A Dirty Dozen with FREEMOOR – March 2025

Photo credit: Staci Coronati

According to a recent press release: “Las Vegas based Rock artist Freemoor is surging into 2025 by sharing his soulful song “Affliction.”  The track was produced by noted session guitarist and producer Adrian Andres (Cirque Du Soleil, Maeve) at Mouse Trap Studios in Toronto, Canada. “Affliction” is an homage to the unfortunate demise of creative people who have succumbed to their demons, and left this world at a young age and far too soon. It combines a powerful, soulful vibe with an edgy rock sound – it’s a mix of Bad Company meets Lenny Kravitz, with a dose of Gary Clark Jr. The song has an earworm, driving rhythm with bombastic guitars throughout, buoyed by bluesy, intensely soulful vocals.” We get Freemoor to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release, “Affliction.”  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Affliction” came to me in a dream.  I dreamed of different times in life, where many influential people were persecuted and judged either for being unique and gifted with foresight, or judged and persecuted for the wrong reasons and for participating in their own demise.  I referenced a few famous people who have come and gone way too soon – which helped to shape the hook of the song: “She laid it on the line” which is part of the lyrical hook line helps spell out the hidden nuggets of individuals leaving us by their own weaknesses and self-destructive behaviors.  And it also tells of those that had a hand in it by misunderstanding the very essence of those individuals.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I have to say music has been an interest and love of mine ever since I was very young, and my mother exposed me to many different types of music.  As a kid my mom would sing all the time in the house, in the car – everywhere!  She was a talented drummer and demo singer.  Watching and being exposed to so many different music artists as a child helped create my desire to pursue music.

3. Building on that, are there specific songs, albums, performers, or live shows that guided your musical taste?

Yes – I loved watching video clips and music by Queen.  I loved the theatrical aspect of their songs and of course, I loved their live performances – Freddie Mercury was the living embodiment of a ROCK STAR.  I also fell in love with David Bowie’s music and his concepts helped shape my love for creating art and music.  Lenny Kravitz moves my soul; I’m also inspired by Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.  Overall – Prince is the most influential artist for me – he rocked my world! His overall vibe has inspired me and helps shape the sound I aspire to.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I have to say Lenny Kravitz.  To be honest, my latest track “Affliction” is the song I would love to have collaborated with Lenny on.  Some critics have been comparing my performance on “Affliction” to Lenny’s style, and it’s incredibly flattering and humbling.  I am honored to hear such words as I love his music, and I admire his talents and unique energy.  I still hope one day I can have the privilege of collaborating with Lenny!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I love playing basketball when I’m not on the road or recording. I love cooking and watching hours and hours of classic movies.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I describe my own music as Alternative Indie Rock, with a Soulful edge.  I don’t like to pigeonhole my sound, but I feel I’m in the pocket with those genres.  As far as a comparison that I disagree with, I feel many people will listen to my music and come up with their own assessment of my sound.  Many publications say I am a blues rock artist, it’s new for me to have this distinction.  But if that is their take on my sound, I’m cool with it. The most important factor for me is, as long as they are digging my sound – I’m happy with it!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’m the chef whenever the band is hanging together – I love cooking!  It’s my pleasure to put food together when it’s chill time with the band. As far as drinks we usually have our bassist bring in a few drinks for the band.  My guitarist Adrian always breaks out with the guitar for a sing along jam when we are sitting around.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Quincy Jones was the last starstruck moment for me.  I had the privilege of greeting him in downtown Los Angeles in 2018, He treated me with such respect when I spoke to him.  He will be forever missed.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

My world is all about creating music and for me, I feel very fortunate to know why I am on this earth. Having my music touch people’s emotions and lives is the best part.  When you’re able to create something that comes from your soul and you have the ability to share this with those who choose to listen, that’s magical.  I can also say performing is my absolute favorite part of being a music man.  The feeling of being on stage in front of a crowd of people always gives me goosebumps.  I love to bring joy to the crowd. If I left music, I’d definitely pursue a career in the fashion industry.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’ve always wondered why I’ve never been asked, why I am I going solo as an artist just now. The answer is quite simple – I’ve always been a song writer and musician, but the feeling came to me one day as I was writing songs.  6 of the songs I wrote came from true life situations and I felt this was the time to share my music as an individual for all who would listen.  Timing is everything and I won’t question the Universe, I’m just grateful the timing has arrived, and I can honestly say, I’m just getting started.  I’m tired of people asking me “how old are you” and how many followers do I have on social media, LOL!!  It’s so typical and a narrow way of thinking.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would have stayed in Europe if I could and continued building my career.  Things were really starting to happen for me there.  Then Covid hit, and it was heartbreaking not being able to go back for so long and continue what I was building on.  I lost a lot of momentum.  But I feel things happen for a reason and me not being able to go back at that time has its positives as well.  I’m starting to grow here in the U.S., and I believe that will eventually help me get back to a global stage. The thing I would do over if I could would be not jumping around from place to place as much as I did.  I tried to go where the musical energy was located at any given moment.  But I didn’t realize at that time that it would be more beneficial to stay in one place and build from there no matter the location at that particular time.   Now I’m settled in Las Vegas and there is a TON of opportunities here for growth.  I’m building my following organically, and this will serve as a great launching pad for my music career.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

If I could magically go back in time, I would have loved to have been in David Bowie’s Space Oddity sessions.  When I listen to the creativity that came out of those sessions – it sends chills through my body.  In a way it was so simplistic, yet innovative and smooth.  I can relate to these recordings because I am a dreamer who envisions things through my dreams. I’m that guy in the Spaceship: I wish I were there to lay down a wicked bass line underneath the keyboard colors!  I must say Herbie Flowers did an amazing job on that track.  I wish I could have participated – Space Oddity is one of my favorite songs of all time!

FREEMOOR LINKS:

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews