Nashville-based artist James Freeborn has released the music video for “The Grave”. The video complements Freeborn’s alternative Americana sound, which contrasts sharply with the glossy country flesh of Nashville, Tennessee.
Freeborn’s debut studio album, Mesas & Moons, released independently on February 1, explores the challenging questions of living a meaningful life in the face of depression and death. The video for “The Grave” directed by Luke Menard, is a realistic portrayal of life’s harsh realities and how they shape people.
The track features a stripped folk sound with poignant rhymes that tells a story of losing oneself in the chaos of freedom. Freeborn’s music is inspired by folk music and rock and roll, which he blends to provide a unique and sticky melody.
The video of “The Grave” conjures images of fighting off surrender and features bombastic percussion that almost sounds like the rattling of chains at times.
Freeborn’s conservative religious upbringing in Fort Wayne, IN, had him questioning his ancestors’ religion. The first time he ever sang in front of an audience was when he was pulled from the back row of his choir class to audition for a solo in Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” in 2010.
This moment spurred his interest in music, and he started to write songs that blended the emotional nature of Americana with the power of rock and roll.
Freeborn’s take on the earthy tones and thought-provoking lyrics of the genre found its own space, far from those of Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers, who were starting to bring folk music back into the limelight.
His passion for performing music served only as a “fun fact” in job interviews while he worked as a front office and housekeeping manager in various hotels around the U.S. from 2019 to 2021.
After plunging into the life of a glorified jukebox and playing covers at bars across the U.S. in 2022, Freeborn yearned to leave his comfort zone and pursue a career in music full-time.
His debut album, Mesas & Moons, released in February 2023, is unlike anything we’re used to hearing up to this point, with anthemic and poignant messages that will leave listeners wanting more.
Watch the video for “The Grave” on YouTube below, and listen to Mesas & Moons on your favorite music platform.
#Peace.Love.TheGrave
