FreeSol is an alternative soul band from
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. Situated along the Mississippi River, it had a population of 633,104 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of municipalities in Tenne ...
.
History
The name, “FreeSol”, refers to a state of mind - a
freedom of expression - with a main objective of never conforming to the usual way of doing things. Armed with this philosophy, FreeSol toured the country playing gigs of all sizes, and competing (i.e., the Mid-South Grammy Showcase, Turner South's My South Rocks competition, The Rock Boat's Grand Championship show, and the BMI Urban Music Showcase).
The band was formed in 2003 when the lead singer/MC, Free first met Premo D'Anger (keys/bass), Kickman Teddy (drums) and a month after Elliott Ives (guitar/vocals) in a studio.
Growing up surrounded by the musical landscape embedded in Memphis’ history, all four of them were influenced by a variety of sounds, from blues to rock to hip-hop and back again. Their influences range from
Three 6 Mafia to
Isaac Hayes but they also like
Outkast,
Coldplay,
Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters are an American Rock music, rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. Initially founded as a one-man project by former Nirvana (band), Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the band comprises vocalist/guitarist Grohl, bassist Nate Mendel, gu ...
among others.
In 2004, the band released its first album ''11:11'' which was produced by Carlos "6 July" Broady through Memphis Records.
In 2006,
Justin Timberlake, also a Memphis native, saw FreeSol perform at a little jazz cafe in their hometown. Shortly thereafter, he signed them to his upstart label,
Tennman Records. Justin Timberlake was soon able to secure them a major deal with
Interscope Records. In 2009, DJ Charlie White joined the group.
FreeSol worked with
Cool & Dre (Lil’ Wayne, The Game),
Jim Jonsin (Beyoncé, Pitbull),
Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem),
Dave Tozer (Jay-Z, Kanye West), and
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley (born March 10, 1972), known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer and rapper. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he is widely acclaimed for his distinctive production work and "stuttering" rhythm ...
in order to record their debut album ''No Rules''. The album is scheduled for release in October 2011.
In August 2011, the music video for the single "Hoodies On, Hats Low" was released. It was directed by Justin Timberlake who also makes a cameo, Aaron Platt and Joe Toman.
The song "Don't Give It Away" was used in the end credits of the ''
Entourage'' episode "Bottoms Up". Manager Nick Shuly told a video for the song is in the works.
In October 2011, a music video for the song "Role Model" featuring Justin Timberlake was released. In addition, the track "Fascinated" which features Timberlake and Timbaland also dropped the same day.
Band members
* Free – lead singer, lyricist
* Elliott Ives – guitar, vocals
* Premo D'Anger – keyboards, bass guitar
* Kickman Teddy – drums
* Charlie White - DJ
Discography
*''11:11'' (Album) (2004)
*''MasterPiece: A Rize 2 Da Top'' (Mixtape) (2009)
*''RocknRolla (Mixtape) (2010)
*''No Rules'' (2012)
References
Musical groups established in 2009
American supergroups
Musical duos from Tennessee
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