Freya Ridings, rising star and singer-songwriter is named as YouTube Music’s Artist On The Rise in the UK.

19 July 2019 - Press release

YouTube Music announces British singer-songwriter, Freya Ridings, as the second Artist On The Rise in the UK.  Coinciding with the release of Freya’s self-titled debut album which is also out today, YouTube Music is proud to support Freya as she continues to share her incredible music and connect with fans across the UK and beyond.

A fast rising star on the platform in the UK, Freya is building a global fanbase on YouTube at a rapid pace.  In the last year, she has amassed more than 50 million views on YouTube globally.  This explosive growth and acclaim from fans and critics alike are strong indicators that she is becoming one of Britain’s most promising new stars. 

Shining a light on rising talent across all genres, YouTube Music’s Artist On The Rise gives fans around the world exclusive access to the journey each artist has taken so far; their inspirations and hopes for the future.  Further support comes in the form of iconic billboards in London, Los Angeles and New York, and support on YouTube Music’s global social channels, celebrating key moments in the artists’ campaigns.

Last week, Freya shared the video for her new single ‘Castles’ – watch it on YouTube here. Directed by Isaac Rice (Iggy Azalea, Little Mix) – the video was filmed in several locations around London.  The single is currently playlisted at Radio 1, Radio 2, Virgin Radio and Heart.  Freya was invited back into Radio 1 for a second live lounge this week where she performed ‘Castles’ and a cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Me!’ – watch it here.

Freya Ridings became the surprise success story of 2018 with her breakthrough platinum-selling hit ‘Lost Without You’ – she was tipped by everyone from Taylor Swift to Florence Welch and Richard Quinn.  A once-in-a-lifetime song that immediately put Freya on the map, it hit the Top 10 on seven separate occasions during a six-month run in the Top 40 and is now approaching 200 million streams.

Azi Eftekhari, Head of Label Relations EMEA, YouTube said: “Freya Ridings is truly a rising star on YouTube and beyond. We’re so pleased that she's the second artist to join YouTube Music's Artist on the Rise programme here in the UK. Freya's fanbase on YouTube is growing at a rapid pace, more than doubling subscribers this year alone. She's an incredible singer songwriter - a truly unique British talent. We can't wait to see what comes next from Freya.”