Free the Robots is a musical project established in 2003 by producer and DJ Chris Alfaro. Originating as a side project while Alfaro was engaged in various bands, production work, and DJing, the act is based in Santa Ana, California, with a significant connection to the Los Angeles beat movement. The artist’s work is characterised by a genre-defying blend of traditional jazz, psychedelic, electronic, and hip-hop elements. A core technique involves the use of obscure samples combined with analog and digital compositions, creating harmony between diverse musical styles. This approach allows for the integration of sounds from the past, present, and future, resulting in a unique signature that hints at jazz, psych, electronic, and hip-hop without being confined to a single genre.
The project made its debut in 2005 with the self-released LP Prototype. A sophomore album, Ctrl Alt Del, was released in 2010 by Alpha Pup Records. Following this, Alfaro returned to working under his own name with acts such as Busdriver and Glitch Mob. Free the Robots re-emerged in 2013 with the album The Balance. As of May 20, 2025, the project’s latest release is a compilation of 15 songs. The artist’s discography is extensive, featuring numerous EPs, albums, and singles. Notable releases include Datu (Vinyl), The Prototype Vol. 2 (FTR 20 year anniversary edition), DATU 2, Buhay, KADUWA, Loopholes Vol. 1 (Rap Tapes), Free the Robots - Datu, CTRL ALT DELETE, Kaduwa feat. Teebs, Outta Sight, In other Worlds EP, Ophic (feat. Jessie Jones) - Single, Free the Robots (feat Jessie Jones), Free the Robots EP Vol. 1, Free the Robots EP Vol.2, Free the Robots Vol.3, and The Prototype. The project is also associated with Los Angeles, California.
Critical reception describes the listening experience as akin to "walking through the city with blindfolded eyes," with a sound so powerful it "bangs against mental images" and echoes "graciously booming through the darkness." The music is constructed to feel like a journey through time, encouraging listeners to let go of space and time until the next track begins. Free the Robots is described as more than a musical one-night-stand, but rather a structured experience.
In addition to his musical career, Chris Alfaro is a musician, beat maker, and DJ, and is the owner of the iconic restaurant and bar, The Crosby. His open-ended imagination and tendency to break free from boundaries contribute to a steady flow of ideas, moving away from robotic monotony and ultimately "freeing the robots." Having spent over a decade honing his craft, Free the Robots has taken performances to audiences around the globe and is recognised as one of the pioneering artists to come out of LA's beat movement. The project continues to build a lineup of original recordings in directions that remain unknown.
For listeners seeking to explore Free the Robots' music, several platforms provide access to streaming and downloading. Official pages and profiles are available on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and First Avenue. These platforms offer a way to listen to the artist's latest releases, compilations, and extensive back catalogue. The use of samples, controllers, and other live instruments is a hallmark of Alfaro's creative process, which balances sonic exploration with a cohesive artistic vision.