Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp are experts at constructing a track from the ground up. As the synth-pop duo Haute & Freddy, they are showcasing the significance of immersive artistry.
Stream: “Freaks” – Haute & Freddy
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Their work is rooted in themes of freedom, rebellion, and fashion.
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In a lively crowd adorned with micro shorts and pashmina hoods, a front-row filled with enthusiastic lip-syncing fans can be found. These individuals are part of “The Royal Court,” with Haute & Freddy serving as their dedicated jesters. This pop duo, inspired by baroque aesthetics, is a surprising highlight at Portola. Haute, with her orange hair styled into horns and her hands concealed by crochet gloves, wore dramatic leg-of-mutton sleeves. Her partner donned culottes, a striking red cape, and a hat reminiscent of Captain Hook.
The personas behind these flamboyant costumes are Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp—songwriters for top-tier artists who have transformed into eccentric performers blending synth-pop with a carnival-like flair. They're skilled at constructing music from its very foundations and are now illustrating the value of immersive artistry.
Above all, Buzz and Shipp are music enthusiasts. Buzz lights up at the mention of David Bowie, while Shipp expresses his intrigue with unconventional sounds. This imaginative world they’ve created was not a mere coincidence; it results from a contrast: soft, airy reverb paired with sharp synth hooks, merging futuristic pop with nods to 18th-century exhibitions.
This vibrant spectacle resonates with them both on and off the stage. The duo interacts in the media tent with the same enthusiasm they display at the pier—fully engaged, infectiously joyful, and delightfully unconventional. Atwood Magazine recently chatted with Haute & Freddy on a well-used couch at the Portola Music Festival, diving into the inspiration behind their creativity.
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:: stream/purchase Freaks here ::
:: connect with Haute & Freddy here ::
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Stream: “Freaks” – Haute & Freddy
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Haute & Freddy © Noah Kentis
A CONVERSATION WITH HAUTE & FREDDY
Atwood Magazine: Let’s discuss your influences. Glam rock icons like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Kate Bush come to mind.
Michelle Buzz: The mix of unique and revolutionary songs with fashion… Particularly Bowie, with his groundbreaking costumes—no one had seen anything like that before, and it remains powerful. It embodies escapism, which deeply inspires us.
Speaking of Bowie, he had numerous personas. How would you describe your connection to this “18th Century runaway carnie” concept?
Michelle Buzz: The baroque is just a fragment of who we are. It’s deeply tied to themes of disruption and freakism, transcending a specific time period. We can adapt and shift, like in the “Freaks” video. It originates from a space of freedom, rebellion, and fashion.
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What didn’t songwriting fulfill for you?
Michelle Buzz: Both Lance and I were those kids who wrote music after school with obsession. That freedom of storytelling felt separate from collaborating in a room with five others, writing for a pop star who may not be focused on narrative. It never satisfied that desire to create alone and nurture inspiration within myself. I was too sensitive for it.
Lance Shipp: I was too unconventional for it. I wanted to create unusual sounds.
Michelle Buzz: It’s all about what someone else considers a radio hit. For a long time, I didn’t feel like my creative, youthful self. When we started working together, that’s when I realized what pursuing a career in music truly meant.
Can you walk me through the moment you chose to fully embrace Haute & Freddy?
Michelle Buzz: I was on the brink of giving up music, thinking of treating it as a hobby. I spent a year in that mindset, which allowed me the freedom to play. We’d create fun projects on weekends.
Lance Shipp: For me, it felt like experimenting with something “meanwhile.” I noticed I was happier in this creative environment, so I decided to pursue it. It was about following the path of joy and spreading happiness to others.
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Haute & Freddy © Noah Kentis
What aspect of each other solidified this decision?
Lance Shipp: Our shared quirky tastes resonated.
Michelle Buzz: Whenever we collaborate, there’s no need to discuss what we’re aiming for. I might say it should feel like “driving in a misty fog,” and Lance instantly understands and agrees!
If you two were younger and witnessed Haute & Freddy’s current endeavors, what impact would that have had on you?
Lance Sh
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Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp have mastered the art of constructing a track from scratch. Currently, in their synth-pop collaboration as the duo Haute & Freddy, they are showcasing the significance of a captivating artistic experience.