Fred Again, whose real name is Frederick John Philip Gibson, is making waves in the music scene, especially among Kiwis. His stage name stems from a playful reference to the live-action Scooby-Doo movie, where the character Fred exclaims, “I’m Fred Again…” This whimsical introduction gives a glimpse into Fred’s persona, characterised by a refreshing lack of pretension.
Although he seemingly emerged out of nowhere in 2020, Fred has quietly been shaping the music landscape for years, collaborating with notable artists like Charlie XCX, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and BTS. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that Fred stepped into the spotlight, captivating audiences and making people feel less alone during tough times.
His track ‘Marea (we’ve lost dancing) was a favourite on social media during the COVID lockdowns both here and in the UK featuring sound samples saying “This year we’ve had to lose our space, we’ve lost dancing. All these things that we took for granted. We’ve lost the hugs with friends and people that we loved” which could easily be related to. His appeal lies not only in his emotive electronic sound but also in the versatility of his tracks, which cater to a wide array of music lovers.
At 29, Fred is a part of the internet-native generation, adept at using social media for self promotion, but what sets him apart is the genuine, almost intimate connection he builds with his fans not only online but in person. Despite his skyrocketing success, Fred remains grounded, he recently popped into the Welsh Dragon Pub in Wellington to join a pub quiz team he had first met in 2023 and also invited his fans to bike around London with him to share his new release.
There was also an instance where he performed in the Boiler room in London where a fan accidentally knocked the decks and ended the set. This is where Fred’s real genuine and empathetic side shined as he gave the guy a hug and carried on with his set.
Fred Again tickets are known to sell out so quickly with only recently 45,000 people waiting in a virtual queue to snag a ticket for his Auckland Spark arena show and then we have the Easter eggs that he dropped before his announcement of his pop up show at Wellington waterfront.
His rapid ascent to sold-out shows is a testament to his undeniable talent and the genuine connection he has cultivated with his audience. He feels like the cool friend you would meet at a house party, not the world class touring superstar and that’s part of what makes him great.
For tickets to Fred Again.. Tour keep a lookout on his socials and website.