Fred Roberts: The Queer Rock-Pop Star Claiming the Spotlight

By Sasha Brandt

New Musical Express, Rolling Stone, and other major musical magazines: when they write about the emerging stars blowing up right now, Fred Roberts is always included as an artist certain to dominate the near future. The 21-year-old’s tenacity can be heard in his softly yearning pop songs, hard-won lessons on love and success from an adored new star.

Credit Jono White

In a dimly lit Brooklyn loft, Fred Roberts sits casually on a vintage leather couch, his fingers absently strumming the strings of an acoustic guitar. The space, adorned with eclectic art pieces and shelves brimming with vinyl, feels like a sanctuary for creativity—a fitting backdrop for an artist whose music encapsulates the raw, unfiltered experiences of queerness and self-discovery. 

Born in a small Midwestern town, Roberts’ path to musical stardom wasn’t paved with gold but rather forged through personal struggle and an insatiable drive to give voice to the marginalized. “I grew up feeling like I didn’t belong,” he recalls, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “Music became my escape, my way of expressing everything I couldn’t say out loud.”

Roberts’ queerness isn’t just a footnote in his biography; it is the heartbeat of his music. His lyrics, often poignant and deeply personal, serve as anthems for those who find themselves on the fringes of societal norms. “My songs are my diary,” he says. “They’re about love, heartbreak, and the search for identity. I want my listeners to know they’re not alone in their struggles.”

His breakout single “Broken Mirrors” catapulted him into the limelight, resonating with audiences for its haunting melody and brutally honest portrayal of self-acceptance. The song quickly became a rallying cry within the LGBTQ+ community, earning Roberts a devoted following. “The response was overwhelming,” he admits. “People started sharing their stories with me, and it was incredibly humbling to realize the impact my music could have.”

But Roberts’ rise to fame hasn’t been without its challenges. The music industry, often criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity, posed its own set of obstacles. “I’ve faced my fair share of rejection and criticism,” he confides. “But every ‘no’ only fueled my determination. I knew I had a story that needed to be told, and I wasn’t going to let anyone silence me.”

This tenacity is evident in his latest album, Echoes of Silence, a collection of tracks that traverse the emotional landscapes of love, loss, and resilience. Each song is a testament to Roberts’ growth as an artist and an individual, blending haunting melodies with introspective lyrics that cut to the core. “This album is my most personal work yet,” he reveals. “It’s about confronting my demons and finding strength in vulnerability.”

Beyond the music, Roberts has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to champion causes close to his heart. Whether it’s speaking at pride events or collaborating with organizations that support queer youth, he is committed to creating a world where everyone can live authentically. “Visibility is so important,” he emphasizes. “I want to be a role model for those who feel like they don’t fit in, to show them that it’s okay to be different.”

In conversation, Roberts exudes a quiet confidence that belies the inner turmoil he has faced. He speaks with the wisdom of someone who has weathered life’s storms and emerged stronger on the other side. “I’ve learned that true strength comes from being unapologetically yourself,” he says, a soft smile playing on his lips. “And that’s the message I want to share with the world.”

As the interview draws to a close, Roberts takes a moment to reflect on his journey. “It’s been a wild ride,” he acknowledges. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience, every hardship, has shaped me into the person I am today. And I’m excited to see where this path will lead me next.”

Fred Roberts is more than just a musician; he is a beacon of hope and resilience for a new generation. His story is a reminder that beauty can be found in brokenness and that the power to inspire lies within each of us. As his music continues to touch hearts and minds, one thing is clear—Fred Roberts is a voice that the world desperately needs to hear.

In a world where music often seems to be more about following trends than creating them, Fred Roberts stands out. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter has become an unexpected beacon for those seeking authenticity and connection. His music, rich with the textures of his personal experiences and razor-sharp lyrical insights, has resonated with fans across the globe. But what really makes Fred Roberts tick?

Fred Roberts grew up in a small town where being different was not always celebrated. “I always felt like an outsider,” he recalls, a softness in his voice that belies the edge in his lyrics. “Growing up queer in a place where that wasn’t accepted shaped me in ways I’m still discovering.” It’s these experiences that form the bedrock of his music. Each song is a snapshot of his life, an unfiltered look into the moments that have defined him.

“Queerness isn’t just a part of me; it’s the lens through which I see the world,” he explains. “My music is my way of processing and sharing that perspective.”

Credit Jono White

While many artists struggle to find their unique sound, Roberts seemed to arrive with his fully formed. Influenced by the likes of David Bowie and Joni Mitchell, he blends genres and defies easy categorisation. “I never wanted to fit into a box,” he says. “If people can’t quite pin down my style, then I know I’m doing something right.”

His debut album, Unapologetic, is a testament to this. Tracks like “Outsider’s Anthem” and “Chasing Shadows” are filled with raw emotion and a haunting honesty that makes them impossible to ignore. The album doesn’t just tell the story of his life; it invites listeners to reflect on their own.

In an age of curated Instagram feeds and manufactured personas, Roberts’ commitment to authenticity is refreshing. “I’m not interested in being a pop star,” he asserts. “I just want to be myself and make music that matters.”

He’s quick to credit his fans for their support, often referring to them as his “chosen family.” “My fans are everything to me,” he says. “They’ve stuck by me through thick and thin, and I feel a responsibility to be real with them.”

Roberts has never shied away from difficult conversations. His music tackles topics like mental health, identity, and the complexities of love head-on. “If my music can help even one person feel seen, then I’ve done my job,” he says.

His willingness to be vulnerable has earned him a loyal following, but it’s also come with its share of challenges. “There are always going to be people who don’t get it,” he admits. “But that’s okay. I’m not making music for them.”

With a second album in the works and a tour planned for next year, Fred Roberts shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m just getting started,” he says with a grin. “There’s so much more I want to say, so many more stories to tell.”

For now, he’s content to keep pushing boundaries and challenging norms. “I want to make music that’s brave,” he says. “Music that makes people feel something.”

In a world that often asks us to conform, Fred Roberts is a powerful reminder of the strength found in staying true to oneself. His music is more than just a soundtrack; it’s a call to action, inviting us all to live a little more authentically. And in doing so, he’s not just making waves; he’s creating a movement.

Sasha Brandt is a staff writer and illustrator for GAY45. They will publish the first novel “Amber memoirs” in 2025.

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