Free Nationals with Maurice Brown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. From left to right: Maurice Brown, Kelsey Gonzales, Callum Connor, Ron "T.Nava" Avant, José Ríos.
Free Nationals are an American R&B band formed in Los Angeles, California. The group consists of José Ríos (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ron "T.Nava" Avant (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Kelsey Gonzales (bass guitar, bass synth) and Callum Connor (drums, percussion, backing vocals).[1][2] They frequently accompany Anderson .Paak as his backing band.[3]
History
Guitarist José Ríos and keyboardist Ron Avant met Anderson .Paak while studying at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California in the late 2000s.[4][5] Bassist Kelsey Gonzalez and drummer Callum Connor joined them soon after and they formed the Free Nationals. The band went on to produce for Anderson and frequently tour with him. The idea for their name came from their mentor Shafiq Huisayn. Free Nationals is a term which means the first settlers of America before Columbus came, the people indigenous to the land. They took their own interpretation of this, being 'indigenous to the music' by paying homage to the influential musicians before them.[6]
Their performance with Paak at his NPRTiny Desk Concert in August 2016 is possibly their most significant appearance to date.[7] The YouTube video has amassed over 104 million views so far, making it the 3rd most popular video in the Tiny Desk series.[8]
Their music has been described as having a "future retro, funky and soulful sound".[13][14][15] The band state that they 'stay indigenous to the funk' by paying tribute to their inspirations who include legendary musicians Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock and Al Green.[16]
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