Free Machine
What is the genre of music that you play?
Grunge, 90s Alt Rock
Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?
Clint (guitar) and Bryan (drums) are school friends who played together in a previous hard rock band called STONECOLLAR. After their eventual end, Clint and Bryan kept jamming together and recording the odd track. They would use YouTube to source vocalists and bassists that fit the sound they were going for.
During the COVID lockdown Clint got back into his classic grunge era music and it was this that was the actual inspiration for the entire Free Machine project. He would go onto use alternate tunings used by Soundgarden and create a library of riffs that he would then jam and compose with Bryan into 6 final tracks that they felt embodied the spirit, vibe and style of the 90s alt rock scene.
When it came to finding the singer however, they wanted a single vocalist that would be able to deliver on all tracks. After posting ads online it was eventually on a Facebook music group page that Glenn Bradford would reply. His demos were exactly what they were after and so Clint would send over the lyrics and vocal suggestions for what he was imagining and Glenn would re-interpret and refine these into what would be the final vocals.
Glenn also helped recruit his former bandmate in Smugg Juggler, Brendan Haupt and a very active bassist on the Cape Town music scene. Brendan had all the necessary chops to add his own stamp on the recordings.
Throughout the entire process the band have only ever met in-person once. A ‘pre-production’ get together to discuss the songs and the recording process they would use. The chemistry between the four is unbelievable and evident on the EP.
It’s very much a love letter to the 90s alt rock scene. The grungy riffs and melodies are evident all over the album. For the band members, each track is all about the music. There’s no care or thought for radio edits, or what will sell to the modern listener. The 90s is actively making a comeback across many channels, and no music speaks more to the listener than that of the 90s.
What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?
The debut EP, Dead Echoes
Where can people find you on Social Media?
Instagram - @freemachine.band/
Facebook - @thefreemachineband
Youtube - @freemachineband
The debut EP, Dead Echoes, can be found on all listening platforms.
