Fred again..
Biography
Frederick John Philip Gibson, known professionally as Fred again.., is an English record producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ, born on July 19, 1993, in Balham, South London. His musical journey began at the age of 16 when he joined an a cappella group at the studio of his neighbor, the famed musician Brian Eno. Eno became his mentor, and in 2014, Gibson collaborated with him and Karl Hyde on two albums.
Production Career
Before his solo success, Gibson established himself as a sought-after producer. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, George Ezra, Rita Ora, and Clean Bandit. He is credited with co-writing and/or producing 12 of the 15 tracks on Ed Sheeran's "No. 6 Collaborations Project" (2019). His work on Stormzy's "Heavy Is The Head" included the number one hit "Own It". In 2020, he became the youngest person to win the Brit Award for Producer of the Year.
Solo Work and 'Actual Life' Project
In 2019, Fred again.. began his solo project titled "Actual Life," where he incorporates samples from voice memos, social media clips, and other artists' music into his own tracks. This project has been described as a "collaborative diary". He has released a trilogy of albums under this concept:
Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020)
His debut studio album was released in April 2021 and reflects his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It features samples from various sources to create a personal and emotional soundscape.
Actual Life 2 (February 2 – October 15 2021)
The second installment in the series was released in November 2021, continuing the diary-like format of the first album.
Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022)
Released in October 2022, this album features singles such as "Danielle (Smile on My Face)" and "Delilah (Pull Me Out of This)". It won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2024.
Musical Style and Performances
Fred again..'s music is known for its blend of electronic genres like house, garage, and techno with pop sensibilities and emotive vocal samples. His live performances, including a notable Boiler Room set in London, have received critical acclaim and contributed to a surge in his popularity. He is also known for his collaborations with artists like Skrillex and Four Tet, with whom he has released the single "Rumble," which won a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.