Those that say good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll is dead haven’t heard the band Freeloader.
Freeloader hails from the small town of Erwin but the small town can’t contain their big sound or their goal of being the best rock ‘n’ roll band in the Tri-Cities area. It is a four-piece band comprised of two guitars, a bass and drums that deliver rock ‘n’ roll that anyone who listens to it falls in love with.
Members are Josh Higgins (vocals/guitar), Jesse Higgins (bass), Ronnie Clark (drums) and Eric Casey (guitar).
“Our band can be enjoyed by anyone who likes rock music,” said Josh. “Our music is something that a grandmother or a child can listen to and like.”
“I just want people to hear good music,” said Jesse. “I don’t care if they are listening and jump back and bang their heads or sit there and just listen as long as they enjoy it. Good music is universal.”
Brothers Josh and Jesse Higgins started the band a few years ago with the hopes of growing into a full fledged rock ‘n’ roll outfit that begs to be reckoned with. Clark and Casey, the newest additions, say it’s easy playing with people you have grown up with.
Freeloader has an unparalleled chemistry. These four childhood friends have comprised a band with depth and excitement that can’t be found anywhere else.
“I love looking at my guitarist from behind my drum set when his face is all red and sweaty,” said Clark. “It shows just how much heart and soul he is putting into this dream. It gives me even more energy when I see that.”
Jesse said, “We play because we love music and we love the lifestyle.”
Freeloader claims writing the lyrics come naturally.
“Life is music,” said Josh. “We just put the beat and riffs to it.”
“We don’t want people to just hear lyrics or just hear drums we want them to hear the band as a whole package,” said Casey.
Simple rhymes color the deep penetrating bass lines and wailing guitars. Hard-hitting drums keep the beat as the music slides into more of groove rock than their metal and hard-rock competition. Freeloader keeps you guessing with new rhythms weaved into the song patterns. Songs come across fresh and new with depth and talent being the driving force behind all the sounds emitted.
The members of Freeloader are just as commited to the music they compose as they are their normal 9-to-5 jobs. Band rehearsal takes place every day in a small room with temperatures reaching way above boiling point.
“We’re not some pretty boys who only entertain you,” said Casey. “We want the focus to be on the music we play and that will be what keeps our fans coming back time and time again.”
Influences range from the Supersuckers, Kyuss, Led Zepplin, Monster Magnet to Down and Clutch. Listeners can pick out certain influences in the music but can never predict which beat or riff will follow next. It all ties up into a neat, tight package that is sure to impress the avid rock ‘n’ roll lover.
“We’re not in it for the fame and publicity we are in it for the music and the good times,” said Casey.
“We’ll come out of the ashes of Erwin as big rock stars,” said Clark.
You can catch Freeloader later this summer at a club near you. Keep your eyes peeled for one of the best new bands to hit the Tri-Cities.

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