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The Free Design
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The Free Design
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The Free Design was a Delevan, New York–based vocal group, whose music can be described as sunshine pop and baroque pop. Though they did not achieve much commercial recognition during their main recording career, their work later influenced bands including Belle and Sebastian, Stereolab, Cornelius, Pizzicato Five, Beck and the High Llamas.

Key Information

Early life and career

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The members were all members of the Dedrick family: Chris Dedrick (12 September 1947 – 6 August 2010), sister Sandy and brother Bruce were the original lineup. Chris Dedrick wrote most of the songs. Younger sister Ellen joined the group later, and youngest sister Stefanie (1952–1999) joined near the end of their initial career. Their dad, Arthur, was a trombonist and music arranger. Their uncle Rusty Dedrick was a jazz trumpeter with Claude Thornhill and Red Norvo. They formed the band while living in New York City. Chris has said the group was influenced by vocal groups like The Hi-Los (who performed in Greenwich Village frequently at the time) along with Peter, Paul and Mary and the counterpoint experiments of Benjamin Britten. Their trademark sound involved complex harmonies, jazz-like chord progressions and off-beat time signatures, due to the classical training by Chris.

The band released seven albums from 1967 to 1972, the first six on Enoch Light's Project 3 label and the last one, There is a Song, on the Ambrotype label. For the most part, they were accompanied on the albums by studio musicians.

Bruce Dedrick produced the 1969 single "You're Never Gonna Find Another Love", a Mickey Nicotra composition for The Sermon,[1] which became a hit for the group. In addition to the production, the background vocals were provided by members of the Dedrick family.[2][3]

Post-breakup

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After the band's breakup in 1972, Chris Dedrick recorded a solo album, Be Free, which went unreleased until 2000. He moved to Toronto, Ontario, where he became a music producer, arranger, as well as a classical and soundtrack composer. He worked with directors Guy Maddin and Don McKellar, winning a Genie Award for Maddin's The Saddest Music in the World. He also made music for The Ray Bradbury Theater TV series. In 1997, Dedrick won a Gemini Award for his work on the television series Road to Avonlea. Chris was nominated a total of sixteen times for Gemini awards, winning a total of four, the others for Million Dollar Babies, Shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast and The Great Canadian Polar Bear Adventure. He won a SOCAN award for Tripping the Wire and a Hot Docs award, also for Shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast.

Chris, Sandy and Ellen became the core members of the Star-Scape Singers in 1976, a classical vocal ensemble led by Dr. Kenneth G. Mills. Chris Dedrick also served as the group's main composer. The group performed and toured extensively throughout the 1980s and 1990s.[4][5]

Revived interest and later years

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During their career, The Free Design did not gain commercial success. They remained in obscurity after disbanding in 1972. Starting in the mid-1990s, interest in them began to grow as part of a general resurgence of popularity in easy listening and sunshine pop from the 1960s and 1970s. In 1994, Japanese musician Cornelius reissued The Free Design catalog on his Trattoria label. In 1998, the Spanish Siesta label released four compilation albums of their music. Stereolab named a 1999 single "The Free Design" (though the song itself had no direct connection to the band).

In 2000 the band re-grouped, after a nearly 30-year retirement, to record the song "Endless Harmony" on the Beach Boys tribute album Caroline Now!: The Songs of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. This experience convinced them to record a new full-length album, 2001's Cosmic Peekaboo, which featured the original lineup (Chris, Sandy and Bruce) in addition to Rebecca Pellett, who had previously been Chris Dedrick's musical assistant for several years.

In 2001, the label Cherry Red released a Best of Free Design compilation. The Free Design song "I Found Love" was included on the 2002 Gilmore Girls soundtrack. From 2002 to 2005, the original albums were reissued in the United States by the Light in the Attic label. In 2005, the label put out The Now Sound Redesigned, an album of Free Design remixes from established acts like Stereolab, Super Furry Animals and Peanut Butter Wolf.

Stefanie Dedrick died on April 5, 1999, from the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Chris Dedrick died on August 6, 2010, from cancer, at age 62.[6][7] According to a message posted on his official site by his wife Moira, Dedrick died “after a week of increasing radiance, yet with rapid physical decline.”[8]

On December 19, 2023, a new version of "Shepherds and Wisemen" was released with a 1968 vocal married to a new backing track produced by Fernando Perdomo with horns by Probyn Gregory of Brian Wilson Band.

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The song "Love You" is featured during the credits of the film Stranger Than Fiction (2006), as the ending theme of season four on the Showtime hit Weeds, and season one (episode two) of Forever (2018). It is the theme song to the podcast Jordan, Jesse, Go!, which began in 2007. The song is also the basis of the 2007 episode "I Love You" of the animated web series Julius and Friends, by Paul Frank Industries.[9]

"Love You" has been featured in TV commercials for Peters Drumstick ice creams in Australia (2007),[10] Freia Smil chocolate in Norway (2008),[11] mobile network operator Cosmote in Greece (2009), Toyota internationally (2009–2010),[12] DC Shoes (2010),[13] Delta Air Lines (2015),[14] Zillow (2022)[15] in the United States, and Canadian financial services company Tangerine in 2023.

The song "I Found Love" can be found on Our Little Corner of the World: Music from Gilmore Girls.

The song "Kites Are Fun" was used as the theme music to the Irish comedy TV show Your Bad Self in 2010.

The song "I Found Love" plays during intro in S2 E4: "Thanks!" of Corporate (TV series).

The song "I Found Love" plays during the end credits of the 2021 film Werewolves Within.

Cover versions

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In 1997, the band Tomorrow's World covered their song "Kites Are Fun". The Free Design song "Bubbles" was covered by Dressy Bessy on the 2000 The Powerpuff Girls soundtrack, and performed live by LA power-pop band Wondermints in the late 1990s. Chicago's The Flat Five often covered "Kites Are Fun" in their live set in the 2010s.[16]

Cover versions of their songs "Kites Are Fun", "I Found Love" and "2002 - A Hit Song" all appeared on the children's show Yo Gabba Gabba! "Kites Are Fun" was also covered by The Parallelograms, and appeared on the 2007 episode "Happy". "I Found Love" was covered by Trembling Blue Stars, and was featured on the 2008 episode "Love". "2002 - A Hit Song" was adapted for the 2009 episode "Band", and performed by the cast of the show.

Discography

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Selected singles

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Albums

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Free Design

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The Free Design was an American and vocal group formed in 1967 by siblings Chris, Sandy, and Bruce Dedrick, with sister Ellen contributing to later recordings, in Delevan, New York. Blending intricate harmonies, jazz-inflected arrangements, and soft psychedelic elements, the group released seven albums, primarily on Project 3 Total Sound, between 1967 and 1972, including debut Kites Are Fun and Heaven/Earth. Their music, often compared to that of and , featured close-knit family vocals and innovative production by Chris Dedrick, who composed most of the material. Active during the late and early , The Free Design gained a for transcending typical AM radio pop through sophisticated songcraft and ethereal themes of nature, spirituality, and optimism. Despite modest commercial success at the time, their recordings were later rediscovered and reissued by labels like , influencing indie and alternative artists such as , Belle & Sebastian, Cornelius, and . The group disbanded in 1972 but briefly reformed in 2000 to contribute to the Beach Boys tribute album, Caroline Now!: The Songs of and , which saw a 25th anniversary reissue in April 2025. Chris Dedrick, the group's primary songwriter and arranger, passed away on August 6, 2010, at age 62 from cancer, marking the end of any potential reunions. Today, The Free Design's legacy endures through their harmonic folk-pop sound, which continues to inspire contemporary musicians and appears in media such as commercials and films.

Origins and Formation

Family Background

The Dedrick family, hailing from rural western New York, consisted of six siblings who formed the core of The Free Design's familial musical bond: Chris Dedrick (born September 12, 1947, the primary composer), Sandy Dedrick (vocals and keyboards), Bruce Dedrick (vocals), Ellen Dedrick (later vocals), Stefanie Dedrick (1952–1999, occasional vocals), and the youngest, Jason Dedrick. The siblings grew up in a spacious country house on two acres, just two miles outside Delevan, a small town of around 700 residents located an hour south of Buffalo, where they enjoyed a wholesome, carefree childhood filled with outdoor pursuits like skiing and kite-flying that would echo in their later songwriting. Music permeated the Dedrick home from an early age, shaped profoundly by their parents' professional involvement in the arts. Their father, Art Dedrick, was a skilled trombonist and arranger who contributed to big bands like Vaughn Monroe's and led his own ensemble, whose rehearsals at the family house exposed the children to lively performances of jazz standards by artists such as , Count Basie, and . Their mother, a who directed the local church choir, further encouraged vocal participation, while the siblings drew inspiration from vocal harmony groups like and , blending , big band, and close-harmony styles. Without extensive formal training beyond basic instrumental lessons—Chris on trumpet, Bruce on trombone, Sandy on clarinet, and Ellen on trumpet—the Dedrick children honed their sibling harmonies through everyday family interactions, school bus sing-alongs, and church choir sessions under their mother's guidance. This organic musical environment fostered a tight-knit vocal blend that became the group's hallmark. In the mid-1960s, seeking broader artistic horizons, Chris, Sandy, and Bruce relocated to in . There, in 1966, Chris initiated his songwriting with originals like "Kites Are Fun," recording homemade demos with assistance from their father, which captured the essence of their familial creativity.

Early Musical Influences and Debut

The Dedrick siblings—Chris, Bruce, and Sandy—drew from a rich tapestry of musical inspirations in shaping The Free Design's distinctive sound, blending familial jazz roots with contemporary pop harmonies. Their father's background as a trombonist and arranger exposed them to jazz luminaries like and Count Basie, fostering an early appreciation for sophisticated arrangements and improvisation. This foundation merged with influences from vocal harmony groups such as , whose intricate choral styles profoundly impacted Dedrick's songwriting, and folk ensembles like , whom the siblings initially emulated during performances. Additionally, the lush production techniques of and the tight-knit harmonies of informed their approach to layered vocals and orchestral textures, while Enoch Light's aesthetic—emphasizing clarity and innovation in recording—guided their production ethos upon signing with his label. elements, reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel's literate lyricism and acoustic finesse, further colored their whimsical yet introspective compositions. Formed in 1967 as a core trio of Chris (guitar and primary songwriter), Bruce (trumpet and arrangements), and Sandy (vocals), The Free Design emerged from informal family jam sessions in Delevan, New York, evolving from their earlier Village Fare incarnation in New York City coffee houses. The group's breakthrough came via a demo tape of Chris's originals "Kites Are Fun" and "The Proper Ornaments," funded by their father and pitched by Sandy's husband to industry contacts; this led to offers from labels including RCA Victor, culminating in a signing with Enoch Light's audiophile-focused Project 3 Total Sound imprint, which promised creative autonomy. Under Light's supervision, known for his pioneering stereo engineering and light orchestral pop, the trio recorded in top New York studios with session musicians, expanding their sound to include gentle strings, woodwinds, and precise multitracking that highlighted their familial vocal interplay. The debut single "Kites Are Fun," released in late 1967 on Project 3, encapsulated their essence with its buoyant melody, childlike lyrics evoking freedom and joy, and airy orchestration that evoked a sense of unbridled optimism. Featured on their debut album Kites Are Fun, the track showcased Chris's gift for crafting deceptively simple tunes underpinned by complex, overlapping harmonies and subtle flourishes, setting the template for their catalog. While commercial success was modest—the single bubbled under the at #114 without broader pop crossover—it garnered critical acclaim for its innovative vocal arrangements and refreshing departure from mainstream rock trends, earning praise as a sophisticated antidote to the era's heavier sounds.

Active Years (1967-1972)

Key Recordings and Label Deal

The Free Design signed with Project 3, the audiophile label founded by bandleader and producer , in 1967 after submitting a demo tape that caught his attention. , known for pioneering advanced stereo recording techniques, emphasized spatial audio effects and lush orchestral backings in their productions, utilizing session musicians to complement the group's familial harmonies. Over the next five years, the band released six original albums on Project 3, culminating in a seventh original album on the independent Ambrotype Records in 1972. This association with provided artistic freedom but limited mainstream promotion, contributing to modest commercial performance despite critical appreciation for their sophisticated sound. Their debut album, Kites Are Fun (1967), introduced the original trio of Chris, , and Sandy Dedrick with whimsical, harmony-driven tracks showcasing Chris's emerging songwriting. The follow-up, You Could Be (1968), marked the group's expansion to a quartet with the addition of vocalist Dedrick, incorporating more intricate arrangements and themes of renewal and affection. Heaven/Earth (1969) delved deeper into ethereal, cosmic explorations, while Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love (1970) blended psychedelic elements with buoyant pop, highlighting Light's stereo panning for immersive effects. That same year, ...Sing for Very Important People offered a children's album with playful, educational songs tailored for young audiences. One by One (1971) mixed original compositions with covers, including a version of "," continuing their blend of pop and experimentation. The 1971 compilation The Best of the Free Design collected key tracks from prior releases, and their final original effort, There Is a Song (1972), returned to intimate, folk-inflected vocal layers on the smaller label. Selected singles from the era, such as "Umbrellas" (1968, backed with "I Found Love"), captured the group's breezy optimism but achieved limited chart success, peaking outside the top 100. "Don't Turn Away" (1968) and "Make the Madness Stop" (1970, a Beatles-inspired track backed with a cover of "Eleanor Rigby") similarly garnered niche acclaim rather than broad hits, fostering a dedicated cult following among soft pop enthusiasts. These releases underscored the band's focus on artistic expression over commercial viability. The recording process centered on Chris Dedrick's songwriting, which drew from themes of nature, love, and gentle whimsy, often inspired by everyday joys and philosophical musings. The Dedrick siblings provided all lead and backing vocals in a family-only configuration, layering intricate harmonies during studio sessions, while session musicians handled under Light's direction to enhance the orchestral depth. This collaborative yet intimate approach allowed for experimental vocal arrangements without live performances, prioritizing studio precision.

Evolution of Sound and Performances

The Free Design's musical style began with the airy, harmonious characteristic of their 1967 debut album Kites Are Fun, which emphasized close vocal harmonies inspired by jazz vocal groups like and , blended with light orchestration and whimsical themes. By their 1968 release You Could Be Born Again, the sound incorporated more intricate elements, such as arrangements by Chris Dedrick, while maintaining a foundation that prioritized melodic accessibility over rock aggression. This progression reflected the siblings' evolving exploration of vocal layering and subtle psychedelic influences, drawn from broader cultural shifts toward introspection without relying on drug-induced experimentation. In 1969's Heaven/Earth, the group delved deeper into experimental territory, introducing psychedelic touches like ethereal soundscapes and thematic searches for meaning, which marked a shift from pure pop buoyancy to more layered, atmospheric compositions. The 1970 albums further diversified their palette: Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love amplified and elements through innovative arrangements, while Sing for Very Important People pivoted to children's themes with playful, -infused songs tailored for young audiences, showcasing the band's versatility in adapting their harmonic style to narrative-driven content. One by One (1971) sustained this maturation with a combination of originals and covers, incorporating and folk influences. These changes highlighted a maturation in their sound, moving from escapist to a more nuanced blend of folk, , and that influenced later indie and soft-pop acts. The group's core trio of siblings , , and Sandy Dedrick expanded in with the addition of their sister Christofferson on vocals, transforming the dynamic into a quartet that enriched vocal harmonies and layering, particularly in live and studio settings. Their youngest sister, Stefanie, contributed occasionally on backing vocals, further emphasizing the familial intimacy that defined their collaborative process. This lineup evolution allowed for denser, more textured arrangements, as additional family voices enabled complex without external session singers. Live performances were rare during the 1967-1972 period, as the band prioritized studio recording amid family commitments, schooling, and Chris Dedrick's Air Force obligations, limiting extensive touring. Notable appearances included opening for Sonny and Cher, a 1967 show at the Syracuse Auto Show, and club gigs in , alongside promotional university and symphony hall performances. Television provided key exposure, with multiple slots on (including a 1968 New York appearance), , , and 13 episodes of , which helped promote singles like "Kites Are Fun" despite modest chart success. These sporadic activities underscored their studio-centric approach, where Enoch Light's Project 3 label afforded artistic control but constrained broader promotional efforts. Creative tensions arose from label head Enoch Light's push for commercial viability on the middle-of-the-road (MOR) Project 3 imprint, which favored album sales over singles and lacked robust rock distribution, frustrating the band's ambitions for wider recognition. Despite , elusive chart performance and the shift to more experimental sounds clashed with Light's expectations for accessible pop, contributing to internal strains and the group's informal disbandment in 1972 when Chris relocated to for new opportunities. The final , There Is a Song, was recorded in on a different label, signaling the end of their Project 3 era and active collaboration.

Hiatus and Individual Careers

Post-Breakup Developments

Following the release of their seventh and final album, There Is a Song in 1972 on the independent Ambrotype label, The Free Design effectively disbanded, concluding their partnership with Enoch Light's Project 3 imprint after six albums. The group's dissolution stemmed primarily from elusive commercial success, as Project 3's focus on middle-of-the-road (MOR) recordings hindered broader rock-oriented chart penetration. Additionally, leader Chris Dedrick's relocation to Toronto, Canada, in 1972 disrupted operations, with no formal decision to end the band but a natural hiatus ensuing as family members pursued separate paths. From 1972 to 1999, The Free Design remained inactive as a unit, with no official reunions or new recordings during this 27-year period. The hiatus was compounded by a significant family tragedy: youngest member Stefanie Dedrick (later Stefanie Smythe) died on April 6, 1999, at her home near , after a serious illness. Her passing represented a profound loss for the Dedrick family, occurring just prior to the band's eventual revival. Throughout the and , the group's catalog saw limited visibility, with occasional vinyl repressions maintaining modest availability among collectors, though widespread obscurity prevailed. Interest began to stir in the through international reissues and growing cult appreciation; Japanese artist Cornelius spearheaded the revival by reissuing their full catalog on his starting in 1994, including remastered editions like You Could Be Born Again. This was followed by Spanish Siesta's four compilation albums in 1998, which highlighted rarities and drew attention from lounge and enthusiasts in Europe and online collector communities. These efforts underscored the band's emerging status as an influential yet underrecognized act, paving the way for broader rediscovery.

Members' Solo and Collaborative Work

Following the disbandment of The Free Design in 1972, Chris Dedrick pursued a prolific career as a and arranger, initially recording a solo album titled Be Free that year, though it remained unreleased until 2000. He relocated to in 1972, where his focus shifted toward scoring for film and television starting in the mid-1980s, earning one Genie Award and four among 16 nominations for works including the scores for The Saddest Music in the World (2003), (1998), and orchestrations for Jaws: The Revenge (1987). Dedrick also arranged and composed for the Canadian Brass on five albums during the , blending classical and jazz elements in his contributions. Sandy Dedrick continued her vocal career in after 1972, becoming a core member of the classical vocal ensemble The Star-Scape Singers in 1976, led by Dr. Kenneth G. Mills, and performing extensively across the and , including eight appearances at through the 1980s. She recorded tracks such as "There Is a Song" for the label in the 1970s and taught music in elementary schools until her retirement. Ellen Dedrick similarly relocated to post-1972 and joined The Star-Scape Singers as a core vocalist, contributing to over 15 albums and international tours with the ensemble during the and . Her involvement emphasized choral arrangements, often collaborating with her siblings in this family-influenced project. Stefanie Dedrick, the youngest sibling, provided backing vocals on The Free Design's final concerts before the group's end and moved to with her family, where she became part of The Star-Scape Singers, performing on recordings and tours through the 1990s until her death in 1999. Bruce Dedrick maintained a lower public profile after 1972, working as a music teacher in New York public schools, including in Queens, while leading The Little Big Band Group from the late 1970s onward, delivering hundreds of big band concerts across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The Star-Scape Singers represented a key family collaboration during the hiatus, with Chris, Sandy, Ellen, and Stefanie Dedrick forming its nucleus from 1976, producing choral works that fused classical, spiritual, and pop influences over two decades.

Revival and Later Projects

2000s Reunion Album

In the late 1990s, The Free Design experienced a resurgence in interest due to their growing among indie and enthusiasts, fueled by international reissues such as those on Japan's label by artist Cornelius. This momentum, combined with an invitation to contribute to the 2000 tribute album Caroline Now! The Music of and , prompted brothers Chris and Bruce Dedrick, and sister Sandy Dedrick, to reunite after nearly three decades of inactivity, as sister Ellen was unavailable, being married and living across the country. Their participation in the tribute, covering "Endless Harmony," rekindled the family's creative collaboration and directly led to plans for new material. This reunion culminated in the group's eighth studio album, Cosmic Peekaboo, recorded between April and November 2000 at Christopher Dedrick Productions in and released in 2001 on Marina Records as a revival of their Project 3 Total Sound Stereo label association. The album featured the core trio of , , and Sandy, with additional musicians including Rebecca Pellett on keyboards. Updating their signature style, Cosmic Peekaboo incorporated modern production elements such as subtle electronic textures and layered harmonies while retaining themes of , , and spirituality, evident in tracks like "Peekaboo" and "Younger Son." All songs were published by Lamplighter Music (SOCAN), with Dedrick handling primary songwriting, arrangement, and production. The album's release aligned with broader reissue efforts that amplified the group's revival. Cherry Red Records launched their campaign in 2001 with the compilation The Best of Free Design, a 20-track overview drawing from the band's 1967–1972 catalog, which introduced their work to new audiences in the UK and beyond. Subsequently, undertook a comprehensive vinyl and reissue series from 2003 to 2010, remastering all seven original albums with bonus tracks, , and high-fidelity pressings that highlighted the group's innovative vocal arrangements and . These efforts, including titles like the 2004 reissue of There Is a Song, preserved and expanded access to The Free Design's for contemporary listeners. Cosmic Peekaboo received positive critical reception for its nostalgic yet fresh take on the band's ethereal sound, with reviewers praising its gentle optimism and seamless blend of past and present influences. Promotion was limited, however, due to Chris Dedrick's ongoing battle with cancer, which he had been fighting for several years and which ultimately contributed to subdued touring and marketing efforts. Despite this, the album marked a poignant return, affirming The Free Design's enduring appeal in the genre.

Post-2010 Tributes and Releases

Chris Dedrick, the founder and primary songwriter of The Free Design, died on August 6, 2010, at the age of 62 after a battle with cancer. His passing marked the end of any potential further group activity, as he had been central to the band's creative direction during their original run and subsequent revivals, leaving a profound impact on his family and the preservation of the group's legacy. In the years following Dedrick's death, tributes emerged to honor his contributions, including the 2013 documentary Jingle Bell Rocks!, which featured the band's 1968 holiday track "(Close Your Mouth) It's Christmas" and highlighted their influence on alternative Christmas music. A 2022 YouTube video titled The Free Design Reunion: A Chris Dedrick Tribute, produced by Simple Pleasure Records, showcased surviving members Sandra, Bruce, and Ellen Dedrick performing select songs in a live setting, serving as a heartfelt fan-oriented homage. The official website, thefreedesign.com, has been maintained by the Dedrick family to archive the band's history, discography, and news, ensuring ongoing accessibility for fans. Recent releases have included a reimagined version of the band's 1968 Christmas song "Shepherds and Wisemen," released on December 19, 2023, which pairs the original vocals with a new produced by Fernando Perdomo and featuring horn arrangements by Probyn Gregory of the Band. This single became available on streaming platforms such as and , contributing to broader digital expansions of the band's catalog, which now includes major reissues like the 2020 four-CD Butterflies Are Free: The Original Recordings 1967–1972 by Grapefruit Records. The legacy continues through archival efforts and interviews with surviving members, such as the extensive 2024 Discograffiti Podcast series featuring Sandra, , and Dedrick, where they discussed the band's history, influences, and post-breakup paths. These endeavors underscore the enduring appreciation for The Free Design's harmonious sound among music enthusiasts and archival labels as of 2025.

Musical Style and Legacy

Influences and Innovations

The Free Design drew heavily from the vocal harmony traditions of 1960s pop groups, particularly the intricate stacked harmonies pioneered by and the lush arrangements of , which informed their choral approach to pop songwriting. Their sound also incorporated classical elements, such as strings and chamber orchestration, blending these with influences from family favorites like and Count Basie, as well as vocal ensembles including and . Additionally, recording for Enoch Light's Project 3 label exposed them to production techniques, emphasizing high-fidelity engineering and orchestral polish that elevated their whimsical melodies. At its core, the group's music exemplified , characterized by its breezy, optimistic vibe and ornate vocal layers, while infusing baroque pop's contrapuntal structures and folk elements drawn from contemporaries like Peter, Paul & Mary. This hybrid style aligned them closely with acts such as the , sharing a focus on psychedelic-tinged vocal experimentation within the soft pop framework of the late . Their genre classification often highlights this fusion, positioning them as a bridge between accessible folk harmonies and more elaborate, jazz-inflected arrangements. The Free Design innovated by pioneering multi-tracked family harmonies that eschewed traditional lead singers in favor of democratic, interwoven vocals from siblings , , and Sandy Dedrick—later joined by —creating a seamless choral texture unique to their era. Their thematic emphasis on whimsy, evident in playful motifs like kites and bubbles, added a layer of childlike wonder to , often reflecting the natural beauty of their upbringing. Under Enoch Light's guidance, they employed advanced stereo panning techniques, utilizing multi-track recording to position vocals and instruments dynamically across the soundstage, enhancing the immersive quality of their albums. Chris Dedrick's composition style anchored these innovations, favoring deceptively simple melodies built on straightforward chord progressions that served as foundations for complex vocal overlays and sophisticated arrangements. This approach allowed the group's harmonies to shine, with Dedrick meticulously charting parts that balanced accessibility and intricacy, drawing from his and classical training to layer over pop structures.

Cultural Impact and Covers

The Free Design's music has enjoyed significant placement in popular media, contributing to its rediscovery among contemporary audiences. Their song "I Found Love," from the 1968 album You Could Be Born Again, featured prominently in the television series Gilmore Girls, appearing in the season 2 premiere episode "Sadie, Sadie" and on the 2002 soundtrack album Our Little Corner of the World: Music from Gilmore Girls. Similarly, "Love You" from the 1970 album Sing for Very Important People played over the end credits of the 2006 film Stranger Than Fiction, starring Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson. The track also appeared in 2000s television commercials, including international advertisements for Toyota promoting models like the Verso and IQ, and a 2015 Delta Air Lines spot titled "On the Road" depicting business travel challenges. The group's harmonious, style has directly influenced numerous indie and alternative artists, particularly in the late 1990s and 2000s. paid explicit homage by titling a 1999 single and track "The Free Design" on their album Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night, drawing from the vocal layering and lounge elements of the original band's sound. Artists such as , Cornelius, and have cited The Free Design as a key inspiration for their eclectic pop arrangements and optimistic lyricism. Notable cover versions underscore the band's lasting appeal within indie circles. In 1997, the group Tomorrow's World recorded a version of "Kites Are Fun" from the 1967 debut album of the same name, capturing its whimsical baroque pop essence. Dressy Bessy covered "Bubbles" on the 2000 soundtrack album The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes & Villains, highlighting the song's ethereal harmonies. While direct samples like Air's alleged use of "Kites Are Fun" in the 2000s remain unverified in primary sources, the band's tracks have been reinterpreted in modern indie contexts. The Free Design achieved cult status in the and through online music blogs, archival compilations, and reissues that positioned them as pioneers of . The 2001 Cherry Red Best of collection and Light in the Attic's 2003 reissue of Kites Are Fun fueled this revival, introducing their work to new listeners via digital platforms and vinyl enthusiasts. This resurgence solidified their place in the sunshine pop canon, alongside groups like and , emphasizing innovative vocal experimentation amid the era's psychedelic trends.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Free Design released their debut studio album, Kites Are Fun, in 1967 on Enoch Light's Project 3 Total Sound label. Produced primarily by Light, the album features 12 tracks showcasing the group's intricate vocal harmonies and sunshine pop style, with arrangements emphasizing acoustic guitars and light orchestration. Their sophomore effort, You Could Be Born Again, followed in 1968, also on Project 3 and produced by Enoch Light with associate producer Julie Klages. This 12-track release expanded on their debut's whimsical themes, incorporating more psychedelic elements and close family harmonies from siblings Bruce, Chris, Sandy, and Ellen Dedrick. In 1969, Heaven/Earth appeared on Project 3, produced by Enoch Light with associate producer Tony Mottola. The 11-track album delved into jazz-inflected pop, blending ethereal vocals with subtle instrumentation, though it did not achieve significant chart success. The group issued two albums in 1970 on Project 3. Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love, their fourth release, was co-produced by Enoch Light and Chris Dedrick and contains 11 tracks that marked a shift toward more experimental compositions, including covers and original pieces with innovative vocal layering. Later that year, Sing for Very Important People, produced by Enoch Light, featured 11 tracks focused on children's songs and playful themes, such as a cover of "Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?," highlighting the band's accessible, family-oriented sound. One by One, released in 1971 on Project 3 and produced by Enoch Light, comprises 10 tracks with a more introspective tone, emphasizing emotional ballads and personal lyrics amid the group's signature harmonies. The final album of their initial run, There Is a Song, came out in 1972 on the independent Records, produced by Dedrick. This 11-track effort included original compositions and folk-influenced covers, reflecting a departure from Light's polished production style. After a nearly three-decade hiatus, the original Dedrick siblings reunited for Cosmic Peekaboo in 2001 on Marina Records. Self-produced with a modern twist on their classic sound, the 11-track album incorporated guest musicians like guitarist Bob Mann and featured updated arrangements blending jazz, pop, and elements, signaling the group's revival.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelProducer(s)Track CountUnique Features
Kites Are Fun1967Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light12Debut emphasizing sunshine pop harmonies
You Could Be Born Again1968Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light (with Julie Klages)12Psychedelic influences in vocal arrangements
Heaven/Earth1969Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light (with )11Jazz-pop fusion with ethereal vocals
Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love1970Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light, Chris Dedrick11Experimental compositions and covers
Sing for Very Important People1970Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light11Children's songs and playful themes
One by One1971Project 3 Total SoundEnoch Light10Introspective ballads and emotional depth
There Is a Song1972Ambrotype RecordsChris Dedrick11Folk covers and original folk-influenced tracks
Cosmic Peekaboo2001Marina RecordsGroup (self-produced)11Revival with guest musicians like Bob Mann

Compilations and Singles

The Free Design released a series of singles primarily between 1967 and 1970 on the Project 3 Total Sound label, often in 7-inch 45 RPM format, many of which were promotional or limited to specific markets. Key releases include "Kites Are Fun" b/w "The Proper Ornaments" in 1967, which became one of their most recognized tracks and appeared in multiple international variants including the US, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Brazil. Subsequent singles encompassed "You Be You And I'll Be Me" b/w "Make the Madness Stop" (1968), "I Found Love" b/w "Make the Madness Stop Pt. 2" (1968), a promotional cover of "Eleanor Rigby" b/w "Yesterday" (1968), and the holiday single "Close Your Mouth (It's Christmas)" b/w "Christmas Is the Day" (1968). In 1969, they issued several promotional singles such as "Where Do I Go" b/w "Don't Turn Away" and "Butterflies Are Free" b/w "A Place in My Heart," alongside non-album tracks like "Dorian Benediction" b/w "Summertime." The final single, "Bubbles" b/w "Tomorrow Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life" (1970), marked the end of their original run. These singles often featured mono mixes and were tied to album promotion, with B-sides sometimes serving as instrumental or alternate versions. A comprehensive collection of their singles output, (2011, Solid Records, Japan), compiles all 17 original singles across two CDs, totaling 36 tracks, including the rare B-side "" from Ellen Dedrick's 1969 solo single. Among non-album tracks highlighted in later releases are holiday offerings, such as the original "Shepherds and Wisemen" from the 1968 U.S. compilation The Now Sound of , reissued as a standalone digital single in 2023 featuring surviving members Sandra, Bruce, and Ellen Dedrick alongside guest vocalist Probyn Gregory. Compilations began with The Best of The Free Design (2001, , UK), a single-CD collection of 20 tracks drawn from their studio albums, emphasizing hits like "Kites Are Fun" and "Umbrellas" without additional rarities. spearheaded s from 2003 to 2010, remastering all seven original albums with bonus tracks; for instance, the 2003 edition of Kites Are Fun added four previously unavailable mono single mixes and outtakes, while There Is a (2004 ) included three bonus tracks such as alternate versions and a previously unreleased . These s recovered lost tracks through archival recovery efforts and were praised for their enhanced audio quality from original tapes. The label also released The Now Sound Redesigned (2004, later CD edition), a tribute compilation featuring reinterpretations by artists including , , and , with three unreleased Free Design tracks and interludes edited by producer Nobody. In 2020, Cherry Red's Él imprint issued the four-CD box set : The Original Recordings 1967–72, encompassing all seven studio albums alongside 13 mono single versions, non-album B-sides, tracks, and one previously unissued recording, all remastered from original sources to highlight rarities like Ellen Dedrick's contributions. Digital streaming platforms in the 2020s have further expanded access, incorporating these compilations and singles into services like and , often with restored artwork and .

References

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  7. https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2012/05/free-design-interview-with-sandra.html
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  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMwAWPc2L_w
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  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA7FycodxQo
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  44. https://thefreedesign.com/about/
  45. https://www.what-song.com/song/58141/i-found-love
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  48. https://www.adforum.com/agency/18883/creative-work/34445975/covered/toyota
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  58. https://lightintheattic.net/products/stars-time-bubbles-love
  59. https://www.discogs.com/master/165219-Free-Design-Sing-For-Very-Important-People
  60. https://www.discogs.com/master/211863-Free-Design-One-By-One
  61. https://thefreedesign.com/discography/
  62. https://www.discogs.com/master/207130-The-Free-Design-There-Is-A-Song
  63. https://www.discogs.com/master/701486-The-Free-Design-Cosmic-Peekaboo
  64. https://www.discogs.com/master/510027-The-Free-Design-Kites-Are-Fun
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/18117346-The-Free-Design-Complete-Singles-Collection
  66. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/shepherds-and-wisemen-single/1722110027
  67. https://lightintheattic.net/products/the-free-design-the-now-sound-redesigned
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/16497900-The-Free-Design-Butterflies-Are-Free-The-Original-Recordings-1967-72
  69. https://open.spotify.com/album/1bDbVwrKAXsEWBV1Ukdxzk
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