Free Union
@freeunionmusic
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Free Union is a Charlottesville, Virginia-based collective led by Michael Coleman (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Rob Dunnenberger (drums), and features Carrie Coleman (vocals), Parker Hawkins (bass), and Tyler Hutcherson (keys). The band’s sound is not distillable, it’s ever-evolving music is rooted in soul and incorporates rhythm and blues, rock, and pop into its sound.
In its short history, Free Union has found quick momentum including a debut performance at the 2019 Lockn’ Music Festival, a feature on NPR Music’s Heavy Rotation: September Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing (2019), and a national appearance on the acclaimed WXPN National Public Radio program World Café (2020).
The history behind the collective’s name gives context to its message. Free Union, Virginia—originally named Nicksville after a free African American blacksmith—sought to unite people of all races at a time when the country was inherently divided.