So, Vince Freeman, who are you?
I’m an acoustic singer, songwriter and guitarist originally from Plymouth, but have lived in Cheltenham for almost 15 years since coming here for University. I’ve been performing as a soloist for almost ten years, and then Ian Munday joined me last year on keyboards, bass and vocals.
Ten years is a long time in the music industry – how far have you come in this time?
I’ve released two albums so far: Let’s Talk, which is a mixture of heart-felt ballads and foot-stomping soul, and Tales You Lose. The lead track from the latter was also featured on a compilation album, The Best Indie Tracks in the World.
I made more of a name for myself this year when I sang my way through the blind auditions on The Voice and onto Team Danny, which gave me the chance to showcase my style to the nation.
I’m currently signed to Twenty First Artists, which is Universal’s management arm, and looking forward to bigger and better things for 2012.
We were rooting for you on The Voice, Vince! So who would you say are your main influences, musically?
I would say that my influences are quite broad, but I do love a bit of Ryan Adams, Dave Matthews and David Gray. In fact, I often get compared to David Gray. Him, Bruce Springsteen and even John Martin now and again.
Who goes to your gigs?
Pretty much anyone who enjoys listening to the lyrics in music. Being a songwriter, lyrics are important to me.
What’s your favourite venue you’ve played in Gloucestershire, and where would you most like to play in the county?
I’ve played Gloucester Guildhall a couple of times, which is a nice venue, but am really excited about playing the Pillar Room at Cheltenham Town Hall on Friday 4 May 2012. I have wanted to perform there since I started playing the guitar!
Who’s your favourite local band/artist at the moment?
I gig pretty much constantly, so sadly don’t get to see much local music. But there’s a guy called Joe Summers based in Cheltenham who is coming up with some good stuff at the moment.
Who would you love to support?
Either Ryan Adams in the US or David Gray in the UK.
What do you do when you’re not making music, Vince?
I think about making music! But apart from that, I do like to try and spend as much time as possible with my wife and dog. We don’t get to see each other much, especially when I’m touring.
Have you ever thrown a TV out of a hotel window? Would you like to?
No, and not really… I like movies too much.
Ever had a groupie stalk you?
Yes I did a while ago. It was a bit strange but flattering at the same time.
Can you recommend one album to our readers you don’t think they will have discovered?
Lana Del Rey’s Born To Die is simply amazing.
What’s your number one ambition?
To sign a record deal with a major label and release a commercial album.
Any claims to fame?
Apart from making it into the final 40 on BBC One’s The Voice, I also performed live in Las Vegas for Pepsi and at The Deep Rock Drive free concert series.
What advice would you give to local artists trying to make it in the industry?
Keep on truckin’! If you have the talent, and you’ll know if you do, the main thing you have to do is work hard, take any opportunity you can and stick at it… your break will eventually come.
Where can fans see you perform in the next month or two?
I’ll be playing all over the shop for the next few months, but local gigs include Thirteen Degrees on Thursday 26 April 2012, The Royal Oak on Friday 27 April 2012, Monty’s Brasserie on Saturday 28 April 2012, The Strand on Saturday 19 May 2012, and Thirteen Degrees again on Thursday 31 May 2012.
And don’t forget my intimate, acoustic set at Cheltenham Town Hall ‘s Pillar Room on Friday 4 May 2012!
And finally, where can SoGlos.com readers expect to see you in a year’s time?
Who knows? My career is really exciting at the moment, so hopefully next year you’ll be seeing me at some major festivals in the summer.
By Shelly Elcock
© SoGlos
Wednesday 25 April 2012
