Big Freedia is preparing to release a long-awaited collaboration with SOPHIE, turning decade-old studio sessions into a new three-song EP titled Released At Last, set for June 19. The project brings together Freedia’s signature bounce sound and SOPHIE’s forward-looking hyperpop style, highlighting a partnership that was recorded in 2016 but remained unreleased for years.
Freedia said the delay between making the songs and sharing them publicly feels meaningful. She described the release as something that happened “for a reason,” and noted that the timing now feels respectful to SOPHIE’s family and fans. SOPHIE, the influential producer and artist, died in January 2021 after an accident in Athens, Greece. Freedia said it feels surreal that SOPHIE is not here to see the music finally arrive, but that listeners can still enjoy a piece of her creative legacy.
In an interview ahead of the EP’s release, Freedia reflected on how the collaboration came together. She said the pair were introduced through her publishing company, and that she visited SOPHIE’s home in the hills of Los Angeles. The two spent the day creating music, with Freedia freestyling vocals over beats as they worked quickly and intuitively. She described the session as magical, saying SOPHIE was enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the process.
Freedia also spoke about what the collaboration meant in a broader cultural sense, especially because both artists have challenged gender norms in their work and public identities. She said working together made her feel connected to a larger community and reminded her that she was not alone in advocating for queer and gender-nonconforming people.
The interview also touched on Freedia’s cultural influences and personal favorites. When asked to name her Mount Rushmore of queer musicians, she chose Sylvester, RuPaul, herself, and Little Richard. Her favorite queer film is To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. She also named the recent Queens Tour, featuring Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, and Gladys Knight, as one of the best live shows she has seen.
Freedia said performing with Patti LaBelle was a dream come true, recalling how nervous she felt when she was asked to join LaBelle on stage. She said the moment was unforgettable and that LaBelle welcomed her warmly.
Asked about Pride celebrations, Freedia said she loves New Orleans and New York most, praising both cities for their energy and style. She also shared recommendations for visitors to New Orleans, including local restaurants, Frenchmen Street, Cafe Du Monde, and various queer nightlife spots. She joked that Bourbon Street is now too crowded for her because fans mob her when she passes through.
Freedia highlighted several New Orleans bounce artists she believes deserve attention, including Fly Boi Keno, BJ So Cole, HaSizzle, and Sissy Nobby. She said she is proud to keep opening doors for the next generation of bounce talent and to continue representing the culture around the world.
The artist also gave a glimpse into her daily routine, saying she starts her mornings by feeding her pets and cooking at home, and ends her nights with food, television, and a cigarette. Her favorite dishes include gumbo, red beans and rice, cornbread dressing, and fried or smothered foods.
