Fred Again's Unforgettable USB 002 Rollout
Batterham, T. (2025). Fred again.. with Skream & Benga in Vancouver.
This past September, artist Fred Again announced his upcoming album USB002. Frederick John Philip Gibson, professionally known as Fred Again, has grown into a globally recognized producer and DJ over the past decade and continues to expand his presence through pop-up shows, collaborations, and creative event production. After earlier success in 2021 with “Kyle (I Found You)” and “Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing),” both from his debut album Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020), Gibson gained widespread recognition for his innovative use of sampling and his ability to connect with listeners on a global level. He frequently incorporates real-life voice recordings into his tracks in a way that feels natural and emotionally resonant, which has become a defining element of his sound.
He went on to release two more Actual Life albums in 2021 and 2022, forming a trilogy that leaned heavily into downbeat and melancholic tones. While the songs remain danceable, they also carry a strong emotional weight and communicate specific feelings to listeners. The Actual Life series is often praised for its heartfelt lyrics and its ability to foster deep emotional connection.
In contrast, Gibson released USB001 in late 2022, a project that shifted toward high-energy, club-oriented tracks. The album features collaborators such as Skrillex, Four Tet, and Baby Keem, and draws from genres including drum and bass, UK garage, and electro. The project found a strong audience among listeners seeking energetic, motivating music, particularly in fast-paced environments, and played a major role in expanding Gibson’s fanbase and increasing anticipation for future releases. As a result, the announcement of USB002 generated significant excitement.
Fred Again has connected with younger audiences not only through catchy, danceable music, but also through his innovative use of social media. When announcing the USB002 rollout tour, he posted an Instagram video revealing there would be ten shows and ten songs, without disclosing venue locations or track titles. This mysterious strategy kept fans engaged and constantly checking for updates. In the days leading up to each performance, Instagram stories hinted at possible locations, maintaining anticipation until the last minute. While this approach frustrated some fans who missed ticket drops, it also heightened the sense of exclusivity and demand surrounding the shows.
For those able to attend, the performances felt like once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Gibson performed ten sets across the globe, each featuring a large-scale kinetic fabric installation created by Boris Ackett. The visuals made the shows feel immersive and almost psychedelic. A particularly notable moment occurred during the Dublin performance, where the production created the illusion of a sun setting over the crowd, with the installation forming a water-like effect above the audience.
The rollout tour concluded at Alexandra Palace in London, where Gibson delivered the final performances of the USB002 era. These shows featured appearances from several collaborators included on his tracks, as well as prominent UK artists such as JME and D Double E. Bringing these guests onstage underscored the collaborative spirit of the project and highlighted Gibson’s strong ties to the UK music scene, bringing the rollout to an energetic and celebratory close.