Big Freedia Celebrates Gospel Roots in New Album Following Loss
Big Freedia, renowned as the Queen of Bounce, is making a significant shift in her musical journey with the release of her new gospel album, Pressing Onward, on August 8, 2023. This project not only reflects her deep roots in gospel music but also serves as a poignant tribute following the recent death of her long-time partner, Devon Hurst.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Big Freedia shared that the inspiration for her gospel album comes from her upbringing in the church. “If you didn’t know, the Queen of Bounce started in gospel,” she stated. “It has been on my heart to do a gospel album for a while now.” Freedia emphasized the need for positivity in the world, particularly during challenging times. “We need a little bit of joy with all this crazy stuff that’s happening around the world,” she added.
The artistic journey towards this album began two years ago at a songwriting camp, where Freedia came across a particular track titled “Celebration.” This gospel-inspired dance piece resonated with her and ultimately led to the decision to focus on the gospel genre for her next project. “I’ve been in the music game now for 25 years. Why not go into the gospel genre?” she said.
While Freedia acknowledges the stereotypes surrounding LGBTQIA+ individuals in religious spaces, she believes that the church can be a welcoming environment. “Here in New Orleans, you have so many gay people in the church,” she explained. “We accept everybody and we love everybody here.” Her faith remains strong, and she hopes to convey this inclusive message through her music.
The album features tracks that resonate with both spiritual and secular audiences. The song “Church” begins with the thought-provoking lines, “We don’t need a preacher to go to church,” highlighting a personal interpretation of spirituality that transcends traditional worship. Another track, “Holy Shuffle,” featuring Billy Porter, is characterized by an upbeat tempo that captures the essence of celebration within the gospel framework.
Freedia’s faith was put to the test this year when Hurst passed away due to complications from diabetes. This loss could have shaken her beliefs, but instead, it has reinforced her resolve. “I have to keep bringing joy to the world, and [Devon] would want me to be happy,” she reflected. “It just hit home even harder because now that’s exactly what I have to do. Keep pressing onward.”
Although Hurst was unable to witness the album’s release, Freedia expressed that he was aware of the project and was excited about its completion. “He got to be here with me while I was making it, every step of the way,” she recalled, adding that their conversations about the album were filled with enthusiasm and anticipation.
The culmination of this project is not only a musical endeavor but also a heartfelt expression of resilience and joy, even in the face of personal loss. Freedia aims for her fans to feel that joy while listening to Pressing Onward, which embodies the spirit of gospel music.
“It is the hand claps, the tambourines, the choir,” she reminisced about her childhood experiences with gospel music. “That brought me so much joy in my childhood.” With Pressing Onward, Big Freedia invites listeners to embrace joy and acceptance through her unique gospel perspective.
