Meet Freya Berkhout | Composer & Creative Technologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Freya Berkhout and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Freya, what matters most to you?
Authenticity is most important to me. I think that word gets thrown around a lot, but at its core it’s about self-awareness, understanding who you are and being bold enough to share yourself honestly. It’s important to me because I think it makes for a valuable life. It means you can self actualise, find people you genuinely connect with, create more meaningful work. I feel like it impacts all areas of your life and it has vastly improved mine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m primarily a film composer, but I came from bands, so I was in the music industry for a long time. I also have a Masters in Computational Arts from Goldsmiths University of London, so I create soundscapes and sonic experiences for interactive installations. I wear a few hats! And I really love how diverse my projects are.

What sets me apart is my drive and my ability to think outside the box. I don’t want to do things the way they’ve always been done – be that musically, artistically, economically or in my industry. The systems that govern our world can be cruel, and it is so important to me to imagine and enact a kinder world. One that’s more collaborative and generous and bold.

I got to where I am today through continued, sometimes insane faith that it would work. I have many wonderful collaborators and friends to thank for their support along the way, but I wish there was more structured support for film composers. It’s a tough and usually singular road that you have to figure out as you go. But it is so rewarding and I love my job dearly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Griffith Observatory is my north star in LA. So I would definitely take them on a hike there. I love to watch the sunset from Barnsdall Art Park (where I’m writing this!) so we’d have to take a little picnic and enjoy a beautiful LA sunset there. I am vegan and I have scoped out so many amazing spots. I love Salaya, in Thai Town, I love the vegan nachos and shakes at Fred 62, and Dune in Atwater has an amazing mediterranean plate. Los Feliz cinema and the newly reopened Vista would be stops because it’s LA, you have to catch a film! And maybe I’d take them to a gig at The Lodge Room or Zebulon. Those venues don’t miss.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The queer community! I only came out a few years ago, but I have found so much support and connection in LGBTQI+ community. We truly show up for each other, and I am so grateful for that. Especially as a new transplant to LA. I always celebrated pride (as an ally before I realised I am bi), but the idea that pride is the opposite of shame really resonated with me. I am so proud of our community and the way we celebrate each other. Plus, the LA queer community is unbelievably talented and passionate and kind and I appreciate being a part of it so much.

Website: www.freyaberkhout.com

Instagram: @freya.berkhout

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tMmFmUuaVgw7bVyAquryw?si=g_xxjSJsSyGBQYusQYVCcQ