Jakob Freely & the Mixtape Bandits - NEW Album Available NOW!

After spending the better part of three years touring the Midwest and releasing albums as an acoustic trio, Jakob Freely felt the time was right to fill out their sound. Taking some time off the road, the boys added backing band The Mixtape Bandits, wrote and rehearsed new material, and in late September, ducked back into 3 Elliott Studio in Athens, OH to record their third studio release Look Both Ways.

With producer/engineer Josh Antonuccio at the helm (Bradley Hathaway, Southeast Engine), the boys kept their original focus on melody with a new goal to produce full, engaging songs. “This was the first time we had the money to do exactly what we wanted in the studio without watching the clock...” says Dave “so we took our time for once.” A 12 song LP, Look Both Ways has 8 brand new songs, alongside 4 previously released and reworked tunes. “There were a few songs we didn’t feel were completed or represented correctly, so we really thought it was best to re-work them.” Bobby says. Sitting amongst the 4 previously released tunes is crowd favorite sing-a-long Dogfarm which was earlier released as an acoustic version on the Elliot EP (Dogfarm Records). “Dogfarm is definitely a rock song now...” Dave laughs.

The record also has a few cameos, most notable of which is Fuzzy Sammuels who has shared the stage and been employed by the likes of CSNY, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton to name a few. “He was actually the bass player for CSNY’s song Ohio...” Dave states. “Pretty surreal...it was a blessing to have his input.”

Thus far the biggest highlight of the new material seems to be the stompy alt/country feel of Underground. “I don’t know if it’s the highlight,” says Dave “but it’s definitely our favorite song on the record. We haven’t written anything like it before.”

Releasing the album on their own label Dogfarm Records, the boys plan to hit the road heavy again in the Summer on a 25 city tour to promote the release. Stops include several Ohio cities alongside Minneapolis, Chicago, Nashville, Knoxville, and Asheville, N.C. to name a few. “We’ll definitely be sleeping in the van a lot and eating peanut butter....” Dave adds.

Jakob Freely is a gnome from Windsor with a mean appetite for Asian hookers and pocket knifes. Bobby and I stumbled upon him a few years ago while in that particular area to do some gambling. We first spotted him from afar and we were completely blown away by his lack of inhibitions and readiness to expose himself to children and passersby. Naturally, we approached Jakob to see if he could spare a few minutes to chat with us. As we approached, our gag reflexes were almost turned on high due to the intoxicating amount of Yukon Jack that was permeating from Jakob's skin. Yes my friends, he was so inebriated that it was making us drunk.

Mr. Freely most kindly obliged to our request and he began telling us a fascinating story of a far away land called "Indiana" where the lush hills are filled with red candy and fulcrum nuts. "Fulcrum nuts," he explained "will make you invincible." As Jakob dry heaved, hiccuped, and groped his way through his tale, Bobby and I began to grow weary and suggested that we try some gambling to liven us up. Turns out, Jakob is a livid gambler. His blood runs with "risk" and every corner he turns he looks for another chance to hustle someone. Upon entering the casino Jakob announced that Freely the Gnome is here! And he's going to slap your mother and @#%$ your father. That's when Bobby and I ducked behind the nickel slots and discussed a different option for the evening.