_Photo: Sophie Suberman_

Aaron Freeman (Gene Ween) will release a solo record this summer with his new band Freeman featuring the likes of Kyle Keegan, Dave Godowsky, Chris Boerner and Megafaun’s (and early Justin Vernon collaborator) Brad Cook. The release date has not yet been announced. Freeman’s first solo album, 2012’s Marvelous Clouds, featured covers of folk songwriter Rod McKuen, but this upcoming project will include all original material.

Freeman spoke to Rolling Stone about his new project, sobriety, and parting ways with Ween. After getting sober, Freeman worried about being able to write songs again, but said it is “like a muse that comes to you.” And that the “portal is open again” to write music in the future.

On his former project, Ween, Freeman speaks briefly, saying that “Ween was turning into a showcase band and there wasn’t any creativity left. So I thought I was doing a disservice to not only myself but to my fans, who over the years have been so loyal and wonderful.”