I have wanted to write about and say so much if even just to vent. I began writing on numerous occasions but I couldn’t let it go or publish it. Some things are better left unsaid or left for the judgement or imagination of others whether right or wrong. I feel that some things are better dismissed than addressed publicly even though this is MY BLOG and I can say anything I want!!! I have found that simply writing and reading it back is a great avenue to decompress. With that said, if you have any questions for me concerning any topic, I encourage you to write to me via email to info@waynefree.com. I’ll answer any questions you may have. Maybe I should do a live twitter Q & A? What do you think? I’d probably find myself sitting there quietly enjoying a Coors Light with absolutely no interaction whatsoever. You gotta be popular across the globe to do stuff like that. I keep it real folks.
SO - What’s been goin’ on? A whole bunch! Personally, I got engaged to my girlfriend Ree Ree! That’s a story in itself as I had a grand plan that she foiled. But, it all worked out. It was a wonderful day and I’m so blessed by her. Ree Ree heads up my management team and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy working with her. Some couples can’t do stuff like that - we have no problem. She see’s what I am unable to and does an incredible job of conveying that to clients.
It’s been a little more than seven months since the announcement of my solo career and departure from the embers. In that time, I have been working tirelessly to development my solo acoustic performance and my own band. In the midst of this, I released a single in affiliation with my friends Kingdaddy of Charlotte, NC. We recorded ‘You’re My Girl’ which was penned by their musical director David Shoff. You can find the song on my website www.waynefree.com or on iTunes. We are currently celebrating our rise to the #13 spot on Ted Bell’s weekly Top 20 countdown on 94.9 the Surf in Myrtle Beach. Seems we’ve been on the charts for about 5 weeks now. I hope we make it to number one. I’d love to see that happen for the Kingdaddy bunch. You won’t meet a nicer group of musicians and humans!
I’ve spent the majority of the summer working in my studio writing songs, performing solo acoustic shows and touring with my old friends and mentors the Swingin’ Medallions. Let me just say - it’s been great! I would’ve never thought that I would ever perform with the Medallions again. But a genuine phone call from an old friend made all the difference. The short of it is, I was able to reconnect with the first person to afford me the opportunity in the music business and for that I’m eternally grateful. Mr. John McElrath founded the Medallions in 1962. I hadn’t seen him in more than ten years. It was so great to see him again and to thank him in person for all he ever did for me and to tell him how much I appreciate him. The two hours we spent together didn’t seem like enough. But I’m sure he was ready for me to leave - HAHA! I have learned that reflection can be a very good thing. I was also able to redevelop relationships with former band mates that are now back with the group and a couple that never left. Seeing and working with them again and laughing about old times has been incredibly therapeutic! I’m telling ya, when you’re down or simply in need, you learn who your real friends are and who really cares for your well being. Its like the good Lord just does work and you have no clue what’s going on. You just have to trust and believe and follow his light. Next thing you know - you’re where you are and you’re asking yourself, “What?!?! How did this happen?”
I have had several offers this summer to join or take part in other groups. None of which felt right though I did try. I didn’t want to travel down a seemingly comfortable or familiar path filled with skepticism with no obvious or guaranteed reward or security as in years past. I didn’t want to be promised the world again. And even if I was, I would’t have believed it. My days of being gullible and believing in folks you think you know but turn out to be strangers have past. I’ve always wanted to perform solo acoustic which I have been doing. It is something I’ve always wanted to do but never could because of my complete dedication to my previous music jobs. I never could dedicate enough time to the guitar in order to feel comfortable in front of an audience. No Longer the case! I’ve performed throughout the summer acoustically and loved every minute of it. I wish I could perform at every venue every night that has called. I love it that much and am available - just give me a call or message me!
After the past ten years, I know for sure that the next step for me is to form my own band. I have spent a large part of the past seven months searching for and rehearsing musicians to find that certain sound and groove I’m hearing in my head. I have landed with a certain core group of guys that share the same passion for music as I do. As I am sometimes a little impatient, things don’t always happen as quickly as I’d like. But again, I have to trust and believe and continue working and pushing forward. The first night we rehearsed together, I felt as if we could’ve pulled off a gig the very next day! That is the beauty of playing with veterans. I’m very happy to have these guys onboard.
Other things that happened this summer - I was a featured guest on the Crossover with Jim Quick! What a great time that was! My complete interview with Jim can be heard on my website at www.waynefree.com right on the home page. It is broken into four segments for your listening pleasure. I’d like to thank Jim for his friendship and support over the past seven months and prior. I’d also like to thank him for the invite and for a great interview. I hope to be able to share the bill with Jim and Coastline this coming year. I appreciate your friendship Jimmy!!
One other big thing Ree and I did this summer was to venture down to Atlanta and film an episode for the TLC hit television series “Say Yes to the Dress”! Ree was invited because she had recently been a part of two of the highest rated episodes as a bridesmaid for her very close friend (virtually her sister) Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron. Caressa was so gracious to nominate Ree for the show much to Ree Ree’s chagrin. Seem’s Ree was pretty popular after those episodes! At any rate, having given her own rules of engagement, we headed out to Atlanta to film at Bridals by Lori with family in tow. What a fantastic experience, though very stressful! I was the first and only groom to ever be allowed in the “hen house”. I was actually able to give input on the dress, but they kicked me out in the end! I wanted to be surprised so I had to go. Wouldn’t you know they asked me to sing! I couldn’t really do it. I hate when people discover you’re a singer and they go, “Oh! Sing something for me!” I’m so poor in that situation. I can sing in front of 20,000 people but in close quarters - I get painfully nervous. I break out in a cold sweat! But that day was very emotional for us. I actually tried to sing (a little) and when Ree Ree looked at me, I got all choked up! What a wimp! It was a very cool experience though. They have planned to film our wedding day in - you guessed it - Memphis, Tennessee at Graceland in May of next year! Seems the only other person to film there for a reality show was Gene Simmons. Interesting enough in itself! We hope for the best from this experience and we hope you tune in to watch. I’ll be sure and keep you posted as details become available. Now that Honey Boo Boo is canceled, maybe they’ll make room for the ‘ReeFree show ~ couples therapy’. I’m only kidding. I wish only the best for the HBB family.
Okay, well that about sums it up for the summer - the highlights anyway.
OH! - I almost forgot — really!
I have launched a ‘gofundme’ campaign to raise funds to help me with the launch of the Wayne Free Band! Follow the link or widget below. Via the help of friends, the Swingin’ Medallions and my own funding I have been able to overcome many of the obstacles that reveal themselves when forming a new group. Given the talent, knowledge and fortitude, what is left is the funding for the remainder of the gear, travel and expenses necessary to start a group. I have exhausted all of my own finances to this point and am seeking sponsorship and support to get over the proverbial hump in order to hit the road. I ask that you please follow this link to visit my campaign. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated! If you cannot contribute, I ask that you please share via your social media outlets. The largest sponsors will receive perks such as merchandise, private performances, free music and/or lunch with yours truly. At the very least, as a friend of mine I ask that you please spread the word about the Wayne Free Band or my solo acoustic performances. I also plan to release an album within the first year of touring. Contact me for more information.
Alright, that’s all I have for now. I will ‘blog in’ more often and keep you all posted as to what’s happening on the “Freeway”. I thank you in advance and I appreciate you more than you know.
Only the best to you and yours,
Wayne