Freya Ridings has announced her third album Mother of Pearl, arriving on May 29 through BMG. The London singer-songwriter begins a bold new chapter with the record, following the success of her 2023 release Blood Orange.
The announcement arrives with the release of her deeply personal new single ‘I Have Always Loved You’. Written with Toby Gad during sessions in Los Angeles, the track grew from a simple but difficult question about the greatest love story of Freya’s life. What followed was an honest outpouring that quickly became one of the album’s most intimate songs.
The single offers a clear glimpse of the emotional core running through Mother of Pearl. Across the record Freya reflects on grief, love, ancestry and identity, drawing from the experiences that have shaped her life during the past several years.
Yet this album carries a different energy as well. Freya has spoken openly about reclaiming her own voice and refusing to be shaped by expectations from the music industry. As a result the songs hold both vulnerability and defiance, revealing an artist who feels newly certain of who she is and what she wants her music to say.
The imagery surrounding the album reflects that shift. Freya describes the project through the idea of water and the vast blue sea, representing depth, grief and ancient power. It contrasts with the fiery palette of her debut and the earthy tones associated with Blood Orange, giving this record its own emotional landscape.
A record shaped by collaboration
To build the album’s sound Freya spent time in Los Angeles working alongside a range of respected writers and producers. Sessions included collaborators Jenn Decilveo, Fraser T Smith, Adam Yaron, Toby Gad and Sam de Jong, each helping shape the evolving songs.
For Freya those sessions reignited the joy of creating music. Surrounded by musicians who cared deeply about songwriting, the environment helped restore her confidence and allowed ideas to flow freely again.
Several tracks had already begun introducing listeners to the record. Earlier singles ‘Wild Horse’ and ‘Wicker Woman’ teased the direction of the album and quickly became fan favourites.
The album opens with the confident and uplifting ‘Euphoria’, setting the tone for the eleven-track project. Across the record Freya moves between tenderness, reflection and strength, creating a collection that captures both personal struggle and renewal.
Mother of Pearl also marks Freya’s first release with BMG, beginning a new partnership as she prepares to share this chapter of her music. After years spent writing and refining these songs, the album now arrives as a defining moment in her journey as an artist.
You can listen to ‘Wild Horse’ and ‘Wicker Woman’ now. Her latest single ‘I Have Always Loved You’ is also available to stream, and you can follow Freya Ridings on Instagram. The video for ‘I Have Always Loved You’ will premiere at 5pm today.
