Biography
Derek "Redfootz" Freeman has broken his way beyond the forefront of the local circuit of his hometown Washington D.C, and is on the verge of breaking into the mainstream at a steady rapid pace. Redfootz, a name given to him early in his professional career, exhibited a genuine interest in music at the age of 4 and he has not stopped since. He is a force to be reckoned with on the drums but has mastered the technical side of music production that could match any with national notoriety.
Gaining his start, he began by playing for family members at weddings and local clubs. Soon after, in 1993 he was co-founder, arranger, and drummer of the Jazz/R&B group “Citilites”. His association climaxed with the production and release of their CD entitled "Who's Up Next". As he continued to grow in the music industry; in 1999 he became the drummer for DC’s hottest band “Suttle Thoughts” performing Jazz, R&B, & Go-Go for almost a decade.
In 2008, Redfootz founded his own R&B/Contemporary Jazz band “Redfootz Presents the Red Sessions” which he is the manager, producer and drummer. The band performs a wide variety of music from originals, to Jazz and Top 40 R&B covers. Soon after, Red Sessions released their first self-titled CD which covers originals and cover hits.
During 2011, Redfootz began sharing his musical talents and serving as the Musical Director/Drummer for BRENCORE Entertainment’s “Tribute to the Music” series paying homage to musical legends and icons. These series showcase locally and throughout the east coast at sold-out venues such as Supper Clubs and Theatre’s presently.
In 2012, he was the executive producer and recording engineer for Kimise “Songbird” Lee’s debut inspirational/gospel album entitled “I Choose You”. Redfootz was instrumental in launching Kimise Lee’s solo project whom was also featured on his Redfootz Presents The Red Sessions project.
However, by chance you might find him freelancing as drummer/percussionist sharing the stage with National Artist such as Ledisi, Sean Combs, Eric Benet, Ginuwine, Mya, CeCe Penniston, Mike Phillips, Brian Lenair, Experience Unlimited (E.U.), 76 Degrees West as well as many other talents. When not on the stage performing, you will find Redfootz in the studio recording and producing on other musical projects.
Recently, Redfootz released his first Live CD in 2014 from a very popular venue, Half Note Lounge in Bowie, Maryland. While Redfootz is a talented drummer he has not limited himself. He has allowed his horizons to broaden into other areas of music and to various instruments. He has a wide array of musical interests from piano to sound engineering. His reverence for music will not allow for boundaries when it comes to music genre.
In 2016, Redfootz is now officially endorsed by Domain Cymbals, Clear Tune Monitors, and Tru Tuner. Check out Redfootz's artist profile on the Rich sticks website to view his custom drumsticks.