Freetown

Even though he had every intention of pursuing music as a career, Paul Appelkamp went to university nevertheless.
He learnt a lot about politics and was inspired by certain freedom movements and humanitarian problems around the globe.
So, when it came to naming his new band, he came up with Freetown, as in the capital of Sierra Leone, a country that owes its existence to a need to create a home for freed slaves from the US and West Indies.

While the West Afrian country has had many problems since, the ideals behind Freetown still have inspirational value.

"While studying politics I learned about big issues and now I use my music to express my interpretation of those issues," Appelkamp said.

The music is on the band's debut CD, 'The Real Ideal', which will be launched at the Brass Monkey, Cronulla, on Sunday, May 4.
Appelkamp, 22, of Cronulla describes the music as artistic roots and provides vocals, guitar and slide guitar.

He is supported by drummer Mitchell Woods, 22, also of Cronulla, and Adam Somerville, 22, on sax.
Somerville, of Sylvania, adds a jazz influence while Woods provides a heavy rock background.

"Every song has a message to it and it's straight from the heart," Appelkamp said. - The Leader

1. Growing Up
I remember being surrounded by the sounds of Bob Dylan as a child and throughout my school years thanks to my old man. During my teens I dived into Bob Marley and the Wailers. It's funny how you can relate more so to songs written many years ago than you can with modern day ones. These artists were purely honest and did not submit to trend, which makes them timeless. This has been a massive influence on my music.

2. Inspiration
My favourite musicians are Rage Against The Machine, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bob Brozman, John Butler, Jez Mead, because they were/are all doing something groundbreaking and are pushing music in a positive, new direction. And you can't fake the vibe that they each create.

3. Your Band
I became good mates with Mitch at high school and our similar tastes in music were a common ground for us. We started jamming on and off for a few years. One of our mates met Adam busking in a mall. I had been performing live as a solo act for some years and when Adam came onto the scene we would jam as a duo every now and then and found it fulfilling, as our musical styles complemented each other really well. We played some gigs together but knew we were onto something special when all three of us jammed in the same room for the first time.

4. The Music You Make
Freetown is a hybrid musical force. Paul brings the raggae roots, funk, Mitch brings the tight rocking backbeats and Adam brings the classical jazz and funk to the table. We recorded our debut EP 'The Real Ideal' with Russel Pilling at Damien Gerard's Sound Studios in Sydney. It's a six song belter which is good listening for cruising on the open road, drinking, or thinking. It has funk, rock and meditation songs on it, and it shows our diversity as musicians while also having a consistent Freetown theme. Check it out at myspace.com/freetown3.

5. Music Right Here, Right Now
On the whole, the Australian music scene is showing great diversity and skill. We have many talented performers and musicians down under. But the Sydney music scene suffers due to a lack of decent music venues. Local musicians find it harder to break through, and poker machines fill the spaces where many good live music venues could be enjoyed. On the other hand though, one may argue that this helps to filter out the less talented musicians who are not ready for the stage.

Who: Freetown
What: 'The Real Ideal' CD Launch
When: Sunday, May 4
Where: Brass Monkey, Cronulla - Brag Magazine