Based between Durban and Cape Town, FREDDY L balance alternative indie influences with an endemic, Mzansi-pop sound. Think Matthew Mole meets Shortstraw meets Alt-J meets Kings Of Leon. You get the idea right?
Originally established as a solo project by lead singer Ntutuko (Freddy) Lalendle, the group was expanded in 2023 with the addition of Reece Berkeley on drums and production, alongside Niclaus Duvenhage on bass and production.
Their connection began as friends, but seeing as each of them was already involved in music in some individual capacity when they met, the next step was pretty obvious–let’s form a band?
“Because we’re close friends, the writing process never feels forced. It flows naturally and we allow space for each of us to bring something unique to the table. That balance is a major part of what defines our sound,” they tell me.
“Reece usually kicks things off with a guitar riff or a chord progression,” they continue, “and then Claus joins for production. They both have an incredible ear and instinct for how to shape a track. Freddy tends to lead on melody and direction, making sure we’re staying true to the feeling or idea behind the song.”
They’ve released several singles since their fateful inception, from their debut track “Hold On” to recent singles “Stacey” and “Modo” and a successful collaboration with Afrikaans music legends Bouwer Bosch and Gazelle on “Liefde Love Uthando”.
“As a band, we pull from a wide range of influences that really shape the way we write and perform,” they tell me. “We’ve always been drawn to artists who push boundaries. Bands like Twenty One Pilots, The 1975, Deftones, Wunderhorse and Nirvana all play a part in how we think about sound. There’s something powerful about artists who evolve over time and still feel authentic. Our aim is to make music that moves people whilst still staying true to who we are.”
Their sound is incredibly varied, moving from rock to indie-pop to folk. They’re almost like a chameleon in this way, shapeshifting and changing their colours. It keeps things fresh, dynamic, but as they gain more experience and mature as a band, it seems like they’re starting to settle on a style that suits them.
“We’ve finally found the sound we’ve been shaping, and more importantly, the community around it,” they continue. “We’ve worked hard to create something that feels personal but still connects outward, and now it’s about giving back and connecting to the people who’ve supported us.”
With new music already on the horizon, FREDDY L are poised to continue their impressive upwards trajectory. And it’s their friendship that will keep on fuelling the fire.
