Haute & Freddy are not just a musical act; they are a celebration of gloriously extravagant weirdness, crafting synth-pop anthems that blur the line between high camp and profound emotional honesty. This Los Angeles duo views themselves as musicians for other flamboyant outsiders, delivering club-ready catharsis with tracks like ‘Freaks’ and ‘Dance The Pain Away.’
Their sound is steeped in the glittering nostalgia of the 1980s, weaving classic influences from artists like Kate Bush, New Order, and Phil Collins into a uniquely dazzling package. Their latest offering, ‘Fashion Over Function’, showcases this lustrous new wave nugget while maintaining a playful spirit that deliberately sidesteps snobbery—a subtle nod to their playful moniker, where the “Haute” is playfully mispronounced as “hot,” rather than high fashion.
The visual identity of the band is as colorful as their sound. The video for their most-streamed track, ‘Shy Girl’, introduces a world bathed in glitter and theatricality: vocalist Michelle “Haute” Buzz is encased in a giant birdcage and an orange wig, while dandyish drummer-percussionist Lance “Freddy” Shipp pulls pearls from his mouth. This whimsical aesthetic perfectly captures their fanciful backstory as “runaway carnies,” who cause delightful havoc among the court.
The duo cultivates a loyal following they call “the Royal Court,” a name that nods to their fictitious history. While rooted in theatrical flair, their music possesses an unexpected depth. The vulnerability in their work allows for potent emotional resonance. Buzz shared how ‘Shy Girl’ became a vital outlet for processing personal struggle, using the song as a “lantern” to address self-hate and depression. This openness reveals that their art is not just spectacle but genuine therapy.
The creative bond between Haute & Freddy deepened over years, evolving from professional collaboration into a true partnership. Both founders shared an affinity for music training in church and choral work, grounding them in live performance, while simultaneously embracing the magic of musical theatre. This shared history manifests in their creation of ‘Symphony For A Queen’, a baroque opening song that effortlessly shifts between Broadway ballad and spangly toe-tapper.
Their journey from individual songwriting to a unified force was fueled by a desire for freedom. Tired of being boxed in by high-pressure industry demands, they opted to create music without rigid goals, allowing their musical imaginations to run wild. This liberating approach gave them the space to invent their own narrative and characters.
The band’s lore is wonderfully open-ended, resisting easy definition. They remain ruminating over where their circus characters might go next, preferring to let their story evolve organically rather than settling for a fixed plot. This freedom has empowered them to connect deeply with their audience, who embrace their eclectic world and supportive spirit.
Haute & Freddy continue to embody the power of authentic expression in an often demanding industry. By serving as a vibrant voice for the Royal Court, they remind us that finding community and letting your true self shine is the most powerful anthem of all.
Credit: NME
