Bio

FreeDay is made up of some of the most talented musicians in Aoteroa, first to see the light, Glen and Alexandra have been writing, producing and performing music for over 15 years and have been influenced by all genres of music.

When Auckland based band 'FreeDay' sing about wearing the scars of life on their new self titled album, they mean it literally.

By a twist of destiny lead singer/composer, Glen Donaghy, and his wife Alex were wounded with identical scars on their hands before they even met.

As artists do, they turned their peccadilloes into the lyrics of the leading track 'Meant to Be' - an uplifting, timeless pop ballad that sets up the rest of this ambitious album.

"We were six months into our marriage when we noticed we had the same scars on our hands," says Glen. "I got mine cutting a tree and Alex got hers when her hand got stuck in a car door. It sounds corny but we saw it as a sign that we were soul mates."

Glen and Alex brainstormed hundreds of names before naming their band and new album 'FreeDay'.

"It embodied the idea of freedom and a perfect day," says Alex. "We like the idea of having an International Free Day in the future. Life is a gift."

The couple have performed on stage together for 19 years but only recently ventured into the recording studio for their debut album, 'Welcome to the FreeDay'.

"We could have done this ten years ago but we didn't have the nous," says Glen. "Now we're more confident and stable. We've developed our characters and understand who we are and what we want to do. We have a good team around us and timing is everything."

"10-20 years ago the fan chased the artist, now it's the other way around. The musician has to look after the fan. The fans create and empower the music industry. They have so much music at their disposal."

In September 2009, FreeDay signed up with M4U Records, a small indie label that blends strong business sense with a passion for helping artists succeed in music. M4U Managing Director, Maria Puni, says the company is also looking at international opportunities.

"We can offer artists like FreeDay a valuable platform to spring board from," says Maria. "Establishing yourself in the global music industry is a complex maze and M4U Records is here to help our artists navigate that world successfully."

Glen says it's difficult to describe FreeDay's music. They appreciate any talented artist but they're influenced by musicians such Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Crowded House, Muse, Live and Natasha Bedingfield.

Glen's husky vocals exude a theatrical quality that moves from dreamlike pathos one minute to driving emotion the next. Team that with his deft song writing and you have an album of unexpected but satisfying twists and turns.

'So Much More' blends image provoking lyrics with alternative rock, urging people to demand more from life.

'All the Way' uses clever words and a brilliant ebb and flow of pop rock to deliver a call to action.

'Because of You' is Glen's tender, loving and unabashed homage to Alex.

The breakout song 'In the Stars' is a universal anthem of daring to dream big.

The songs are layered with Alex's backing vocals and she is also Glen's song writing partner.

'FreeDay' is a personal album that hints at Glen and Alex's past struggles while serving as a guiding light for others going through hard times.

Glen was a former street kid at the age of 14 and experimented with drugs early. Alex was put into a boarding school by her parents who never visited her during her four years there. To this day she rarely sees them. Alex laughs that Glen hasn't even met her parents.

As teenagers both rebelled against their parents' rejection in self destructive lifestyles until they met each other when they were 17. Although it wasn't love at first sight, the couple developed a cautious friendship that slowly blossomed into true love.

Alex says they are polar opposites in their tastes but when they perform together, they're a dynamic team.

"We work well on stage together and can read each other. We don't even have to look at each other to know what the other one is doing," says Alex.

Of the past, Glen says because they've overcome many struggles they're driven now to look to the future. The couple have two children, Anastacia (8) and Trinity (3), and they're keen that the girls grow up in a happy, healthy, prosperous home.

In a time of global uncertainty, FreeDay's music offers a healing balm to soothe a troubled world.

"We want listeners to get a positive message from this album," says Glen. "We want them to feel that life is for them not against them. Our songs have tools on how to overcome. The lyrics are crafted into our songs for a reason. We've taken our real life experiences and put it into our music so we can share it with others."
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When Auckland based band 'FreeDay' sing about wearing the scars of life on their new self titled album, they mean it literally.

By a twist of destiny lead singer/composer, Glen Donaghy, and his wife Alex were wounded with identical scars on their hands before they even met.

As artists do, they turned their peccadilloes into the lyrics of the leading track 'Meant to Be' - an uplifting, timeless pop ballad that sets up the rest of this ambitious album.

Band Members:
Glen Donaghy (vocals, guitar)
Alexandra Donaghy (vocals)
Daniell Lee (bass)
John Te Kiri (drums, guitar)
Kevin Latimer (guitar)
Daniel Noble (keyboards, guitar)

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