- Words Notion Staff
In the world of music, where trends shift like sand and fame often outshines depth, Vince Freeman emerges as a refreshingly raw and resilient voice.
As he steps forward with Scars, Ghosts & Glory, his long-anticipated debut album, singer-songwriter Vince Freeman offers a fearless glimpse into the battles and breakthroughs that have defined his life and career. This isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to perseverance, confronting the scars left by both physical and emotional pain and the ghosts of missed moments and personal sacrifices.
Vince Freeman’s journey has been anything but conventional. He’s navigated the hard realities of an evolving industry, faced assumptions about age, and embraced new challenges in an era where digital skills are as vital as musical ones. Despite these obstacles, his sound remains unshaken—shaped by diverse influences, years of collaboration, and a deeply personal resilience forged through setbacks and survival. Speaking openly about the impact of a life-altering spinal injury, Vince’s Scars, Ghosts & Glory stands as an unapologetic reflection on family, fortitude, and his unwavering love for music. Chatting to NOTION this week, Vince Freeman dives into the heart of his creative process, his hopes for connection with listeners, and the legacy he’s building for his children and fans alike.
What personal and professional challenges did you face on your journey to releasing Scars, Ghosts & Glory?
Personally, it’s been quite a ride! The challenge of releasing a record independently has been an emotional roller coaster. I have spent a lot of time away from my family and kids, and also, as an older artist, there have been a lot of age-related assumptions to move past.
The music industry is harder than it has ever been to release or break into in a meaningful way. I have had to learn lots of new skills in order to understand the world of digital streaming and social media. The hardest thing for me has been learning patience. The amount of times I just wanted to say let’s just get the album out and had to hold myself back and wait for the right time.
What specific “scars and ghosts” do you explore in your music, and how do they resonate with listeners?
Scars and ghosts is simply about the marks, regrets and memories (physical and mental) that everyone picks up on their own journey through life. I hope the songs resonate with listeners because we all have our own scars, ghosts, and glories along the way.
What influences shaped your versatility in the genres that you explore?
I am fascinated by music, it doesn’t matter to me what genre it is. Sometimes it’s the production of a song that draws me in, sometimes it’s a voice or the lyrics. I guess my listening experience from childhood has shaped and influenced this album. I feel that it is reflected in the album’s sonic signature and I’m really proud of that.
How have collaborations with artists like Lost Frequencies and Fedde Le Grand influenced your musical style and reach?
Lost Frequencies and Fedde le Grande certainly opened me up to the world of dance music and has definitely helped me to reach a wider audience worldwide. Although I am not sure if it has influenced my own personal style of writing.
How did your experience with a spinal injury shape the content and emotional depth of your music?
There is actually a small sample of the noises of the hospital bed I was in on the album! The spinal injury definitely shaped my beliefs. I definitely try to be more grateful in my life and have come to realise that it’s my family and relationships that are the most important things to me rather than awards or discs.
How have you managed to stay motivated and inspired through years of struggle and setbacks?
I guess I was brought up and taught that nothing comes easy. I am also just plain stubborn! If things aren’t going my way, I have a habit of sticking two fingers at the world and saying NOPE.
In what ways did being mentored by Danny O’Donoghue during The Voice impact your artistic direction?
He didn’t. That probably sounds quite abrupt, but I didn’t actually spend very much time at all with Danny. I had a great experience on The Voice but being mentored by him didn’t change or affect my artistic direction.
What are your plans for performing songs from the album live, and how do you envision those experiences?
I am actually already performing the songs live. I am loving it! I am opening for Scouting for Girls at the moment on their UK Tour and so far it’s been a blast. Crowds have been really lovely and the reaction to the songs has been really humbling.
What are your hopes for the impact of Scars, Ghosts & Glory on your career and on listeners around the world?
This album has already massively impacted my career. I always wanted to be a ‘recording artist’ and now I am one! This album is the debut album I thought I wouldn’t get to make. I hope people who listen to it, enjoy it and find something in it that resonates with them.
What legacy do you hope to leave through Scars, Ghosts & Glory, both as a musician and a storyteller?
I set out to make an album that my children will play to their kids and say “my Dad did that”. If Scars Ghosts and Glory connects with a wider audience and leaves a mark that would be amazing but I feel like the legacy is the album. I genuinely wouldn’t change a note.