Free Friends, the explosive pop punk trio, consisting of Husband and Wife Ben and Lauren DeHan along with drummer Gil Perez, have taken the scene by storm with their jaw-dropping tunes. Collaborating with industry heavyweights like Matt Malpass (blink-182, Magnolia Park), Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco), and Sam Pura (State Champs), they've created a unique sound that falls somewhere between Blink-182 and Neck Deep, accompanied by cello. The brainchild of Ben DeHan, a musician with a DIY work ethic and a love for the pop punk music he grew up with, began after taking a hiatus from the music business. At that time Ben emerged as a solo artist, collaborating with his now wife and fellow musician, Lauren DeHan, who added her cello skills to the mix.

 

The result was a unique sound with an authenticity that can only be earned as a kid who saw the country through the window of a 15 passenger van and the urgency of a man who has seen the inside of a cubicle. As a solo artist, Ben worked with producers like Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco) Bryan Czap (The Dangerous Summer), and Sam Pura (State Champs) to create his debut and second EP’s, New Nostalgia, and Blank Check. But the project quickly evolved with the addition of drummer Gil Perez, and Ben and Lauren decided it no longer felt right to call it a solo project.

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Together, they changed the name to Free Friends, a moniker that captures the spirit of their collaborative and inclusive approach to music. With a full band lineup, Free Friends hit the ground running, collaborating with producer Matt Malpass (blink-182, Magnolia Park) to create a unique sound of cello infused Pop-Punk somewhere between blink-182 & Neck Deep. The byproduct of that recording/ upcoming LP is nothing short of epic, featuring collaborations with artists like Hit The Lights, glimmers, and Makeout. The band has national tour dates and festival appearances in the works, ready to make waves in the pop punk scene. Their dual vocals and emotionally charged lyrics are reminiscent of Taking Back Sunday’s anthemic hooks while minimalist verses that could’ve been written by Blink-182, are complemented by poignant cello leads comparable to Yellowcard's violin. It's a unique yet definitively pop punk sound that connects and builds upon every era of the genre.

 

Their latest track, "Save Me," is a modern take on classic 2000s pop-punk, produced by Matt Malpass and featuring Kyle from Makeout. Imagine it as a lost single from Blink-182's "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket," but with today's sonic clarity. It's a raw cry for help, echoing the emotional depth of bands like My Chemical Romance and The All American Rejects. Dive in—you might find the rescue you've been seeking. Catch them on tour this fall, with national dates and a full-length album dropping Spring, 2024!