Free Sol Are The Ones To Watch

Free Sol started out with only one man, Free, who always had the nickname amongst friends for being so “free.” Sol, which is pronounced soul, was inspired by the book of Revelations in the Bible. The group of 5 guys started out while Free was promoting himself as a rapper. One night in Memphis he met up with Kickman Teddy, who happened to be a drummer. Teddy was interested in Free’s music and he called his other friends who happened to be interested too. The guys ended up forming the band Free Sol, with Premo Danger on keyboards, Elliot Ives on guitar, Christian B as hype man, Free Sol as the lyricist, and Kickman Teddy on drums.
Free Sol has had a good year so far, taking advantage of opportunities to play at two festivals, Lollapalooza and South by South West. They were able to bring their music to a variety of audiences as Free explained that during South by South West “we played in a reggae club, which has a different vibe then our music.” To have such a fusion of styles for one group their influences musically range between each other. Free gets his inspiration from various artists from Prince to Tupac, while his band mates Elliot and Premo are inspired by class rock and church- based soul music. As a group the guys would like to think they are creating a form of hip hop and staying original.
How did Free Sol meet up with Justin Timberlake and get signed? Would you believe me if I told you Justin almost missed out? “Justin is a fan of us and we had the opportunity to set up a private show and perform our stuff. Justin loved our music and mentioned his label was in the works and he would be interested in signing us.” After Justin mentioned his interest, he finished his album and went on to promote Future Sex/Love Sounds and tour the world. While Free Sol was still playing at small venues, Akon’s people were interested in signing them. The guys were set to move to Atlanta and work with their possible new boss. Justin made a phone call to Free and wanted to sign the group and wasting no time JT had a contract on the group’s lawyer’s desk the following day.
Now that the guys have been signed what has changed for them? From being independent artists to getting signed with Tennman Records and Interscope have been a “slow, intense, exciting, frightening, and waiting experience,” Free stresses. ‘Patience is a virtue’ is what a parent always says to their kids and Free Sol can agree with that. The guys will be back in the studio in October working with Justin Timberlake as well as other producers from coast to coast. Besides the mega pop star, Free Sol would like to work with Timbaland, Rick Ruben, Pharrell, Will.I.Am, and Cool & Dre. Other artists they are interested in collaborating with include Andre 3000, Common, Kanye West, Estelle, and Amy Winehouse.
Other projects are always an option for multi -talented artists. Free had a part in the movie Hustle in Flow rapping, but the full scene was left on the cutting room floor, a small segment was still used for the film.
Free also has a clothing line, which right now only has t-shirts but would love to go forward with other apparel. “Follow in boss man’s footsteps” Free says with a laugh. The future looks bright for Free Sol and I can’t wait to get my hands on some new material.
Source:Me Photo:Free Sol Myspace