From Berlin to London: Anna of Friedberg Talks Music, Inspiration, and the Power of the Cowbell
Photo by Lewis Vorn
Hi Anna!!! We're thrilled to have you on Pop Palace. To get us started, could you share your role in Friedberg and what it means to you?
Oh hiii thanks for having me. I’m the songwriter, singer, guitarist and most importantly cowbell player in the band haha.
Can you give us a glimpse into the formation of the band? What is the inspiration for the name?
I all of a sudden spent lots more time in London and I kind of wanted a band in London. So I started to ask around and got a recommendation for an „incredible guitar player“, which turned out to be Emily, who has been the guitarist from day 1. She used to live together with a drummer and then I bumped into Cheryl, our bass player, in a wine bar in South London. 2 weeks later we played our first secret show in a pub...
HARDCORE WORKOUT QUEEN… are you kidding, I am so obsessed!! What was the process of creating this album?
omg the longest process ever. I started writing it in Berlin, then kept going on a road trip through California with 2 producer friends from Berlin and finished it in London with Oli Bayston, who brought all the different productions and songs together. Some of the songs went through so many different versions, but mostly i went back to the original writing demos, as you just can*t recreate that first vibe.
What are some challenges you or the band have faced as women in the music industry?
mainly i would say stereotypical 'old white male' attitude from some other bands’ crew, we were touring with. Having learned our lesson, we now bring everything we need—even our own gaffer tape—so we can stay fully self-sufficient and avoid relying on anyone else.
I have Venice 142 on repeat- I can’t get enough! How did this song come about?
This actually started in a weird airbnb in Venice Beach, which was called "House that smiles“. In the song I wanted to celebrate „a strange mind“. Probably because mine is quite strange too, so I can relate.
How do you balance giving your energy to creativity while maintaining well-being?
very good question. The truth is, I’ve got so much admin and other stuff to do, that I only spend maybe 5% of my time on actually making music. That’s why I am always super hungry for doing creative stuff, as I barely get to do it.
Lastly, at Pop Palace, we love asking our guests to curate their own 'Royal Court' of musical influences. Who would be part of your court, and who sits on your creative throne as your biggest inspiration?
James Murphy. King of the cowbells (but not only that. King of everything), Adrienne Lenker (Queen of beautiful songs and guitar pickings and tunings), ESG (more queens of the cowbells and dance punk)
