At the first listen of FEWS’ single ‘The Zoo’ on a late BBC 6Music show, I knew that these guys were an act we must take note of and consequently saw them perform an exhilarating set at this year’s The Great Escape Festival. Produced by master musician Dan Carey (Kate Tempest, Bat For Lashes, Toy), their debut album Means is a visceral fusion of post-punk and rock-pop that matches the intensity of their enthralling live shows which they have become known for. We put some questions to Fredda from the band to find out more.

Where did you grow up?
San Francisco, California.

What kind of music were you brought up on?
Everything from Haydn to Deftones.

Can you remember the first album you owned?
Black Uhuru – Ras Portraits.

What was the first instrument you played?
I started with drums years ago. My big brother forced me after school. At the time I was playing soccer and my coach was a dick to me. I think my big brother knew that, so he introduced me into music.

What drives you to write music?
Emotions and the will of wanting to change things in life, when you’re not satisfied (which is 24/7 in other words).

How was FEWS formed?
Through Myspace and being in Berlin. I met Deedee in Berlin at some after-parties, and we had way too much in common to not start something. After a while I became homeless and he invited me to stay at his place in Sweden. Dan Carey found Jay and Rusty through an ad in the paper, so he fixed the match up with us and them.

Is there a story behind the name?
I remember someone told me and Deedee at a party about a goddess from Norway called Fewsia. She was like a worse version of the god Rudra. We were into it and couldn't get that name out of our heads, so we became FEWS basically.

How do you approach the writing and recording process?
We had already written most of the songs before recording them in the studio with Dan. When I write songs, I definitely isolate myself as it's very easy to be distracted by going out drinking or anything else. The recording process was amazing and very organic in a way – Dan Carey is a crazy genius that knew exactly where we wanted to take the music and pushed us in ways we had no idea was possible.

Do you prefer writing music or performing live?
Both in different ways. Writing music is like cleaning your brain and you get shit off your mind – feeling less insane for a while. Performing live is a release – like an orgasm really.

What has been a musical eye-opener?
It must be meeting Ghostpoet, we had the privilege to support him twice. He is the nicest and coolest guy I've ever met. Amazing live as well. He's been to a couple of our shows. He's even sold our merchandise at Live At Leeds Festival. Fucking insane!

If you could give a musical award of the year, who would it be for and why?
M.I.A. she is really needed these days, especially with the refugee crisis. She is not afraid to point out stuff when things are fucking insane. Much love to her. A true artist.

Who would be in your perfect band of any musicians?
Nusrat Fate Ali Khan, me (Fredda), Dan Carey and Thom Yorke. Our name would be Khan's Vowels. (That's actually sick).

What would be your perfect line-up of any three acts for a concert you are putting on and where would it be?
Karen Dalton, Thee Oh Sees and Grimes. In the nature of Iceland.

If you could work with any artist, who would it be and what would they bring to FEWS?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He'd bring amazing vocals and vibes.

If you could have made any song ever, which one would it be and why?
‘Not Even Jail’ by Interpol. The best song I've ever heard in my life.

What music are you listening to at the moment?
I’m really into Girl Band, Pixx and Institute.

Do you get to go to many gigs?
Sometimes but most of the time we don't have the time to go check out gigs. I did see Meatraffle at The Windmill a few weeks ago – they killed it! I even lost my passport, wallet and everything, because I got too excited.

What are your future plans?
Hopefully to tour as much as possible all over the world. Maybe release a few new tracks. Album number two is already in working process.

Website: fewsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/fewsmusic
Twitter: twitter.com/FEWSMUSIC