FEATURE
Interview with Up and Coming Artist GUY FREEDOM ENGLISH
How did you come by your stage name?
Guy Freedom English is actually my real name. Most people ask me if my parents were hippies when they find out my middle name. Since I don’t have a band I figured I would just go with my own name.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I remember being a 14-year-old kid and hearing AC/DC for the first time. For me, there was nothing else like it. The energy I felt in that music was incredible! That was it, and it wasn’t long after that I started playing guitar because I wanted to learn how to play their songs and it really grew from there. A few years later I was out playing live and recording guitar with bands.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I am a huge fan of older bands and players like AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Rush, Metallica, KISS, the Stones, Alice Cooper, Motorhead and Sabbath.
The list just goes on and on though, to be honest. I think of guys like Malcolm Young and Tony Iommi and how they would write these fantastic riffs. The songs are fantastic but to me, it’s always been about the riffs.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
With American Made I wanted to write a song for all the veterans and military men and women. I wanted the artwork to have the same feel as the song, simple but patriotic. I didn’t have the budget to add cannons so I did my best to make the guitar have a powerful feel.
To try and give the sound something different on most of the songs I played with one guitar in standard tuning and the other one in a drop D. I wanted the songs to sound sharp but still have heaviness on the bottom. So I would play one guitar in bar chords but the other in chords with open strings.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Being an entire band by myself has been a huge challenge for me. The only thing I feel comfortable doing is playing the guitar so I try to build everything around it. As a guitarist, I just try to make slow seem fast and really pick those moments to let go.
I’m not comfortable singing and just try to create a feel with my voice that works with the guitars. With the drums I work to keep it tight in the pocket and stay there, nothing fancy just glue to help gel everything. I make a lot of notes during the recording process and like to document things as I go.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
Not by a long shot, I just work to be the best I can be. I aim to be half as good as all the players and bands I’m such a fan of. I really try to do the best I can in capturing that old school feels while trying to keep my own identity. I’m just a guitar player without a band doing the best he can with what he’s got. The whole idea of doing everything on my own is still very new to me.
What are your plans for the near future?
I’m working on a lot of ideas right now for new songs. My plan is to to do a little upgrade with my recording equipment and then do another album. So far I’ve only had a 4 track to work with and I’d love to upgrade that sucker to an 8 track. I think it would be something to do a Live in North Korea album, so if anyone reading this has the same idea I’m in!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
My family for believing in me and supporting me. My wife has been great, she helps me push past all my moments of doubt. Thank you to everyone out there has given the music a listen, I can’t thank you all enough!
I would also like to say thank you to Sonorous Records, Alternative Nation, MegaBuzz Promotions, Stereo Stickman, Broken 8 Records, Fresh out of the Booth, DJ Special Blend out in Chicago and the JJ Kane All New Music Show!
How can fans find you?
You can find me on:
Spotify:
iTunes:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/guy-freedom-english/1264513433
Youtube:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/guyfreedomenglish/?hl=en
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Don’t mistake humbleness for a lack of confidence. For too long that was my problem and it took my family to help me find that confidence I needed. Don’t be afraid to take your shot, try new ideas and think outside the box. Go with your gut, keep learning and have fun with it all. Do the best you that you can do!
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