Free Nationals are an American R&B band formed in Los Angeles, California. The group consists of José Ríos (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ron "T.Nava" Avant (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Kelsey González (bass guitar, bass synth) and Callum Connor (drums, percussion, backing vocals). They frequently accompany Anderson .Paak as his backing band.
History Guitarist José Ríos and keyboardist Ron Avant met Anderson .Paak while studying at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California in the late 2000s. Bassist Kelsey Gonzalez and drummer Callum Connor joined them soon after and they formed the Free Nationals. The band went on to produce for Anderson and frequently tour with him. The idea for their name came from their mentor Shafiq Huisayn. Free Nationals is a term which means the first settlers of America before Columbus came, the people indigenous to the land. They took their own interpretation of this, being 'indigenous to the music' by paying homage to the influential musicians before them.
Their performance with Paak at his NPR Tiny Desk Concert in August 2016 is possibly their most significant appearance to date. The YouTube video has amassed over 104 million views so far, making it the 3rd most popular video in the Tiny Desk series.
The band released their debut single "Beauty & Essex" featuring Daniel Caesar and Unknown Mortal Orchestra on October 9, 2018. Their second single "Time" featuring Mac Miller and Kali Uchis, released on June 12, 2019, was the first official posthumous song from Miller since his death in September 2018. On December 13, 2019, they released their self-titled debut album through OBE and Empire Distribution. It was nominated for Best Progressive R&B album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Musical style and influence Their music has been described as having a "future retro, funky and soulful sound". The band state that they 'stay indigenous to the funk' by paying tribute to their inspirations who include legendary musicians Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock and Al Green.
Members José Ríos – lead guitars, backing vocals Ron "T.Nava" Avant – keyboards, synthesizers, talkbox, rhythm guitars, lead and backing vocals Kelsey González – bass guitar, guitar, bass synth, backing vocals, drums Callum Connor – DJ, drums, percussion, backing vocals
Discography
Studio albums Title DetailsFree NationalsReleased: December 13, 2019 Label: OBE, Empire Format: Digital download, Streaming, CD, LP
Singles +List of singles, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album NZHot "Gangsta": "Beauty & Essex" 2018 — RMNZ: Gold Free Nationals "Time" 2019 22 RMNZ: Gold "On Sight" — "Eternal Light" — RMNZ: Gold "Shibuya" — "Gangsta" 2024 12 "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Guest appearances TitleYearAlbum"Allstar"2020Fortheworld"Photo ID" (Free Nationals Remix)We Love Dogs!"Buddy"2021rowspan=2 "Pretty Lady" (Free Nationals Remix)"Strawberry Blush"2022Legend
Awards and nominations Grammy Awards
! |- |2021 | Free Nationals | Best Progressive R&B Album | | style="text-align:center;"|
References
External links Official website Free Nationals documentary