Freddy Black & The Hotel Mosaic is a collective of musicians, poets, and town criers, based around Dublin and Kildare. Led by Freddy Black, they came together after meeting at an open mic in Maynooth. After playing some improv sets together pre-pandemic they finally made it official and formed “The Hotel Mosaic” in 2021.
The question they are constantly asked is “what genre is your music?” The jury is still out, as their sound defies easy categorisation, blending elements of blues, rock, and funk to create a sonic landscape that is as captivating as it is emotionally charged.
Taking inspiration from artists like Leonard Cohen and Mac Miller, The Hotel Mosaic is a fluid ever changing canvas of expression, having welcomed countless musicians and poets to collaborate in the short time since their inception.
Inspired by true events, ‘Drainpipe Diamond’ is an exploration of the harsh realities faced by a homeless girl living on the streets of Dublin, entangled in the depths of drug addiction and the unforgiving world of sex work.
Set against a backdrop of haunting melodies and atmospheric instrumentation, Freddy Black & The Hotel Mosaic create an immersive sonic landscape that reflects the girl’s turbulent journey. Their unique blend of musical styles amplifies the emotional weight of the song, drawing listeners into the dark and unforgiving underbelly of her existence.
The song was recorded in Orphan Studios with Gavin Glass and features backing vocals from Rachel Grace. The collective’s commitment to authenticity shines through, as they channel their creative energy to shed light on the systemic failures and societal neglect that perpetuate homelessness and its associated struggles.
The song is a poignant reminder of the power of music to give voice to the marginalised and provoke social change. Freddy Black & The Hotel Mosaic’s unflinching dedication to truth and empathy compels listeners to confront their own biases and confront the systemic barriers that perpetuate the cycle of homelessness and its accompanying hardships.
‘Drainpipe Diamond’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.
