Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fredrianna Harris . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fredrianna, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When it comes to taking risks , I’ve always centered my entire life around what I wanted to do . Regardless of what I needed to do to survive , and despite how others felt I made it my business to make space and room for my wildest dreams . If I can see it in my mind , I can manifest it , and so from there all kinds of risks are being presented to me . I think it happens that way so you can truly appreciate what it is you are seeking . Everything you want is just on the other side of the door . People fear things they don’t know and I just use it to fuel me even more . For example , I just had my first headliner showcase at Schubas tavern in Chicago . I was so nervous about throwing this show , never did anything like it in my life . I saw the vision of a great show but I was so scared of the turn out . I was so afraid of no one showing that it almost made me not do the work that it takes to throw a successful show . However I didn’t let it stop me . The thing about your feelings is that , they never go away . You must push past them & stick to your vision . So I promoted my show like it was my last day on earth everyday . I did it scared , nervous , and doubtful . I released my expectations and kept shooting for what I know I deserved . I ended up selling that show out . All my merch was purchased . So many people came out and I had the livest performance I’ve ever had in my life . People left in tears it was so good . So yeah , the risks are worth it , if you really really want something .

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My Name is Freddie Old Soul & I am an emcee and musician based in Chicago . Music has always been my passion , but it was really writing and poetry that got me into it . I was drawn to writing words in 3rd grade . I loved to write stories and papers . I loved reading books and I would admire black authors such as Zora Neale Hurston , whom I was exposed to in high school . Once I joined my poetry team at Morgan park high school it was over . I became a well known poet and inspiration in my city . From there I began writing songs and recording . I attended open mics with people like chance the rapper . Our mentor was actually the late brother mike . I’ve been apart of some amazing spaces for the art scene in Chicago . It has truly made me into the creator that I am . My music is so Chicago . You can hear it in the production . There is a grit and a struggle in my music yet an inspirational soul healing undertone that leads to answers to questions we always ask . I speak on topics that bring light to fears and I question the way the world works and why we think the way we do . I laugh cry and transmute sadness into joy and gratitude . I enjoy hip hop and I sample a lot of soulful funk oldies that my parents grew up listening to . I’m fascinated by artists such as sun ra , John Coltrane , miles Davis , the impressions . The jazz and soul inside the music has always captivated me . It has a trace of my ancestors in it . I don’t intend on solving anyone’s problems . I only wish to make people think about who they are and why . I make people become the greatest versions of themselves through my music or maybe not . I’m just different . I don’t strive to be like anyone else . I heal myself and it naturally heals others . I never chose this path . It chose me . I just simply listen to where it’s leading me . Not everyone can hear the voice . Out of all my accomplishments as a writer and emcee , my biggest is becoming a mother . My purpose has redefined itself in a way that will be able to sustain generational wealth for many years to come . When people read this I just want you to see that Chicago is filled with amazing talent that can and will change the world . I want you to see a woman who according to the rules just wouldn’t make the cut but somehow beat the odds and broke the rules . I want you to see that music is powerful and has the ability to change our realities . I want you to see a woman . A black woman

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly I wish I knew how raw I was . Instead of being stuck on what others think of me , I could have been focused on the love I was receiving and creating my business and brand as a teenager . Where I come from you only survive so it never crossed my mind . Now that I have children it’s important for me to give them that support . If I was to tell teenage Freddie something valuable for her future it would be , “you are enough “ stop trying to Become something that you already are . Imposter syndrome is real . I should have heard a long time ago that I deserve all the love and blessings that come my way .

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I create goals almost every month and I Create calendars around succeeding for the month . When I think about my biggest goals they really are broken down into smaller goals so that I can look up one day and say I did it !! Instead of goals I’ll just tell you my affirmations and they are , I grew my brand up and out of Chicago so much that it has reached my soul tribe across the world .I tour the country and inspire millions . I know my worth and make decisions that reflect that . I am consistent as a writer. There is no such thing as writers block . My story is worth telling . Ironically enough from my small goals you can almost tell what my main goals are . That’s how much work it takes to manifest your reality . My biggest goal though is to live long long live with good character . My music helps me know god & I plan to create generational knowledge peace and wealth that lives forever . That is my biggest goal    

Contact Info:

• Website: Freddiefarted
• Instagram: Freddiefarted
• Facebook: Fredrianna Harris
• Twitter: Freddiefarted
• Youtube: Yes

Image Credits
Thought Poet Mikey D