Authenticity in Every Note: Frayne Vibez's Musical Journey So Far
Photography by Alexander Jibaja
If you had searched for Frayne Vibez before last month, you wouldn’t have found any releases on Spotify or Apple Music. However, if you dug deeper, you may have come across his social media, filled with captivating covers showcasing his powerful vocals and an intimate at-home studio setup, as well as an interview with us :)
Despite a discography that remained behind closed doors, there were signs sprinkled across the early days of Frayne’s career that something special was coming, including a sensational performance at Lollapalooza in 2023 and nods to his extensive collaboration with Chicago’s own Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Kosine.
The past few months have been transformative for Frayne Vibez as he prepared to release his new single, “Take It Easy,” while also gearing up for a performance at Bonnaroo. His musical journey is rooted in diverse influences that shaped his unique sound—growing up amongst the myriad sounds of Shania Twain, Sade, Lauryn Hill, Earth Wind and Fire, Jay Z, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, and We the Kings. Frayne's musical palette was broad from an early age. However, it was in high school that his tastes expanded. Exploring Lofi Hip-Hop on YouTube led Frayne to discover indie pop and alternative music. Artists like Joji, Cuco, Hope Tala, Keshi, Clairo, and Boy Pablo became significant inspirations, contributing to his music's distinctive and intriguing nature.
Frayne describes his journey as transitioning from merely hearing music to genuinely listening to it. Born into a deeply musical family, he had always been surrounded by music, but in high school, he began to pay special attention to lyrics and instrumentation. The warmth and rawness of pads, guitars, and acoustics resonated deeply with him, sparking a desire to create music that evoked similar emotions.
His sound, which he describes as “urban alternative pop with influences from across the music spectrum,” is evident in “Take It Easy.” The song is a product of intense self-reflection, drawing from his alienation in high school. Working with Kosine, who is like family to him, opened up numerous sonic possibilities. Their collaboration allowed Frayne to deeply explore his emotions and stories, translating them into powerful musical expressions.
In May, These Days had the opportunity to preview the results of that collaboration during a private listening party of Frayne’s debut EP held at the storied FNF Studios. While we’ll wait to dive more deeply into the project as a whole until after its eventual release, one thing was evident - Frayne’s music is a breath of fresh air, especially coming from here at home. As he played through the project, he provided impassioned track-by-track descriptions, and his humble nature left everyone in attendance in clear agreement that this was a young man worth rooting for.
While waiting for the EP to release, Frayne has remained busy reimagining the studio recordings alongside his band for live performances. The energy and personal flair that the musicians bring to the songs transform them, offering exciting new perspectives. “Take It Easy” undergoes a notable evolution during live performances, with the bass, guitar, and drums elevating it to a new level.
Looking ahead, Frayne is constantly thinking about the future and is already planning his next projects. He emphasizes the importance of being oneself, celebrating individuality, and pushing through uncomfortable feelings. His upcoming EP is a testament to his artistic evolution and personal growth. The stories he shares through his music are universal, providing a spark for those who may feel overlooked and offering a voice to those who relate to his journey. As he continues to navigate what’s next, Frayne remains committed to his authenticity, and we’re excited to see where that takes him, but for now, we’ll take it easy…