Columbia Records artist, Frenship, was recently named Spotify’s #2 Breakout Artist of 2016, thanks to the overwhelming success of the track “Capsize,” which features Emily Warren on vocals. The Los Angeles-based duo consists of James Sunderland and Brett Hite, who met while both worked in the same retail store in Los Angeles. Although they both had musical aspirations, the two didn’t embark on a music career off the bat, instead would become good friends and bond after work hours during late night parties and social events. The duo realized they could complement each other’s strengths and talents, as they describe their production as a combination of the twosome’s affection for 80s-styled pop. Sunderland grew up in Colorado and came from a family of opera singers, and while he didn’t inherit that opera gene, he did sing in choirs and played the drums as a kid. Hite grew up in Spokane, Washington with a talent for soccer and as a hobby played the drums and guitar. An injury sidelined him from the sport and gave him the time to explore his musical passions, which eventually led to him playing coffee shops and small venues after college as a singer/songwriter. Forming Frenship is described as a natural progression by the duo and it wasn’t long until the track “Capsize” would be streamed more than 60 million times on Spotify to date) along with previously released songs. “Our music in general is really a hybrid of the organic with the electronic,” says James. “Over time, we’ve come to trust our mutual instincts more and more.”
B-Sides On-Air caught up with Frenship during their Oakland tour stop opening for Cherub. Frenship spoke with host, Pete Mar, about their formation, their debut EP Truce, the strength of their friendship and more.
Check out the interview:
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