TUESDAY TUNES: Introducing Free Sol

Author: Faith-Ann Young
Posted on: Tuesday August 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Filed under: exclusive, music

Today, in honor of Tuesday Tunes, we are introducing you to Free Sol of Tennman Records, composed of frontman Free (i.e. Chris Anderson), Elliott Ives on guitar, drummer “Kickman” Teddy and Premo D’Anger on keys. Free Sol's sound is a fusion of “Hip Hop, Soul and a little bit of Rock” - while having been influenced by the musical legacies of their hometown Memphis, TN including David Porter, Three 6 Mafia, and Isaac Hayes.

Free Sol (credit: Coy Aune)

Free Sol's origins are grassroots and refreshingly low-tech compared to many other internet-savvy musicians of today. Upon graduation from college, Free made a CD and drove around the US, sleeping in his car and convincing people to listen to his music. One day in Memphis, he walked into an Applebee’s and met Teddy. Based off a business card that sat on his dashboard for months, Free inducted guitarist Elliot into the band. Premo met Free through friends at a recording studio. Together since 2003, they've been making music - preferably in "nice, cool, smoke-filled environments," chuckled Free.

Free Sol has “never been straight gangsta,” insists Free. “We started out more soulful southern roots band, which had some R & B influences, but was still a little dirty – depending on how rhyme schemes go.” Their music caught the eye of Justin Timberlake, who worked with them extensively in Miami as well as other cities for their to-be-released first album. Though other labels shied away from the fact that it was hard to classify the band, their eclectic and heterogeneous nature of Free Sol’s music has turned into one of their biggest assets: “In today’s day, when you have internet, no one is listening to one type of music. What matters is if the story is told right.”

FREE DOWNLOAD? “Free Sol Mixtape.” http://www.c3presents.com/freesol/mixtape

Free Sol Twitter for news: http://www.twitter.com/freesol

Video from Lollapalooza 2008:

BONUS, below we chatted with the boys about what it was like working with Justin inside and outside the studio:

Q & A with Free Sol on working with Justin

How did you first meet Justin? First memory/impression of him?

Free: We first met JT at a private showcase we held for him in Memphis. My first impression of him was that he seemed really down to earth.

Teddy: It was so cool, I could tell he was vibing to our performance, and we had a chance to talk with him shortly after.

Favorite aspect of working with Justin - in studio, performing, etc.?

Free: I learn every time I'm blessed to be in the lab with him. Most people have no idea how talented he actually is. He's musical, lyrical, and philosophical.

Elliot: He's excellent at obtaining the sounds he hears in his head. He is also relatively expeditious in his recording process. He blows me away when he sings a hook. He is super accurate and ultra pro.

Free Sol (Photo credit: Coy Aune)

What does "Tennman" mean to you? What defines a "Tennman Records" artist?

Kickman Teddy: Tennman Records to me is fresh, hot, new, explosive and in your face. It's not everyday that people get an opportunity to come together in such a way that can't be denied. I’m very, very thankful to J.T. and the entire Tennman Posse.

Free Sol: The thing about Tennman is all of the artists are so different. It’s hard to define it the way you would a Bad Boy, Shady records or some other artist's label. I think the main thing that's connects us is our authenticity. None of us are pretending anything.

Although JT is unbelievable and can write and produce a hit like my girl can make a ham sandwich, he seems to be interested in artist that can lean on their own abilities and not just his.

Best lesson Justin's taught you? Musically or otherwise?

Free: On top of patience and trust the main thing is belief in myself. If you don't think you're dope and able to dig deep inside and pull it off then who will?

Elliot: From watching Justin record his vocals, I have gained a new confidence in recording my own.

Premo: Musically, being able to sit and observe Justin's work ethic and creativity has enhanced my skill as a producer! The way he chooses sounds and textures is nothing short of ingenious! I can honestly say that JT has influenced a big part of how I listen to music and the way I approach my own productions now.

Justin, Mike Elizondo, Free Sol and crew recording at The Hit Factory, Miami, FL

e) What's one funny fact about Justin....?

Free: The funny thing about Justin, to me, is how he could have women all over the place down for whatever and chooses not to. If I was him, y’all be calling me baby Hugh Heff!

Elliot: He can wear a fedora and drive a pickup. Yep, he's a badass.

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