From busking the streets of Scunthorpe to supporting The Reytons and selling out iconic venues like The Leadmill, it has been a whirlwind start in the music industry for Freddie Halkon.
With a sound that blends classic indie, singer-songwriter honesty, and even a touch of musical theatre flair, Freddie’s music is as eclectic as his influences — ranging from Ed Sheeran to Hamilton.
As he gears up for a headline tour and major festival slots, including Neighbourhood Weekender, Freddie talks about the lessons he’s learned, the local roots that shaped him, and the excitement of hearing fans belt out his lyrics.
It’s a chat full of gratitude, humour, and wide-eyed ambition — and a must-read for anyone wanting to get to know one of the North’s most promising new voices…
For anyone who hasn’t heard your music yet, sum it up and tell them why they should be listening to Freddie Halkon?
Freddie: “I’d say there are much better things to spend your time on haha. But if you like feel-good, sing-along tunes then I’m right up your street. I definitely combine classic indie with elements of singer-songwriter and love keeping things simple with my acoustic guitar, but the truth is I don’t know what I’m doing half the time, the songs just kind of happen!”
Who are your biggest inspirations in music?
Freddie: “My biggest inspiration probably would be Ed Sheeran. He was one of the first artists I ever listened to and learning his songs is what inspired me to write my own. I get lost in his documentaries and song-writing process – it would probably be my dream collab!”
And who are your favourite artists at the minute?
Freddie: “On the surface, I’m an indie lad, so Oasis, Courteeners etc. but as a wildcard, I’m also a theatre kid at heart! I love stuff like the soundtracks from Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton – they’re really orchestral and I think this love of musicals might be where I get my interest in using strings in my own songs.”
You toured with The Reytons at the start of the year, how was that experience and what did you learn from them?
Freddie: “It was life changing. Before I met them I was used to playing to 4 men and a dog in local pubs, so going from that to a huge support slot in front of tens of thousands of people in less than 9 months was surreal. It was also incredibly eye-opening. It’s given me an understanding of how everything works across a big tour and the small details behind the scenes. It’s definitely taught me that this industry requires masses of hard work and dedication.”
You were born in Scunthorpe and raised in the Isle of Axholme, how have these settings for your upbringing inspired you musically? What are the music scenes like there now?
Freddie: “Scunthorpe really is monumental to my musical journey – I started busking on the streets there when I was only 12, kickstarting a career of performing in front of people, but my home really is the Isle of Axholme. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not an island (at least not anymore), but it’s a bunch of close-knit villages where everybody knows everybody. That’s something that I love. I used to tour the villages, playing pub after pub and all my mates and locals would support me at wherever I was playing – they still do to this day!”
How has the April tour been going and where have you been looking forward to playing most?
Freddie: “Great! I’m absolutely buzzing for the rest of the tour. The first night in London on Friday was like a fever dream. It’s one thing playing to so many people for support slots, trying your hardest to win them over and telepathically reminding them to buy tickets to your own shows, but it’s a whole new feeling and ballgame to have your own crowd in front of you belting out your newest single word for word. I think The Leadmill will be the most significant for me, not just because it’s the biggest venue and steeped in history, but because of what it means to me personally as part of my journey. In less than a year I have gone from nervously meeting and supporting The Reytons on their underplay shows in that room, to selling it out myself!! It’s fucking crazy!”
What can people expect from a Freddie Halkon live show?
Freddie: “Energy, excitement and a lot of swearing (sorry Mum!). My set list is pretty broad, so there’s something in there for everyone. Whether you wanna mosh to ‘Fret Don’t Fret’ or have a little cry to ‘Room 26’, but you’ll not walk away disappointed. I’m also massively grateful for everyone turning out. It’s still early in the journey, so I still can’t quite believe that people are coming out and paying money to see me play! So there’ll be a lot of thank yous at every show too!”
You will be playing some festivals too this year including NBHD Weekender, one of the north’s flagship events. Have you experienced this festival before and are you excited for this slot?
Freddie: “I’ve never actually been to Neighbourhood, but seen LOADS about it and there’s been some massive acts to come and play and grow with it. Hopefully it’s the start of that journey for me and I can’t wait to hit the stage on 24th May.”
Are there plans for new music?
Freddie: “I’ve actually just dropped my latest single “Carry On Where We Left Off”, it’s a fast-paced summertime sound that will hopefully carry perfectly for festivals, so wrap your ears round that one. On top of that, there’ll be plenty more to sink your teeth into in the near future.”
What does the future hold for you?
Freddie: “Multiple number 1s, platinum records and a castle on the Isle of Axholme haha! No I’m kidding – it’s not something I want to put too much pressure on. For now, I’m just enjoying the ride one step at a time while the opportunity to do it is there!”
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