Interview: Miss Freddye
Freddye Stover, aka Miss Freddye, is a seasoned and award winning Gospel and Blues singer from Pittsburgh. With the release of her new single, 'Wade In The Water', Louder Than The Music chatted with Freddye to find out how it all began, the story behind the new single, and her plans for the future.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I have been sing professionally since 1996. Started singing with some friends growing. At 15, started singing in the church choir. One day I was singing to my youngest son, "Silent Night", acapella. The guy I was dating at the time was a bass player. He heard me singing and said, "I didn't know you could sing!". I said,, "neither did I!". He convinced me to audition for the band he was in, as they were looking for a singer. I did, my shyness/stage fright did not get in the way of joining the band, Blues Music Works or "BMW"!
Before I became a professional musician, I became a nurse, currently working for a surgeon in the out patient setting with patients who have pancreatic, colon, or rectal cancers.
Tell us about your new single 'Wade In The Water' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Mike Morgan, singer/songwriter who is the producer, from Jackson, Ohio, asked me to be apart of this project, he asked me to choose a spiritual song. I immediately chose Wade in the Water. This song I first heard as a child. I loved the way it was sung. I found it haunting, yet powerful! Mike asked Jay Vernali from Nashville, Tennessee to lay down the instrumental and Kim Parent, who is also from the Nashville area, to add the backup vocals.
This is a song that gives listeners the vibe to get in to the music and the lyrics. Wrap their minds and spirits around it. Let the song lead you to a positive outlet, a way to keep going not matter what!
We're told that song is from your forthcoming gospel album, can you tell us a little more about the album and when people can hear it?
Yes, I'm so excited about this up coming album!
It's due to come out late summer of this year. It is titled, "Glory Be", which is the title of an original song written by a musician/songwriter Mike Sweeny of of Pittsburgh.
Wade in the Water will definitely be on that album!
It's a gospel roots album, taking listeners back to where my roots began!
What message would you like people to take from your music?
The music I do is key to what remains powerful, yet meaningful. It's music that can enjoyed and related to by all ages. I work on making the music that audiences can relate to. I had this happen when I performed out, before the pandemic.
I want the message of the music I sing to be given as a sign of a relationship with something much higher, more powerful!
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I would say it's a combination of Chicago style blues, with a touch of delta blues, and some southern rock added. There is a hint of a soulful mixture too.
My influences are Koko Taylor, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Big Mama Thornton, and Bille Holiday.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
There are so many great songwriters today. But, my choice would be Tab Benoit. He talks about love, life, faith, and a whole lotta soul in life. He brings the issues to the listener when he combines it with the music he plays.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I would say touring, the fans giving you their continued support, by coming to your shows and buying your merchandise.
Collaborating with other musicians. It would not hurt to win a Grammy either!
What is your favorite album of all time?
That's a hard one! But, I love Koko Taylor's "Force of Nature"!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Just one song??? Mmmm...
Well, it would be Wade in the Water.
What does the next year hold for you?
To continue to record music, tour Europe in 2022, and collaborate with some musicians.
