Freya Ridings at Somerset House
As part of the anticipated Somerset House Summer Series, it is Freya Ridings’s turn to grace the open‑air courtyard of the iconic London landmark. After an intimate set by the incredibly talented opening act Nell Mescal, Ridings appears in a long, sequined green dress that beautifully complements her powerful, siren‑esque vocals and ethereal aura. Having recently signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing UK, which means a new album on the horizon, fans of the North London singer have plenty to look forward to. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for her.
And that excitement comes through this live performance, which succeeds where the recorded material, especially some of her older tracks, might lack: Ridings’s warmth and charming nervousness bring multidimensionality and flair to her music. Opening with Ultraviolet, she sets a gentle and intimate tone before moving through familiar numbers, like the stripped-back, piano-led Blackout, and the more uplifting pop ballad Can I Jump?. She dedicates the latter to her fans, in celebration of this debut: “I give you everything I’ve got,” she sings. And she means it.
New tracks, however, are the true revelation. The upbeat resilience anthem Undefeated, for instance, conveys both vulnerability and defiance. Wild Horses then follows, a catchy tune about breaking free from people who make you feel like you’re not enough. Of all these unreleased gems, two in particular stand out as the show’s highlights and emotional peaks. First, Mother of Pearl, premiered live in London for the first time. Stripped back to piano, it offers fresh imagery and lyrical nuance that feel both richly descriptive and courageous. After this tender moment, Ridings picks up her ukulele for Dancing in the Kitchen, a song she wrote during a difficult period at her parents’ house that explores coping mechanisms with vivid, colourful specificity. Its gentle honesty makes the relatability more poignant than generic.
The evening then builds momentum, with the upbeat Euphoria and Weekends prompting some sing‑along joy. And, speaking of sing-along, towards the end of the concert, her fans get to experience a spine‑chilling rendition of Lost Without You, the hit that launched her career. Couples sway, embracing each other, as the sun sets over Somerset House. It is a truly magical moment.
Ridings is at her best when raw emotion is centre stage, and this show confirms that her talent lies in the alchemy she creates live. But it also feels like a promise, a glimpse at an artist growing into her narrative. If this is a preview of what’s to come on her third album, anticipation has been piqued.
Benedetta Mancusi
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Freya Ridings’s website here.
Watch the video for Lost Without You here:
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