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After months, no EONS of anticipation, FREELANCE SWEATPANTS returned to the stage! Like a PHOENIX rising from the ASHES, the band rose to the occasion and ROCKED THE HOUSE! Taking the stage around 8:30 after the wonderful LAUREN MENDELSOHN, the group kicked things off into THE STRATOSPHERE. But unlike that UPCOMING MOVIE about FAKING THE MOON LANDING, there was no fakery on stage, THE SWEATPANTS proved they were the REAL DEAL!

Kicking things off with the exuberant opener “GOT TO GET OUT” the band played so loud they couldn’t even HEAR THEMSELVES! Though we, the crowd sung along to every word! It may not have been HALLOWEEN, but there was nothing “SPOOKY” about the bands next song. The vibrant second song was used to introduce the boys in the band, AJ, DOM, JUSTIN, and SEAN.

Each member showed more confidence on their instrument this time around as opposed to their show at THE GRAPE ROOM. The crazy thing, that was their last show prior to this night. You couldn’t even tell especially with how TIGHT each member PLAYED. JUSTIN hadn’t even touched a DRUM KIT since FEBRUARY, but social services should be called for how he LAID DOWN THE BEATS ON THIS KIT. He even had an EXTENDED DRUM BREAK during “UPSIDE DOWN”.

The crowd reaction was STUPENDOUS all around. Many positives went towards the playing, and the fact that the originals are starting to have a DISTINCT SOUND! Many of course, praised THE EXCLUSIVE MERCH! AJ is a much-improved player, earning POSITIVE PRAISE from audience members, even if he DIDN’T SHOW IT, he played with EMOTION AND FEELING in EVERY NOTE!

DOM let loose solos like a BAT OUT OF HELL.  Shredding his guitar with ATTACK AND PRECISION so much so that even the guitar wanted to ESCAPE HIS CLUTCHES. During his signature “NEW MATERIAL” solo, A STRING BROKE! That didn’t stop DOM from playing at least two more songs! One of these included an epic “HIGH ON A PLANE” which brought the crowd to its knees.

As for SEAN, he’s becoming a more CONFIDENT FRONT MAN.  Joking with the crowd about TABBOO TOPICS such as 7/11. He even jumping into the crowd like SCOTT STAPP of CREED! While he was not taken “HIGHER”, he was drunker with confidence after a successful attempt at drinking a SHOT from an audience member.

Overall, this was a great experience for the BAND! Thank you, CHRIS, and THE RUSTY NAIL. I have heard rumblings that we had the LARGEST CROWD of the night, and we may be back! So, thanks to you THE FANS for always showing up! We will REWARD you in the end! With what? I KNOW, YOU DON’T!

SPECIAL THANKS- CHRIS, LAUREN MENDELSOHN, FALL AWAKE, BOVINE BANDITS, SONIC DOPAMINE and of course, THE RUSTY NAIL!

On Wednesday JUNE 5^TH, FREELANCE SWEATPANTS, EXCELERATE AND RYAN GADS will play THE FIRE in PHILADELPHIA. This is NOT A DRILL people! This is our bands first show as a headliner of sorts.

The band has been hard at work, setting up a new base of operations at our BASS PLAYERS OPERATIONS.  That’s right, SEAN has temporarily decided to host the band. The band, including AJ, JUSTIN, and SEAN held the first jam session there on TUESDAY night of last week.

The band jammed classics including “GOT TO GET OUT”, “DAY IN/ DAY OUT”, and more! How did we accomplish this without DISTURBING THE PEACE? AJ brought a PORTABLE AMP and JUSTIN brought a swanky new ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT. The kit sounded great on every song they played including “SPOOKY” and our cover of “SAY IT AIN’T SO”.

Speaking of “SAY IT AIN’T SO”, this is not the only gig the band is prepping for. The band has another on APRIL 26^TH at THE RUSTY NAIL in Ardmore!

The cool thing about BOTH THESE SHOWS, is that the owners are focused on us doing more ORIGINAL MATERIAL. While a cover or two could pop up, EXPECT AN EVENING WITH FREELANCE SWEATPANTS at BOTH SHOWS.

Now when are these gigs again?

SAY IT WITH ME:

APRIL 26^TH– THE RUSTY NAIL ARDMORE (BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9-10 PM)

JUNE 5^TH– WITH EXCELERATE AND RYAN GADS- TIME TBD!

Some exciting stuff, and more coming soon! I KNOW, YOU DON’T what comes next.

Things are HEATING UP for the BOYS WITH NOISE! It doesn’t get hotter than playing THE FIRE in PHILLY on JUNE 5^TH! Yes, technically we are the OPENER, but we are in a way our OWN HEADLINER! Tasked with finding TWO OTHER bands on our bill, we have found one so far in the form of EXCELERATE!  An AMAZING ALTERNATIVE ROCK ACT and GREAT ACQUAINTANCES of the band! EXCELERATE makes for an epic pairing with FREELANCE SWEATPANTS. The search is still on for A SECOND ACT to join us.

No worries about the search as the BOYS will BRING THE NOISE. Despite no PUBLIC ENEMY songs being played, another great rap group from the 90’s may make its way into THE SET. Last week marked the end of our time at JUSTIN’S, the band was still able churn out some new ideas. One new idea touted is a potential cover of “SABOTAGE” by THE BEASTIE BOYS. So far, the song has come easy for the band, and would make for a killer LIVE TRACK.

With it being the end, the band and influence JOHN BORKOWSKI got teary eyed as ALL FOUR guys tore through “HIGH ON A PLANE”. This was it, the LAST jam in THE BASEMENT! Where we jam from here is up in the air, but the band is NOT DONE YET! If these two shows we just acquired are anything to go by, things will only CONTINUE TO HEAT UP THIS SUMMER!

While it has been a while since the band has played live, this Summer will be the SUMMER OF THE SWEATPANTS. That’s right folks, the band is ready to “HIT THE ROAD”. New live dates are COMING! The only one I can CONFIRM RIGHT NOW is a show on April 26^th in ARDMORE at THE RUSTY NAIL!

The band is back doing what it loves, performing in front of all of you! Last night marked the first of many rehearsals for the upcoming concert. While the SETLIST may have been the SAME, some things will be DIFFERENT. This month, the band says goodbye to TIN CAN CITY STUDIOS. That is my name for our beloved jam studio in JUSTIN’S HOUSE. We hope the new owners follow us on our socials!

With the way the band has sounded during rehearsal the last TIN CAN CITY rehearsal, it was like they never took a BREAK FROM PERFORMING. They kicked off the rehearsal set with an epic rendition of “DAY IN/DAY OUT”. The band may have been down AJ last night, but they were not out. They sounded as TIGHT AS EVER. Even more so on the COVER SONGS that they claimed they would sound rusty on.  On “SAY IT AIN’T SO”, SEANS’ vocals sounded even better than they did at THE GRAPE ROOM. “HERE IT GOES AGAIN” still sounded FAST and LIVELY, all thanks to GREAT DRUMMING from JUSTIN.

“STROKES-TYPE-THING” was groovin’ and “HIGH ON A PLANE” included updated lyrics by DOM. Both songs got this writer to DANCE ALONG with THE MUSIC. We hope the songs will have the same effect on you when you come see them in APRIL.

On April 26^th, come jam with us at THE RUSTY NAIL IN ARDMORE. Some GOOD THINGS coming your way in the SUMMER OF THE SWEATPANTS. New RECORDINGS, COVERS, I KNOW, YOU DON’T what is coming! Stay tuned FOR MORE!

This week brings some new changes to the band. First and foremost, VENUES are REACHING BACK OUT to the band! While no dates are confirmed yet, this is HUGE NEWS! How HUGE? Huge like the band will be PLAYING LIVE AGAIN HUGE! Details on important things like WHERE, WHEN, and WHO WITH are coming soon!

While the band has been a little QUIET in terms of JAMMON, the band has NEVER SOUNDED TIGHTER when they do GET TOGETHER. This writer was not present during last rehearsal (yeah, what kind of manager skips on his band?) Though a new cover song was rehearsed. For those that like 90’s, a famous GIN BLOSSOMS song could be added to the mix. While I was not present when this cover was jammed, I can’t wait TIL I HEAR IT FROM YOU about the song when it DEBUTS.

Some serious business was also discussed last night. For the last two years we’ve used TIN CAN CITY (it’s unofficial name) as our base of operations. Though this may no longer be the case going forward for future JAM SESSIONS. Options were discussed to PRESERVE THE FUTURE OF THE BAND. This is an indication that the band WILL CONTINUE AGAINST all ODDS it FACES.

Oh, and “STROKES-TYPE-THING” was jammed this past TUESDAY. It sounded as FRESH as it did the first time this writer heard it. AJ, DOM, SEAN, AND JUSTIN were in top form, inspired by a BRIGHT FUTURE PLAYING LIVE.  

Keep posted to OUR SOCIALS, WEBSITE, because I KNOW, YOU DON’T WHAT COMES NEXT!

The recordings have WRAPPED! After a three weeklong process, the band decided to hit the TIN CAN CITY STUDIOS (Justin’s basement) to record for a new EP. Every song you heard live will at THE GRAPE ROOM will be coming to you in a BRAND SPANKING NEW EP!

Multiple recordings were held over the course of the last three weeks. The songs you will hear were done as a BAND, not individual members in DIFFERENT ROOMS.  That’s right, we’re recording DOORS STYLE. The band sounded as TIGHT as they ever have on recording.

HOW are these songs being recorded? PRO TOOLS? Too PROFESSIONAL! A SOUNDBOARD? Too DAVE GROHL! We recorded directly to GARAGEBAND. I know what you’re saying, GARAGEBAND? It’s on a comeback according to industry insiders.

 The recordings from what I heard INSTRUMENTAL FORM will evoke THE STROKES. Songs like “HIT THE ROAD”, “HIGH ON A PLANE” “OTHERSIDE” and a few more I can’t name for fear of spoiling surprises all SOUND FANTASTIC. They feature TECTONIC drumming from JUSTIN, FANTASTIC BAND DIRECTING from SEAN, and EPIC SOLOING from AJ and DOM.

FREELANCE SWEATPANTS fans, what can you expect in the future? Some new music, some new live shows, some opening slots for bands, maybe a FESTIVAL appearance ( I said MAYBE). I KNOW, YOU DON’T!

The BAND IS BACK, and while not on a MISSION FROM GOD, we are on A MISSION TO RECORD. That’s right folks, if you like the SPLAT LP, more epic tunes from FREELANCE SWEATPANTS are coming your way soon.

The band is HARD AT WORK or HARDLY WORKING on a new recording of fresh material that was played at THE GRAPE ROOM.  Last night was an effortless, productive jam that saw the recording of not one, not two, not three, but four songs recorded in quick succession.

First, the bouncy grooves of “UPSIDE DOWN” turned the volume nobs right side up. Everyone was in good spirits for this session, VYNNESSA, LUKE, and even JOHN BORKOWSKI all made appearances last night.

The funk of 40,000 years crept into the present day as “SWAMP PEOPLE” turned into “HIT THE ROAD”, leaving the stench of the muck behind as band continues to DRIVE HOME THESE RECORDINGS.

 The bassline of “OH WHY” permeated the basement. GUITAR SOLOS were not present during recording, but they will be there during OVERDUBS. This will not be FREELANCE SWEATPANTS version of ST. ANGER. I can assure you that.

Keeping the ALTERNATIVE VIBES going was “STROKES-TYPE-THING”. The band delivered several solid takes. Yes, some mistakes were made in each recording, but that’s all part of the FUN.

Look for these NEXT BATCH of tunes to ARRIVE on a STREAMING SERVICE NEAR YOU.

BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR FREELANCE SWEATPANTS! Stay tuned FOR MORE TUNES!

Tonight was THE BIG NIGHT. The moment the band had been waiting for. A moment that took an ETERNITY to arrive. What no one could have anticipated was that the BAND WOULD CRUSH IT. 

Arriving early for the soundcheck, well before THE GRAPE ROOM even OPENS, the band got right down to business. They worked with the sound mixer to ensure that a MAXIMUM SONIC ATTACK could be felt.

Anticipation was building as this writer was busy back at BAND HQ entertaining the masses. And masses there were, the band had the second, or maybe even THE LARGEST CROWD depending on who you ask that night. Crowd size doesn’t matter, METALLICA played to 10 people at their first show. What matters is how THE CROWD reacts to YOUR PERFORMANCE.

It was one hell of a PERFORMANCE indeed! Kicking things off was the only true hiccup of the night, the instrumental jam known as “HIGH NOON”. The song was designed so it gets the crowds attention. It did, in its OWN WAY. A few sound issues were resolved during the jam thanks to the AMAZING SOUND MIXER. After “HIGH NOON” it was off to the races!

“How’s it going GRAPE ROOM!” SEAN shouted into the microphone, prompting the crowd of friends, family, and other bands to go nuts. The band kicked things off into high gear with an electrifying “DAY IN/ DAY OUT”, from there it was soon to be hit “SPOOKY”. The crowd was into it, at this point, the band could do no wrong. Then came the moment of truth, the moment where the crowd either turns on us, or invites us back for more.

The tricky, bluesy intro to WEEZER’S “SAY IT AIN’T SO”, was nailed to perfection by AJ. You can hear the crowd lose its mind over the cover. They even sang along to the “wrestle with Jimmy” lyrics as SEAN had intended. A momentous occasion indeed.

Next Up, AJ took us for a walk with his bluesy solo during the shoegaze styled “OTHERSIDE”. SEAN followed up the track with some bouncy bass grooves that led into a rousing “OH WHY”. DOM let loose some killer solos on “SWAMP PEOPLE”, a soon to be classic FREELANCE SWEATPANTS song.

After the SPRINT comes the HARD MARATHON. But music isn’t meant to be hard, it’s meant to be about the LOVE of it. LOVE was what we got when DOM took to the microphone to shout out VYNNESSA for her birthday.

JUSTIN got to show off his serious drumming chops on a cover of OK GO’S “HERE IT GOES AGAIN”, sans treadmills and jumping. Though the drumming Justin does is the equivalent of the jumping done in the music video. The song is hard, and he effin NAILED IT. The song was followed by “NEW MATERIAL”, which featured a big crowd reaction to a blistering DOM solo. The hard section ended with what SEAN described as a WHITE STRIPES deep cut “FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL”. The crowd fell in love with the band and SEANS’ delivery of the FAST-TALKING parts of that song.

“Give it up for JUSTIN”, and rightfully so, his performance during those songs were praised by members of other bands, fans and random mothers at the show.

The band then gave the audience a taste of its future, “UPSIDE DOWN” kicked off the alternative portion of the set. They later channeled the early 2000’s alt-rock scene on “STROKES-TYPE-THING.” The band finally brought HOUSE DOWN with an electrifying “HIGH ON A PLANE”, whose end jam brought the place to its knees.

This may have been the band’s 4^th ever show, but they performed as though they had played FOR YEARS. If they keep up this level of PLAYING AND COMMITMENT, they just might be the NEXT BIG THING. Way to go guys, you made it to your version of THE RIVOLI! There was even a FAN with a RIVOLI hat at the show. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know WHAT IS.

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS: THE GRAPE ROOM, BAD HABITS BOOKING, RYAN GADS, ECHO WHISKEY, and LAZER SHARK! HERE’S TO ANOTHER SHOW SOMETIME SOON!

SETLIST DECEMBER 29^TH: THE GRAPE ROOM

1. HIGH NOON (STARTED AGAIN DUE TO AUDIO)
2. DAY IN/ DAY OUT
3. SPOOKY
4. SAY IT AIN’T SO (WEEZER COVER)
5. OTHERSIDE
6. OH WHY
7. SWAMP PEOPLE
8. HERE IT GOES AGAIN (OK GO COVER)
9. NEW MATERIAL
10. FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL (WHITE STRIPES COVER)
11. UPSIDE DOWN
12. STROKES-TYPE-THING
13. HIGH ON A PLANE

WATCH OUT MAN! There is a band in town prepared to BRING THE HOUSE DOWN! THE BOYS WITH NOISE are prepared to bring their brand of ROCK to THE GRAPE ROOM on DECEMBER 29^TH. The band has been hard at work putting on a show, so you don’t have to WORK AS HARD to enjoy it!

During the last rehearsal, the band has showed command of their SET time awareness. While rehearsing the SET that you will EXPERIENCE for 45 MINUTES, I noticed that the band is sounding tight! Each time the SET is played (which I will not reveal for fear FREELANCE SWEATPANTS SNIPERS will take me out), they are performed with as much if not more passion each time they are JAMMED.

As for COVERS, there are some FAMOUS ones that will give you your BANG for your BUCK. AJ has NAILED the intro to one, JUSTIN puts on some of his most FOUNDATION SHAKING DRUMMING on another. SEAN and DOM get to unleash their inner punks on a THIRD. I will give you a hint as to what covers they are performing; they are songs from the 90’s & 00’s. Yes, it is true, THESE SONGS STILL SLAP harder than WILL SMITH.

As for the originals, they are soon to be your NEW favorite songs. This writer has had multiple FREELANCE SWEATPANTS riffs stuck in his head FOR DAYS.

Maybe just maybe, if you are good FANS, we might RELEASE SOMETHING into THIS WORLD at the show! No, not an ancient VOODOO CURSE, but more along the lines of BRAND NEW FREE STICKERS!

SPECIAL THANKS to RYAN NEWMAN for designing them!

You can view the STICKERS on our INSTAGRAM!

SPECIAL THANKS to THE GRAPE ROOM, BAD HABITS BOOKING, RYAN GADS, ECHO WHISKEY, and of course, LAZER SHARK!

Alright folks, THE COUNTDOWN is underway for our slot as an OPENER at THE GRAPE ROOM for the AMAZING LAZER SHARK. This show is massive, how MASSIVE?  Try TWO PRACTICES A WEEK massive. This could lead to more BLOGS, as this writer knows you WANT MORE. The band is hard at work rehearsing a MASSIVE 45 MINUTE SET. There is more hype for this show than the GTA 6 TRAILER. Like THE GAME, the show is a long time coming. As our influence JOHN BORKOWSKI so causally put it, “this is your RIVOLI.” The band fought hard to GET TO THIS MOMENT. If you follow us, take time TO SHOW ENCOURAGEMENT on our social media. This really is THEIR BIG BREAK.

As for what the setlist entails, the usual favorites “DAY IN DAY OUT”, “OTHERSIDE”, and “HIGH ON A PLANE” are all but confirmed to be there.  New songs are being whipped up IN A FRENZY like the fans who will be in our MOSH PIT when they hear them. The band should have no problems introducing them in addition to their usual set.

As for COVER SONGS, the COUNTING CROWS “HANGINAROUND” is in contention for the show. For the others, if you are fans of 90’s/00’s rock, then we have JUST THE THROWBACKS FOR YOU!

So much good is about to happen to this band, so SHOW UP, SUPPORT, and ROCK OUT on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9^th at THE GRAPE ROOM!

That is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9^th at THE GRAPE ROOM on 105 GRAPE STREET, PHILADELPHIA. Tickets for the show are $10 and can be found on the website for THE GRAPE ROOM!

Special thanks to BAD HABITS BOOKING, RYAN GADS, ECHO WHISKEY, and LAZER SHARK for making this event POSSIBLE!

SEE YOU ALL THERE!