Fred Again..'s Forest Hills Stadium Show: A Dream-Like Night with an Artist Who Captures Real Emotions

If there's one word to describe Fred Again..'s open-air show at Forest Hills Stadium on Oct. 14, 2023, it would be "unforgettable." When the London-based record producer, singer-songwriter, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist graced the stage in Queens, it was nothing short of magical. Having discovered Fred Again.., and now a big fan, his music fairly recently, this experience was a dream come true.

My Introduction to Fred Again..

In late 2021, at the peak of my "Daft Punk" phase, I somehow encountered the music of Fred Again.. as part of my extensive exploration of dance and electronic music. It is worth noting that during that period Fred Again.. was far from a widely known name. 

I distinctly remember the days of trying to introduce his music to my friends, only to be met with indifference. However, to me, there was something about his unique style and his ability to tap into raw emotions that resonated with me deeply. 

I felt it was only a matter of time before his music achieved more widespread acclaim and catapulted him to popularity.

Tracks like "Kyle (i found you)" and "Dermot (see yourself in my eyes)" hold quite special places in my heart. Songs such as "Roze (forgive)" and "Angie (I've been lost)" possess a remarkable ability to captivate me, stirring up profound emotional responses, often accompanied by tears. Their simple yet deeply relatable lyrics serve as personal mantras, compelling one to chant along. 

Repetitive lines from "Angie (I've been lost)," such as "I've been lost for a while, but I'm really trying," and "Roze (forgive)," with verses like "Made some mistakes, but I still loved you," offer comfort and guidance during challenging moments.

Among his repertoire, tracks like "Jungle" and "Billie (loving arms)" stand out for their invigorating energy. They infuse a fresh and distinctive perspective into the realm of contemporary house music, amplifying the excitement that genre typically offers. 

His beyond innovative use of sampling, transforming people's video or vocal recordings, and turning them into compelling tracks with profound messages, sets him apart from the crowd.

The Rise of Fred Again..

It was his viral Boiler Room London gig in 2022 that began to change the game for Fred Again... On the most prestigious platform for an EDM artist, he meticulously crafted his DJ set to deliver a rich statement, and he succeeded. 

Suddenly, the world was watching this guy—a guy who was redefining the boundaries of dance music before their very eyes. His ingenious incorporation of user-generated videos, personal vocal recordings, and his treasure trove of candid moments, artfully used to create his tracks, was undeniably captivating. It was like he had found a way to capture the essence of the human experience and set it to a memorable tempo.

Coachella and Beyond

Fast forward to today, and Fred Again.. has achieved significant stardom. His recent, sudden substitution for Frank Ocean and his prominent headline performance at Coachella 2023, where he shared the stage with artists such as Four Tet and Skrillex, further catapulted him into the spotlight as a widely recognized music figure. 

What was once a well-kept secret among a niche group of dance music enthusiasts was now a global sensation.

In June 2023, Fred Again.. unveiled his international tour plan, commencing with London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. Surprisingly—and thankfully—just a day later, he expanded his tour to include an extensive U.S. leg, throwing on 11 scheduled shows. 

His U.S. journey started with a three-day stint at Forest Hills in New York and concluded with an impressive nine-show run at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. 

Securing a ticket became an utmost priority for myself, regardless of the cost—driven by the deep emotional connection his music drew to me. I was prepared to journey to Queens alone if I had to, to ensure I didn't miss this opportunity. The live performance I witnessed this past October, despite the inclement weather, served as evidence that his live show was a spectacle not to be missed.

An Unforgettable Forest Hills Stadium Performance

As I stood in the bleachers of section 901 in Forest Hills Stadium, surrounded by a sea of fans, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Fred Again.., my favorite new artist of 2022 had come so far in such a short time—and I was about to see him in-person.

The energy in the stadium was electric, with fans of all ages filing in to celebrate his music. Despite the rainy weather, the audience's spirits were unbreakable, and we jumped around as if nothing else in the world mattered.

Fred Again..'s performance was an extraordinary showcase of his undeniable talent. His remarkable talent lies in seamlessly transitioning from high-energy club music that gets the entire crowd on their feet to soothing interludes of emotive lyrics, music, and visuals, captivating the audience. 

Notable tracks like "Delilah (pull me out of this)" and "Marea (we’ve lost dancing)" had the entire crowd joyfully swaying and fully immersed in the music.

The persistent drizzle that bathed the New York night set the stage for an unforgettable event. Fred, the main act, playfully shared his anticipation across social media channels ahead of the outdoor show. Raindrops fell gently upon the sold-out audience, creating an enchanting ambiance all night. Fred Again.. engaged with fans on stage and throughout the crowd—constantly showing a genuine desire to extend his set. 

Even after the show had concluded, the Forest Hills–71st Avenue subway station was mobbed with fans–dancing and singing–prompting even smiling MTA transit cleaners to capture the scene on their phones. A night that went beyond expectations and kept the party alive underground.

Fred Again..’s Continued Impact and Future Prospects

As I reflect on that evening, it's clear that Fred Again..'s music has a universal appeal. His ability to tap into the raw emotions of everyday people and transform them into unforgettable music is nothing short of remarkable. His transition from relative obscurity, making intimate records, to gracing the Coachella stage in 2023 proves the influence of authenticity in the world of music.

Having just wrapped up his latest tour with a spectacular finale at the Shrine Auditorium, featuring nine consecutive sold-out shows in Los Angeles, I can confidently say that Fred Again..'s popularity is bound to continue to rise.

His music is a breath of fresh air in a genre often saturated with predictability, and his distinctive ability to touch the core of human emotions through his tracks is something that will keep fans–old and new–coming back for more.

In conclusion, my experience at Fred Again..'s show in Forest Hills, New York, was a testament to the incredible journey of an artist who had become my favorite discovery of 2022. From his earlier days when my friends didn't quite grasp his magic to his meteoric and rapid rise to more prominence, Fred Again.. has left a mark on the world of electronic music. 

His performance at Forest Hills was more than just an EDM show; it was a celebration of authentic, emotional, and unforgettable music that resonated with fans from all walks of life. 

Foreseeing a promising trajectory, I anticipate that his career will encompass a wide span—possibly leading to multiple GRAMMY wins, sustained contributions to the music world, eventual household recognition, and even a potential, serious chart-topping hit. Fred Again.., thank you for making us dance that night, feel and believe in the power of music.