The Free Nationals is an LA-based band, known for backing up California singer-songwriter Anderson .Paak in the studio and on tour. Despite extensively collaborating with the band, Anderson is not an official member.

The band does consist of…

producer and guitarist Jose Rios

keyboardist Ron Tnava Avant

bassist Kelsey Gonzalez

and DJ/drummer/producer Callum Connor

Each member also contributes backing vocals for the band. When asked about the origin of their name, they responded:

We got that from our mentor/brother Shafiq Husayn from the group Sa-Ra. Free Nationals means the first people of America, indigenous to the land before Columbus came. We took that for our own interpretation to pay respect to the musicians that were before us. We are indigenous to the music.

In February of 2018, it was reported that the band would release their debut album in 2018. The reported features include Daniel Caesar, Kali Uchis, Mac Miller, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Chronixx, Benny Sings and Syd. The features will seemingly make up for the band’s lack of a lead singer.

On October 9th, 2018 the band released their debut single “Beauty and Essex” which features contributions from Daniel Caesar and Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra. A music video for the song was released on November 8th.

The band released their second single “Time,” featuring Kali Uchis and Mac Miller, on June 12, 2019.