James Joseph Gallagher

Label & Production Guru (he/him)

James Joseph Gallagher, who performs as gHSTS & gUITARS, joined the FREER Records team in 2016 as a musical collaborator, performing guitar and bass on the DIE JIM CROW EP and rocking out in the HEADED TO THE STREETS music video, as featured in Rolling Stone. 

gHSTS’ (pronounced ghosts) signature melodic and hypnotic guitar playing, as well as keen musical ear, have made him an integral part of FREER Records’ Golden Sound. gHSTS’ storied international career has seen him working as a guitar and bass tech, and sharing the stage with artists such as The Misfits, Anthrax, Citizen Cope, Lotus Eater, Yero Gaynaako and Freddy Gumbs. He also worked with Ari Up, legendary front person of The Slits, as guitar player and tour manager. gHSTS has over twenty-year’s experience touring, and as a professional busker in New York City and Europe.

As a music industry professional with a “street-smart” edge, gHSTS is an exceptional champion for FR artists and the values the label stands for. Having spent his youth in and out of New York state juvenile facilities, he feels passionate about giving a voice to other justice-impacted folks. During his time as a ward of the courts, it was often his access to playing music that saved gHSTS from taking an even darker life path.

As FR’s Label Guru, gHSTS brings his veteran experience to guide FR to new heights of professionalism and public reach. As Production Guru, he contributes his signature sound to our releases and gets projects to the finish line in post-production.

gHSTS currently lives with his family in Amsterdam and is passionate about spreading FR’s music and message to the world.