© Future Classic
At Today Radio we're absolutely buzzing to introduce Freak Slug, a fresh and exciting talent from the UK who's quickly making a name for herself all over the flipping place.
Freak Slug, the stage name of Manchester-based artist Xenya Genovese, is a raw and authentic force in the UK music scene. A self-taught songwriter, musician, and visual artist, Freak Slug’s music is, according to press promo, 'an unfiltered expression of her unique personality'. With a heady mix of 90s grunge influences, lo-fi sound, and experimental craftiness, she creates music hummable, relatable and that is, well, if we are being honest, 'just slap-my forehead and call me me Mary' lovable.
From the raw, grungy energy of her debut EP Slow Down Babe (2021), follow up, I'm In Love (2022) and Viva la Vulva (2023) to the more eclectic sounds on I Blow Out Big Candles, released in September of last year and now available as a deluxe edition with the suffix (But With A Cherry On Top), Freak Slug is unafraid to embrace those little idiosyncrasies and imperfections that make things human rather than generative.
Her sound is influenced by cult 90s acts like Ride and Mazzy Star, blending dream-like melodies with grungy guitars and lo-fi beats. In other words, the type of stuff we like to squirrel away and covet as our own 'find'.
On her debut album I Blow Out Big Candles, Freak Slug's playful attitude and boundary-pushing approach to sound shine through. Tracks like “Ya Ready” and “Sexy Lemon” showcase her ability to mix light-heartedness with an undercurrent of deeper, sometimes darker themes. She’s not afraid to confront difficult emotions, but her music is always infused with a sense of fun and rebellion.
With each new release, Freak Slug’s sound continues to evolve, proving to be a versatile artist capable of creating both genre-defying bangers and introspective, thought-provoking pieces.
Freak Slug’s journey, as it may be described, is one of embracing both her strengths and vulnerabilities, and I Blow Out Big Candles reflects that.
At Today Radio, we’re happy to "toot-toot" that we are here early and are incredibly excited to watch Freak Slug’s career skyrocket.
Check out more on Freak Slug here. 'I Blow Out Big Candles' is out now via Future Classic.
© Future Classic
