waves of change
Freyja Garbett, an experimental artist, composer, and producer hailing from the Illawarra has captivated audiences across the globe.
Words Ali Gerritsen
The Illawarra is fortunate to embrace a diverse community of artists, and among them stands Freyja Garbett, a professional musician inspired by the waves. Surfing occupies a central place in Australian culture and identity, it shapes communities by fostering a deep respect for nature. Freyja aims to create a musical representation of not just surfing, but the social identity and emotions accompanying it while sounding a compelling call to action for the preservation and protection of our oceans.
Freyja is a composer and producer on piano and synthesisers and has become a staple of both the local and Sydney music scene. With a sound that is inspired by her love for surfing, Freyja’s music transcends genres and defies musical expectations.
“Many surfers have drawn a philosophical connection between these two disciplines. Music is where I express myself and share stories with others. Surfing is my source of rejuvenation and mental clarity and provides a sense of freedom and spontaneity that often spills over into my musical compositions, sparking new ideas and perspectives.” Freyja says.
Freyja began experimenting with music at a young age and attended Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts followed by a Bachelor of Music at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the United States. Upon returning to Australia, Freyja was commissioned in 2017 to compose an extended work for a ten-piece jazz ensemble. From this commission emerged her regularly gigging band, Freyja Garbett Septet, which recorded its debut album Maya released on Art as Catharsis Records in 2019.
She now shares her expertise, offering private piano lessons at the Wollongong Conservatorium or via the Sisters of Sound Program, a female-led music education collective aspiring to help women of all ages to grow their music skill sets, build confidence, explore curiosity, and embrace self-expression. She enjoys teaching and creating music with her students to develop a lifelong love and application for music as well as valuable social skills and confidence.
Currently, Freyja is studying her Master of Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is working on an upcoming album Music from the Waves.
“I have been working with Ed Kuschel at Elk Elektronik in Wollongong to create a wearable, waterproof, motion detection system to be worn while surfing, which can convert motion to MIDI messages. My body is being used as a measuring instrument for the movement of the waves, essentially a conduit for the music of the waves. Each surfing session produces its own sonic identity. This means that each surf is a springboard for unique textures, compositions and improvisational development”.
“Music is where I express myself and share stories with others. Surfing is my source of rejuvenation and mental clarity and provides a sense of freedom and spontaneity that often spills over into my musical compositions, sparking new ideas and perspectives.”
Freyja has additional aspirations for her upcoming album in the realm of climate advocacy.
“This project draws literal and figurative inspiration from surfing and the ocean. The lyrics and spoken word elements incorporated into the compositions naturally create environmental awareness about our oceans. I see the future of this project as being a cultural and environmental statement that enables a deeper environmental consciousness for our listeners. By demonstrating this connection, I can help highlight the need to preserve the ocean and its diverse ecosystems”
Wondering what that sounds like? Listeners have described performances as being “inspiring, intriguing, and healing”, as well as being a “brilliantly rich sonic experience”.
When not out in the waves she has been busy on tour with Ian Moss and Montaigne this year, adding to the considerable list of artists she has performed and collaborated with, including Lime Cordiale, Casey Donovan and Stella Donnelly, with more to come.
“I have recently begun working with Wollongong-based Holy Pavlova for artist representation, booking, and tour management. Together we are developing a unique local show blending old and new forms of instrumental performance to come in 2024”.
Check out Freyja and follow her at @freyja.garbett and www.freyjagarbett.com