Free School

Free School

Free School is a US producer group made up of Jean Baptiste, Renato Lopez, Michael McHenry and DJ Replay. The act works in electronic and hip hop-related styles, with references in its coverage to dance and balearic music.

Releases and labels

The group signs to Tirk in 2011 and releases the album Tender Administration on that label. Before that, it issues two 12-inch EPs. Those releases include remixes by Richard Norris, working under Beyond The Wizard's Sleeve and The Time & Space Machine, and by Mark E of Ghostly International.

A later album, Dancing On The Dark, appears on Static Caravan Records and includes the singles Hudson's Whistle and Love Calling. The track Love Calling also premieres on BBC 6 Music.

Collaborators and remixes

Free School also records remixes for Roots Manuva, Phil Oakey and Maps on Mute. Their recordings feature guest vocalists including Maps, Greg Bird, Tomlin Mystic and Sigmund Frued.

Live work and support slots

The live setup includes a drummer and a rotating group of guest vocalists. Free School supports Editors, Andrew Weatherall, Walls, Ulrich Schnauss and Fujiya & Miyagi. The group also appears at Supersonic Festival and The Garden Festival in Croatia, and headlines the Rise Of Birmingham show for the launch of The Library of Birmingham in Birmingham.

Reception

Coverage of the group includes praise from Steve Lamacq, Mixmag and The Village Voice, and support from Lauren Laverne, Gilles Peterson and Jacques Renault.