Name: National Freedom
Brand: Lonnie Holley

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

JAG380LP

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-12-11

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

656605238012

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Lonnie Holley

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Jagjaguwar

Jagjaguwar is an American independent label based in Bloomington, IN. Founded in Charlottesville, VA in 1996 by Darius Van Arman, the label was invited to relocate to Bloomington by Jason Noble of Rodan. Darius followed this invitation in 1999 and has since built a reputation for releasing exceptional music.
With a focus on promoting talented artists across various genres, Jagjaguwar has become known for its diverse roster and commitment to supporting independent music. The label's catalog includes releases from acclaimed acts such as Bon Iver, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
As a trusted name in the industry, Jagjaguwar continues to champion innovative and boundary-pushing music. With their dedication to quality and artistic integrity, they have established themselves as a go-to destination for music lovers seeking unique sounds and fresh perspectives.

Lonnie Holley was born on February 10, 1950 in Birmingham, Alabama. From a young age, he faced adversity and had to work various jobs just to survive. Despite his difficult upbringing, Holley found solace in art and music. Since 1979, he has dedicated his life to improvisational creativity, expressing himself through drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, performance, and sound. His sculptures are made from found materials and tell powerful stories of African American culture. Similarly, his music is improvised and ever-evolving. Through years of experimentation, Holley has created a unique artistic style that resonates with depth and purpose.

Holley's early life was marked by chaos and instability as he moved between different homes and foster care. However, this challenging upbringing fueled his curiosity and drive for creative expression.

Inspired by the oldest tradition of African American sculpture [and repurposing objects], Holley constructs narrative sculptures that pay homage to significant people, places, and events in history.

This 5-song collaboration between artist Lonnie Holley and the late visionary producer Richard Swift is a tribute to urgent, raw, American art — from Howlin’ Wolf to Captain Beefheart, from Cecil Taylor to Bo Diddley. The songs pulse with anger, hope, energy and a bit of swagger. You can hear sweat and tears through the speaker. Swift left us two years ago today, but his spirit buzzes through these songs. 

During a West Coast tour with Deerhunter in late summer 2013, Holley was put in touch with Swift by a friend who suggested using a day off on tour to record at Swift’s National Freedom Studio in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Now rather legendary, Swift was in a breakout moment as a producer having recently worked with artists like The Shins, Foxygen and Damien Jurado. Holley’s essential debut album, Just Before Music, had come out the year prior. The cosmic connection between Holley and Swift was immediate. They put down five songs in their day together: all conjured in the studio and one-of-a-kind. 

At the end of that day in 2013, Swift — always up until the wee hours — made a late night call to the friend who had set up the session. He was effusive about the experience — thrilled to have found a kindred spirit in Lonnie Holley and thankful to spend a day crafting unclassifiable, extemporaneous and soulful music. 

National Freedom

Music GB

Discover National Freedom by Lonnie Holley. This exclusive vinyl LP from Jagjaguwar is a tribute to urgent, raw American art.