Freelance

“Freelance is a Harlem-based collective and band of independent leaders with an expansive sound and encyclopedic knowledge of musical genres that afford them the ability to cross-pollinate styles and manipulate melody to create an aesthetic signature uniquely their own. The band features an all-star lineup of musicians that regularly accompany Grammy Award winning artists such as Robert Glasper, Solange, Estelle, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Bilal, Terrace Martin, Lalah Hathaway, and more, and is comprised of founding leaders Smithsoneon (vocals) and Ausar the Ambassador (keyboards) along with Craig Hill (saxophone), Yasser Tejeda (guitar) and David “Dj” Ginyard (bass) and Justin Tyson (drums), Freelance’s sound is born from the sonic footprints of Mint Condition, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, and Robert Glasper. Freelance’s name derives from their decision to live and work as a collective of musical entrepreneurs, allowing them to create their own means of generating income and a working model for creative freedom, designed to inspire others to pursue their passions and “Live Freelance.” As ambassadors for freedom in their careers, they are also advocates for equity and activism whose music incites joy as deftly as it addresses the issues of disparity and injustice.”