Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
r.m.music84@gmail.com
In the world of rock and metal, public relations isn’t just about email blasts and press releases—it’s about connection. It’s about authenticity. It’s about finding the people who live and breathe heavy music and helping them tell their story louder. That’s exactly what Freeman Promotions has been doing for 15 years now—and they’re celebrating that milestone by literally setting sail with a boatload of music, mayhem, and metal. The Freeman Fifteen is taking over NYC with a concert cruise—courtesy of Rocks Off NYC—that’s as bold as their roster, which includes a powerhouse spread of artists from Frontiers Music. Whether it’s legacy acts or rising talent, Jon Freeman knows how to captain a campaign that cuts through the noise and makes waves across the industry.
The lineup for this floating throwdown? RAWG, a GWAR tribute band whose mysterious origins are the stuff of metal lore—some say they were forged in a vat of expired stage blood and cheap beer, others claim they just showed up one day, instruments in hand, ready to shred. Whatever the truth is, they bring serious heat and a chaotic homage to one of metal’s most outrageous acts. Joining them is TRüKKEN, a Grateful Dead tribute band that reimagines jam-band psychedelia through a heavy metal lens. The result is a mind-bending, genre-twisting set that’s unexpected in the best way possible.
The entire event is peak Freeman Promotions: a celebration that’s more than a concert. It’s an experience. One that blends heavy music, deep fandom, and just enough weirdness to make it unforgettable. Imagine headbanging on a boat as the Manhattan skyline glows in the background, RAWG tears into a set, and TRüKKEN melts minds with psychedelic metal jams. That’s not just a gig—that’s a statement.
And it’s exactly the kind of creative, immersive storytelling that Freeman Promotions has mastered over the years. They don’t just put out a press release and call it a day. They build moments. They craft narratives. They look at where a band’s been, where they’re going, and how to bring fans along for the ride. Jon Freeman once said in an interview, “We’re not just selling a product. We’re building a relationship—between the band and their audience. That’s where the magic is.”
This approach—authentic, artist-first, and built to last—is what’s kept Freeman Promotions relevant in an industry that’s constantly shifting. With the rise of streaming platforms, TikTok marketing, and shrinking attention spans, it’s easy for bands to get lost in the noise. But Freeman Promotions helps them stand out by tapping into something deeper: connection. They figure out what makes a band unique, then get that story in front of the right people—press, fans, and everyone in between.
And artists feel that difference. Musicians who’ve worked with Freeman Promotions talk about the personal touch, the constant communication, and the strategic hustle that goes into every campaign. They’re not just another client on the roster—they’re part of a community.
One shining example? Stryper. Yes, that Stryper. The band’s been around since the ‘80s, but when they wanted to reignite their presence for modern fans, Freeman Promotions helped them do it with smart social campaigns, tight press angles, and a whole new wave of energy. And it worked. The band got attention from a new generation, without sacrificing what made them iconic in the first place.
Freeman Promotions is also constantly adapting. They’re not stuck in the old-school way of doing things. They know that today’s PR needs to be nimble—part storytelling, part strategy, part digital-savvy execution. Whether it’s crafting a killer Instagram rollout, pitching to podcasts and YouTube channels, or coordinating a full-blown album cycle, they meet bands where they’re at and help get them where they want to go.
And that’s why The Freeman Fifteen matters. It’s not just a party—it’s a showcase of everything Freeman Promotions does best. It’s unconventional. It’s built around real fan experiences. It honors longtime collaborators while shining a spotlight on new creative directions. And it shows the industry that you can still make noise, still make moments, and still matter—even after 15 years.
At the core of it all is Jon Freeman himself: a guy who’s equal parts music fan, strategist, and industry lifer. He’s the kind of publicist who’ll stay up late helping a band tweak their press bio, then turn around and pitch that same band to major outlets the next morning. He’s hands-on, humble, and laser-focused. And it’s that spirit that’s carried through the company since day one.
Freeman Promotions doesn’t pretend to be the flashiest PR firm. They don’t need to be. What they are is reliable. Trusted. Fiercely dedicated to the music. And in a space where hype comes and goes, that kind of legacy is rare—and worth celebrating.
So whether you’re cruising the Hudson with RAWG this May, spinning the latest album from a Freeman client, or just soaking up the stories behind the music you love, know this: Freeman Promotions is one of the engines keeping heavy music alive, loud, and thriving. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE; SPACES ARE LIMITED!
And 15 years in? They’re just getting started.
Ethereal Metal 
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