Freeman is a London based singer songwriter who released his debut album 'Truth' in June 2017.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Charlie Freeman - vocals
Jamie Brown - Bv’s, guitar, keys and producer
Conor Mangan - Guitar
Steve Wattis - Drums
Seb Jaquest - bass
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to FREEMAN? How long has the band been around?
Conor Jamie and I played in an indie rock band called Moxie Kicks before. We had some mild success but I always had a burning desire to make a solo Album more in tune with my musical leanings - something more truthful too and more from the heart. Fortunately the lads were up for supporting the project and though they are on board as session players around a solo act, they have plenty of influence and we are all great mates.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
FREEMAN is my surname ! Easiest band name I ever came up with... . Also it neatly encapsulates some of my core values and the message of the music - freedom, truth, connection, good times.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write the songs on my acoustic and then present them to the band. Tweaks and improvements are made to get the most out of them. I write the lyrics and subject matter on the upcoming record ‘Love’ is about the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the joy and the sadness of love .. Ie it’s a bittersweet record with huge uplifting moments alongside the melancholic
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
The music of FREEMAN is very much steeped in a retro vintage sound. In short, it’s 70’s meets 90’s with a good helping of Americana and a touch of contemporary thrown in for good measure. So, the influences Stretch from The Stones, Dylan, Fleetwood Mac to The Counting Crows, The Verve, Oasis and through to The Blossoms andTwo Door Cinema Club.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Yes. The Stones. Found a book on Jagger on my my mums book shelf when I was a kid and became transfixed by the lifestyles and cool of these dudes. Then of course I fell in love with the music and there began my passion for collecting records. I didn’t come to the guitar Til I was 21 but I learnt as quick as I could manage and was very grateful to find that songs fell quite easily to Me
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Have a beer !
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
My debut ‘FREEMAN - Truth’ came out last year and got a great critical response. The highlight was being BBC featured artist and being invited to perform live at BBC HQ. To see the online streams rocketing recently has been a huge thrill too ..
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
The Stones - Cos I’m dying to meet them and I have a million damn questions !!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yeah - just to say we are very excited to get this new record ‘FREEMAN - Love’ out there and pumped to take these tunes across the globe. Thanks a lot for these cool questions and wish you a good one . Hope to catch you about . Love F x