Alternative folk-rock duo Illiterate Light and soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian have released their joint single, “Freedom” today. A funky, psychedelic-leaning track, “Freedom” arrives perfectly timed for the moment – reflecting on the notion of waking up and becoming free, both personally and on a societal level.
“Freedom” premieres alongside a touching cinematic video starring all three artists, directed by Alex Kent + Pat Fitzgerald – watch it now below.
Of the collaboration and video, Gilfillian shares: “‘Freedom’ was such a fun song to write with Jake and Jeff. Jeff brought most of the bones and lyrics to the table, and I added my ingredients to make it feel complete. The word ‘freedom,’ in this context, means to let down your guard, to become vulnerable – something we have such a hard time doing these days… letting yourself feel the love, the pain, whatever gives you deeper connection with yourself and those around you.
For the music video, we wanted to portray this idea through the journey of a robot finding his humanity. Even though Jeff and I are robots, we still yearn for the simple beauty of the ocean and human pleasures robots wouldn’t normally be able to appreciate. All the while, Jake is on a parallel journey, slowly finding vulnerability and humanity within himself.”
Jeff Gorman of Illiterate Light expands on the meaning behind the song: “I’m a bundle of paradoxes and have seen both my own cynicism and immense hopefulness rear their heads at different words within the same sentence. But one thing I’m captivated by is having momentary experiences where one’s awareness expands into something bigger and deeper. I want to live in that place of expanse and freedom, a wild world that’s out of my control, rather than in my own little shell.
Working with Devon was a blast and was fitting for the times – lots of zooms. We brought the bones of the song to him and started talking about this idea of ‘waking up’ and he totally got it and expanded on it. Then we shot the video together and just had such a blast creating something new and collaborative. He’s got a brightness to him that both Jake and I really admire. There was plenty of goofing off, nudity, singing and dancing, and general shenanigans. We love the dude!”
The artists have also announced a special ticketed livestream event, to be broadcast tonight live from Nashville – Illiterate Light and Devon Gilfillian: Live from Brooklyn Bowl Nashville [presented by Fans.com].
Having first met backstage at Newport Folk Festival in 2019, the duo and Gilfillian were scheduled to be on the road together at this time on a co-headline US tour. While this is not currently possible, they look forward to celebrating the release of the collaboration with fans during this special evening. Featuring two 40-minute sets from each artist, the show will conclude with a finale featuring the live debut of “Freedom.”
Tickets are available for purchase on a donation-based system, with GA tickets available starting at $10. Fans who wish to donate $40 or more will be entered into a giveaway for a guitar signed by all artists. The special edition Epiphone electric guitar was purchased from a local record store in Illiterate Light’s hometown of Harrisonburg, VA – continuing the strong support the duo has shown and encouraged for local shops and music stores during these tough times.
To purchase tickets + for additional information, please visit: https://fans.live/livestream/20201113-illiterate-light-and-devon-gilfillian