Born in Cap Haitian, were the first slaves became free in 1804, Christopher Laroche, was inspired by his native history, and chose the stage name FREEDOM because “I sing about change and Haiti was the first country to get out of slavery so we put that together and it clicked, FREEDOM!” As Haiti gears up for elections in the aftermath of natural disaster, coupled with much financial turmoil, the people of Haiti, as many in the Caribbean, often look to song for a bit of emotional relief.  Known throughout history for their island wide solidarity, it is no surprise that it is one of their own, Christopher “FREEDOM” Laroche, that is offering them a moment of emotional respite in song.  Written from the heart of a young man, who hails from one of, if not the most, economically poor neighborhoods in the western hemisphere, “Move On” has been moving the masses in Haiti with inspiration for a better tomorrow.  Recently, CaribPress had an opportunity to converse with Christopher “FREEDOM” Larcohe about Haiti, about music, and about how he can help Haiti through music.

Carib Press (CP): Tell us your thoughts as a Haitian about how Haiti’s past still influences her today?

FREEDOM: It hurts to see such a beautiful country and people with so much pain in our past. The people are good hard working people and I have been doing my best to preach positivity and inspire change. When I look at the past one thing I do know is that it is time for change and we need to do everything we can to make it happen.

CP: As an artist who hails from Haiti, what do you feel is your personal responsibility, if any, to the Haitian people?

FREEDOM:  I have a huge responsibility to the Haitian people to represent them correctly and create music that will make them feel proud, as they should about being Haitian. I do my best to stay active in the community and do the most of what I can do.

CP: How did you get involved in music? Who are your musical inspirations?

FREEDOM:  I have always loved music and had a deep passion for being an artist since I was very young. I was the first person to have a Hip Hop radio show in the north of Haiti, and I was only 11. My mother saw me singing when I was a small child, she supported my dream, understood my passion for it and helped me put a band together by the time I was 13. Ever since then I never stopped making music. My biggest musical inspiration is Bob Marley. His music painted light in the darkness and that’s what I strive to do.

CP:  In 2004 you self-released your first album entitled “1804: Liberation.” Tell us about Freedom Recordz, and also the names of some of the other artists that we should be looking out for.

FREEDOM:  Freedom Recordz is where artists come to evolve as themselves and reach their pinnacle of success. It was founded in Haiti in 2003. We still make real uplifting music and appreciate the strength that has. That is the foundation of our movement. Other artists on the label are, Roach Killa, Fausto Vincenzo, Freedom Army, Reyhal, and Preimers.  For more information check out www.freedomrecordz.com

CP: In an effort to organize and centralize, as the Rastas might say, you have formed an organization called Save Haiti Today, tell us a little bit about that.

FREEDOM:  Save Haiti Today is a non-profit organization that I started which includes Adrian Miller, S.O.I.L., Ryerson University, and many more people. We specialize in bringing aid directly to Haiti instead of having to go through third party situations. We take missions out there to distribute supplies and now are working on raising funds to build a learning center for homeless children in PAP Haiti. You should check out www.savehaititoday.com and participate in saving lives by donating what you can.

CP: How is the song “Move On” related to the organization?

FREEDOM: “Move On” is a theme song for world change. It is about reminding the world to help Haiti move on. It’s an inspirational song that was made to help people keep their head high and keep moving forward with life even when it’s hard. The proceeds from “Move On” will also go directly to help rebuild Haiti.

CP:  Tell us about what you have scheduled for the near future and what FREEDOM’s long term goals are.

FREEDOM:  Right now, it’s all very exciting. I feel blessed thankful to be in the position to make a difference and plan on taking full advantage of every day God gives me. We just started pushing the new single Freedom -“Move On” and everything is progressing well. We got a lot of support from celebrities like Stacey Dash and Macy Gray, which are featured in the video and now is a great time to see the reaction. I have always tried to make music for the people by the people and it translates well into this song. It is the first single off of the upcoming Freedom Album, which features people like Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim, Spragga Benz, and many more. Long term I want to continue to evolve musically, create good music for the masses, collaborate with different artists, and continue to do my best to help Haiti.

As a young artist, with a mature attitude, FREEDOM is putting his best foot forward to assure that his fellow Haitians have a fair chance in the future.  Watch and listen for this rising Haitian star!