Staff writer Victoria Bowlin spent a few minutes with singer/songwriter Misty Freeman and talks a bit about her new EP and The Freemans’ newest release!
Victoria Bowling: You come from a family who has a great heritage in Southern Gospel music. How does that make you feel?
Misty Freeman: I’m so proud of my heritage and how I grew up. When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate it as much. We were always on the road, and that meant I was always trying to catch up at school or missing out on social activities. But now that I’m an adult and a parent, I realize how much character that built in me. My family always gave of themselves to full time ministry but also worked hard to find the balance of ministry/family. They have consistently put out amazing music year after year and have touched many hearts along the way. Now my children get to witness and benefit from all they have done. I’m excited to see how God will use that heritage to shape my kids and the work He has for them in the future.
VB: Are there any new things going on with The Freemans right now?
MF: The Freemans just released a brand new project called Tower of Songs. I believe this recording is stylistically the most wide reaching we’ve ever done. There is a lot of variety, yet it’s “The Freeman” sound through and through.
VB: Are you doing solo ministry as well?
MF: I am very busy with solo stuff this year. With the release of my new EP this Spring, I have weekends with The Freemans but also solo concerts sprinkled in. I’m excited to do six shows at Dollywood in the Fall with a full live band, and I’m doing the Music City Cruise this next Spring and a few other events here and there. It’s out of my comfort zone. I definitely feel more at ease with the family with me, but I realize that God uses me in a different capacity when I’m alone. So, I’m thankful for those opportunities.
VB: Has God been teaching you anything lately?
MF: I’m a “do’er” by nature. I like to plan and work hard, but this year God has been whispering (sometimes shouting) to me that all He’s asking from me is to put Him first and connect with Him on a genuine level and He will take care of the life details. This is hard for me. It feels too simple at times, but He always proves Himself when I do. His plan is never for me to live stressed and worn out. I do that on my own.
VB: Tell us a little bit about your family (husband/kids).
MF: My husband Bryce and I have been married 11 years. Aside from The Lord, he is my Rock! He is the most level headed and genuine person I’ve ever known. He is not involved with music in any way, but he is my biggest supporter. When I don’t think I can do something, he’s always there to say, “You got this… just do it.” He’s also an amazing father to our 2 kids, Adelaide (age 8) and Lincoln (age 5). Adelaide is a wild soul! She loves anything to do with arts and crafts, and she loves to sing. She has zero stage fright and is always ready to get up and sing. She has always been like a teenager trapped in a little girl’s body. We have to remind her of her age daily. Lincoln is a cautious, kind-hearted boy. He’s full of little boy energy but genuinely cares for those around him. He’s always wanting to cuddle and asking if I’ve had a good day. Pap Pap (Darrell) bought him a bass for his birthday, so we will see if he follows in his footsteps.
VB: What is your latest project available?
MF: My new EP is out on Daywind roots, and it’s called Turn the Page. I’m so thrilled Daywind asked me to do this project. I’m so proud of it. The songs and production are amazing, and I loved working with Scott Godsey and Trey Ivey on the making of it. It has a rootsy but modern vibe to it, and the songs are all positive but challenging lyrically.
VB: What has been your funniest moment on the road?
MF: One of my favorite funny moments was when I was just starting cosmetology school and decided my brother Caylon should have highlights while we were out on the road. I foiled in a bunch of highlights and didn’t bother to tell him I’d never done them before. I said, “Well, hopefully these turn out good.” He said, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN HOPEFULLY?” It was not pretty at all. It looked like he had a blonde headband on. He was so mad at me. He had to deal with it the rest of the trip until we got home and I could put brown back on his hair. I’m much better now, and he gets free haircuts for life.
VB: What has been your most rewarding moment while traveling?
MF: I think anytime someone shares a testimony about how God has used a song to help them, it’s a great encouragement and reminder of why we do what we do. It never gets old hearing those unique stories.
VB: What is your favorite “pit stop” on the road?
MF: I’m always up for Waffle House. I try to eat healthy on the road and usually don’t eat after a concert, but it can be 1 am, and if we pull into a Waffle House, I never pass up those scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and raisin toast.
VB: Do you have a website that people can visit for more info and scheduling?
MF: Yes, it’s www.mistyfreemanmusic.com. I also have a music page on Facebook, and I’m on Instagram as Mistyfreemanmusic.
