Rapper FREEQUENCY3 Shares Her Story in Manchester: Unplugged
The third episode of docu-series Manchester: Unplugged shines a light on emerging freestyle rapper FREEQUENCY3, as she opens up about the personal journey behind her track: No More.
Produced by Laura Graham for StreamGM, the cinematic documentary series explores the stories behind songs born in Manchester, pairing intimate live performances with honest conversations about the creative process. In this episode, FREEQUENCY3, AKA Olivia Lee, reflects on how her life and music changed following a sudden and unexplained loss of mobility.
What followed was a long and difficult journey towards diagnosis, eventually identifying Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Through the film, Olivia speaks candidly about navigating this period of uncertainty, the emotional impact of invisible illness, and how music became a vital outlet during that time.
At the heart of the episode is a powerful stripped-back performance of No More, (filmed in NQ House in Openshaw and Ramona in the Northern Quarter).
Beyond the performance itself, the documentary also highlights the role of community in helping Olivia pursue music, reflecting the support she found locally as she began exploring a career in music.
Speaking about taking part in the film, Olivia said:
"Being part of Manchester: Unplugged meant a lot to me. It gave me the chance to share the story behind the song and talk honestly about what I went through while writing it. Music became a way of processing everything that was happening to me."
The episode expands the scope of Manchester: Unplugged, showing how the series not only celebrates the craft of songwriting, but also the personal stories, resilience and lived experiences that shape the music emerging from the city today.
Since launching, the series has continued to grow an audience online, with tens of thousands of viewers discovering the artists and their stories across YouTube and social media.
Manchester: Unplugged is produced by Laura Graham and directed by Josh Woods.