Free Nationals is an R&B ensemble hailing from Los Angeles, comprised of José Ríos (guitar), Ron "T.Nava" Avant (keyboards), Kelsey Gonzalez (bass), and Callum Connor (drums). The members first encountered Anderson .Paak in the late 2000s at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, subsequently becoming his backing band and engaging in numerous collaborations and tours with him. Their name, which draws inspiration from their mentor Shafiq Huisayn, signifies their commitment to remaining "indigenous to the music," while honoring legendary figures such as Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and Herbie Hancock. Their performance at the NPR Tiny Desk in 2016 alongside Anderson .Paak brought them significant acclaim, accumulating over 100 million views. In 2018, they released their inaugural single "Beauty & Essex," followed by "Time" in 2019, featuring collaborations with Mac Miller and Kali Uchis. Their self-titled debut album, Free Nationals, launched in 2019, received a nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album at the Grammy Awards, highlighting their distinctive blend of soulful and funk-infused sounds.
