The world of pop music is constantly churning out new sounds, but sometimes, the most captivating stories are written in the spaces between the notes. This week, we dive into the dazzling, imaginative world of Haute & Freddy, a duo who have not only carved out a unique niche for themselves but have also masterfully spun an irresistible narrative that blends circus flair with pop sensibility.
As part of NME’s commitment to discovering emerging global talent, Haute & Freddy are featured in the latest edition of The Cover. This weekly showcase spotlights artists pushing boundaries, and their profile, penned by Nick Levine and illustrated by Kristen Jan Wong, offers a vivid glimpse into their vibrant artistic universe.
But their story goes deeper than a magazine spread. It’s about finding creative synchronicity in a competitive scene. Long before the pandemic shifted the landscape, vocalist Michelle “Haute” Buzz and drummer-percussionist Lance “Freddy” Shipp had been orbiting each other for years, sharing scenes and songwriting sessions that nurtured an undeniable connection.
It wasn’t until the global pause of the pandemic that this connection crystallized into a powerful partnership. Tired of being confined by high-pressure artistic demands, they realized they could finally let their musical imaginations run wild. As Lance Shipp recalls, they decided to simply ‘play’ rather than chase external goals, which gifted them the freedom to create music entirely on their own terms.
This newfound freedom led to an audacious creative pivot. Instead of adhering to conventional structures, they began inventing their own world. Inspired by an old-timey circus flier, Buzz suggested a visual aesthetic for their sound that reflected wild imagination and theatrical spectacle. This impulse became the foundation for Haute & Freddy—a duo who built elaborate characters and an outlandish backstory.
The seed of this narrative blossomed with their debut single, ‘Scantily Clad,’ released in late 2024. The lyrics didn’t just tell a song; they launched them into the world of circus lore, positioning the duo as figures upsetting the queen and the nobles. This concept immediately engaged their audience, turning fan comments into a living, breathing narrative.
Today, Haute & Freddy celebrate this whimsical journey with an exclusive playlist titled ‘Juggling Practice.’ The mix is a delightful collision of high-energy pop and theatrical history. It features three tracks from the duo—‘Dance The Pain Away,’ ‘Freaks,’ and ‘Shy Girl’—juxtaposed seamlessly with iconic tracks from ’80s legends like Kate Bush and Depeche Mode, alongside the sounds of drag queens Devine and Violet Chachki.
For those looking to immerse themselves in their unique sound, the playlist is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Haute & Freddy prove that the most compelling music often emerges when you stop trying to fit into a box and start letting your inner circus run free. Their story is a vibrant reminder that true artistry lies in embracing the wild, unpredictable joy of self-invention.
Buy on Amazon
Credit: NME
