A Chat with Charlie Freeman (11.11.25)
London-based singer-songwriter Charlie Freeman, known in the alt-soul/rock scene for his heartfelt and melodic sound, has released his latest EP, Reconnection. We spoke to Charlie Freeman about all things music below.
OSR: How did the experiences during the pandemic shape the creation of Reconnection?
Freeman: Definitely an opportunity to go in. Really feel out what kind of music I wanted to make and put out. Authenticity was the key.
OSR: Music has been a healing force for you since your father’s illness. How has that shaped your approach to life and art?
Freeman: To realise they are totally interconnected.
OSR: You’ve been involved in multiple creative projects with film, documentaries, music. How do these different mediums inform one another?
Freeman: As above – they all weave in and out of the same core and inform each other. As long as it’s truthful, I believe it can have merit and be helpful to whoever receives it
OSR: Your music blends alt-soul, ’70s rock, Britpop, and Americana. How do you approach merging these influences?
Freeman: They are sounds that I love, that I listen to and that come the most natural to me
OSR: How do live performances inform the way you write and arrange your music?
Freeman: I don’t really think about it like that – first step is to get the song right, then the recording, I make sure to get keys right, etc and not record anything that isn’t natural or reproducible live.
OSR: Can you walk us through your reinterpretation of Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’? What drew you to that track?
Freeman: I’m a huge fan. So much truth and soul in his voice and message. It was a song I had been enjoying singing along to, and it suddenly dawned on me that it would be a great option as a cover. I kinda fancy myself as a rock n’ roll Bob Marley…music with a spiritual message.
OSR: Can you tell us about your experience co-founding JBJ Studio and how it influences your artistry?
Freeman: A commercial choice rather than artistic – with designs on a music prize and community. Sadly the studio shut in summer 2025 and the focus will be my music and other media.
OSR: Looking back at your debut album Truth, what do you think has changed the most about your artistic approach?
Freeman: Actually, I think this a return to it. I got a bit lost pre-Covid – losing connection with the authentic sound I am now glad to have re-embraced.
OSR: How does Reconnection connect to your forthcoming album, Gift in the Shadows?
Freeman: It’s a precursor and a way of setting up that release. I’m very excited to put it out.
OSR: And what advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their authentic sound?
Freeman: Find your truth. Feel comfortable with your own music as best you can. Doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
Many thanks to Charlie Freeman for speaking with us. Find out more about Charlie Freeman on his Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube.
