be your sole motivation.
I mentioned feeling free, and since winning the Polaris Prize, I do feel liberated in a sense: “I won the top music prize in my country, what’s next? There are many other things I can pursue in life, and I feel content with awards already. I don’t feel the need to prove anything further.”
I’d love to discuss your new album further, but first, what about the title?
There’s a star in our solar system named Vega, historically known in ancient Babylon as “the Star of the Queen of Life”, which held significant astrological implications. It was believed to grant creativity, charm, and fearlessness to artists, but these gifts could only be received with humility.
I remember discovering that phrase and loved “The Star of the Queen of Life”. I added my own twist with the three rs.
Being a “starr” encompasses the full spectrum of experience. I often talk about flying versus falling and the idea that both can coexist. It’s about embracing the extremes of human existence and striving to fulfill your potential. I genuinely believe everyone has something unique to contribute to the world.
Typically, the title of my project comes first. Many opt for single-word album titles that are easy to recall, but I wanted to break from convention with this record – to
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“On this album, I aimed to break away from the conventional approach,” Debby Friday shares about her new release, ‘The Starrr Of The Queen Of Life’. It's a blend of