diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_clientmgr.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_clientmgr.c
index f9a6e497f997..75a7a2af9d8c 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_clientmgr.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_clientmgr.c
@@ -494,9 +494,9 @@ static int check_port_perm(struct snd_seq_client_port *port, unsigned int flags)
  */
 static struct snd_seq_client *get_event_dest_client(struct snd_seq_event *event)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *dest __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_client *dest __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		snd_seq_client_use_ptr(event->dest.client);
 
-	dest = snd_seq_client_use_ptr(event->dest.client);
 	if (dest == NULL)
 		return NULL;
 	if (! dest->accept_input)
@@ -565,9 +565,9 @@ static int bounce_error_event(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 static int update_timestamp_of_queue(struct snd_seq_event *event,
 				     int queue, int real_time)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(queue);
 
-	q = queueptr(queue);
 	if (! q)
 		return 0;
 	event->queue = queue;
@@ -609,13 +609,13 @@ static int _snd_seq_deliver_single_event(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 struct snd_seq_event *event,
 					 int atomic, int hop)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *dest __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *dest_port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
-
-	dest = get_event_dest_client(event);
+	struct snd_seq_client *dest __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		get_event_dest_client(event);
 	if (dest == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;
-	dest_port = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(dest, event->dest.port);
+
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *dest_port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(dest, event->dest.port);
 	if (dest_port == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;
 
@@ -672,7 +672,6 @@ static int __deliver_to_subscribers(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 				    struct snd_seq_event *event,
 				    int port, int atomic, int hop)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *src_port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_subscribers *subs;
 	int err, result = 0, num_ev = 0;
 	union __snd_seq_event event_saved;
@@ -681,7 +680,9 @@ static int __deliver_to_subscribers(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 
 	if (port < 0)
 		return 0;
-	src_port = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(client, port);
+
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *src_port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(client, port);
 	if (!src_port)
 		return 0;
 
@@ -801,13 +802,13 @@ static int snd_seq_deliver_event(struct snd_seq_client *client, struct snd_seq_e
  */
 int snd_seq_dispatch_event(struct snd_seq_event_cell *cell, int atomic, int hop)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
 	int result;
 
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!cell))
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	client = snd_seq_client_use_ptr(cell->event.source.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		snd_seq_client_use_ptr(cell->event.source.client);
 	if (client == NULL) {
 		snd_seq_cell_free(cell); /* release this cell */
 		return -EINVAL;
@@ -1154,10 +1155,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_system_info(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 static int snd_seq_ioctl_running_mode(struct snd_seq_client *client, void  *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_running_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-
 	/* requested client number */
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
+
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;		/* don't change !!! */
 
@@ -1207,10 +1208,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_client_info(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_client_info *client_info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-
 	/* requested client number */
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(client_info->client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(client_info->client);
+
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;		/* don't change !!! */
 
@@ -1344,14 +1345,14 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_delete_port(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_port_info(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(info->addr.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(info->addr.client);
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -ENXIO;
 
-	port = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(cptr, info->addr.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(cptr, info->addr.port);
 	if (port == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;			/* don't change */
 
@@ -1367,11 +1368,12 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_port_info(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 static int snd_seq_ioctl_set_port_info(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 
 	if (info->addr.client != client->number) /* only set our own ports ! */
 		return -EPERM;
-	port = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(client, info->addr.port);
+
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(client, info->addr.port);
 	if (port) {
 		snd_seq_set_port_info(port, info);
 		/* notify the change */
@@ -1444,22 +1446,22 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_subscribe_port(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_subscribe *subs = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *receiver __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *dport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 	int result;
 
-	receiver = client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->dest.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *receiver __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->dest.client);
 	if (!receiver)
 		return -EINVAL;
-	sender = client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
 	if (!sender)
 		return -EINVAL;
-	sport = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
 	if (!sport)
 		return -EINVAL;
-	dport = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(receiver, subs->dest.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *dport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(receiver, subs->dest.port);
 	if (!dport)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -1483,22 +1485,22 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_unsubscribe_port(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					  void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_subscribe *subs = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *receiver __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *dport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 	int result;
 
-	receiver = snd_seq_client_use_ptr(subs->dest.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *receiver __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		snd_seq_client_use_ptr(subs->dest.client);
 	if (!receiver)
 		return -ENXIO;
-	sender = snd_seq_client_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		snd_seq_client_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
 	if (!sender)
 		return -ENXIO;
-	sport = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
 	if (!sport)
 		return -ENXIO;
-	dport = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(receiver, subs->dest.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *dport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(receiver, subs->dest.port);
 	if (!dport)
 		return -ENXIO;
 
@@ -1518,9 +1520,9 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_unsubscribe_port(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 static int snd_seq_ioctl_create_queue(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		snd_seq_queue_alloc(client->number, info->locked, info->flags);
 
-	q = snd_seq_queue_alloc(client->number, info->locked, info->flags);
 	if (IS_ERR(q))
 		return PTR_ERR(q);
 
@@ -1549,9 +1551,9 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_queue_info(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(info->queue);
 
-	q = queueptr(info->queue);
 	if (q == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -1569,7 +1571,6 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_set_queue_info(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 
 	if (info->owner != client->number)
 		return -EINVAL;
@@ -1584,7 +1585,8 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_set_queue_info(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 		return -EPERM;
 	}	
 
-	q = queueptr(info->queue);
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(info->queue);
 	if (! q)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	if (q->owner != client->number)
@@ -1599,9 +1601,9 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_named_queue(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		snd_seq_queue_find_name(info->name);
 
-	q = snd_seq_queue_find_name(info->name);
 	if (q == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	info->queue = q->queue;
@@ -1616,10 +1618,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_queue_status(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					  void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_status *status = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_timer *tmr;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(status->queue);
 
-	queue = queueptr(status->queue);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	memset(status, 0, sizeof(*status));
@@ -1644,10 +1646,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_queue_tempo(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_tempo *tempo = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_timer *tmr;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(tempo->queue);
 
-	queue = queueptr(tempo->queue);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	memset(tempo, 0, sizeof(*tempo));
@@ -1693,10 +1695,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_queue_timer(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_queue_timer *timer = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_timer *tmr;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(timer->queue);
 
-	queue = queueptr(timer->queue);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -1726,10 +1728,10 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_set_queue_timer(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 		return -EINVAL;
 
 	if (snd_seq_queue_check_access(timer->queue, client->number)) {
-		struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 		struct snd_seq_timer *tmr;
+		struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+			queueptr(timer->queue);
 
-		q = queueptr(timer->queue);
 		if (q == NULL)
 			return -ENXIO;
 		guard(mutex)(&q->timer_mutex);
@@ -1788,9 +1790,9 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_client_pool(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_client_pool *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
 
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;
 	memset(info, 0, sizeof(*info));
@@ -1888,13 +1890,13 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_subscription(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					  void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_subscribe *subs = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 
-	sender = client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *sender __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->sender.client);
 	if (!sender)
 		return -EINVAL;
-	sport = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *sport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(sender, subs->sender.port);
 	if (!sport)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	return snd_seq_port_get_subscription(&sport->c_src, &subs->dest, subs);
@@ -1907,16 +1909,16 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_get_subscription(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 static int snd_seq_ioctl_query_subs(struct snd_seq_client *client, void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_query_subs *subs = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_port_subs_info *group;
 	struct list_head *p;
 	int i;
 
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->root.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(subs->root.client);
 	if (!cptr)
 		return -ENXIO;
-	port = snd_seq_port_use_ptr(cptr, subs->root.port);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_use_ptr(cptr, subs->root.port);
 	if (!port)
 		return -ENXIO;
 
@@ -1963,7 +1965,6 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_query_next_client(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					   void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_client_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
 
 	/* search for next client */
 	if (info->client < INT_MAX)
@@ -1971,7 +1972,8 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_query_next_client(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 	if (info->client < 0)
 		info->client = 0;
 	for (; info->client < SNDRV_SEQ_MAX_CLIENTS; info->client++) {
-		cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
+		struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+			client_load_and_use_ptr(info->client);
 		if (cptr) {
 			get_client_info(cptr, info);
 			return 0; /* found */
@@ -1987,16 +1989,16 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_query_next_port(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 					 void *arg)
 {
 	struct snd_seq_port_info *info = arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(info->addr.client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(info->addr.client);
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -ENXIO;
 
 	/* search for next port */
 	info->addr.port++;
-	port = snd_seq_port_query_nearest(cptr, info);
+	struct snd_seq_client_port *port __free(snd_seq_port) =
+		snd_seq_port_query_nearest(cptr, info);
 	if (port == NULL)
 		return -ENOENT;
 
@@ -2067,7 +2069,6 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_client_ump_info(struct snd_seq_client *caller,
 {
 	struct snd_seq_client_ump_info __user *argp =
 		(struct snd_seq_client_ump_info __user *)arg;
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
 	int client, type, err = 0;
 	size_t size;
 	void *p;
@@ -2083,7 +2084,9 @@ static int snd_seq_ioctl_client_ump_info(struct snd_seq_client *caller,
 		size = sizeof(struct snd_ump_endpoint_info);
 	else
 		size = sizeof(struct snd_ump_block_info);
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(client);
+
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(client);
 	if (!cptr)
 		return -ENOENT;
 
@@ -2342,8 +2345,6 @@ EXPORT_SYMBOL(snd_seq_delete_kernel_client);
 int snd_seq_kernel_client_enqueue(int client, struct snd_seq_event *ev,
 				  struct file *file, bool blocking)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!ev))
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -2360,7 +2361,8 @@ int snd_seq_kernel_client_enqueue(int client, struct snd_seq_event *ev,
 	if (check_event_type_and_length(ev))
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	cptr = client_load_and_use_ptr(client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(client);
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	
@@ -2385,8 +2387,6 @@ EXPORT_SYMBOL(snd_seq_kernel_client_enqueue);
 int snd_seq_kernel_client_dispatch(int client, struct snd_seq_event * ev,
 				   int atomic, int hop)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!ev))
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -2397,7 +2397,8 @@ int snd_seq_kernel_client_dispatch(int client, struct snd_seq_event * ev,
 	if (check_event_type_and_length(ev))
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	cptr = snd_seq_client_use_ptr(client);
+	struct snd_seq_client *cptr __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		snd_seq_client_use_ptr(client);
 	if (cptr == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
@@ -2450,9 +2451,9 @@ EXPORT_SYMBOL(snd_seq_kernel_client_ctl);
 /* a similar like above but taking locks; used only from OSS sequencer layer */
 int snd_seq_kernel_client_ioctl(int clientid, unsigned int cmd, void *arg)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) =
+		client_load_and_use_ptr(clientid);
 
-	client = client_load_and_use_ptr(clientid);
 	if (!client)
 		return -ENXIO;
 	guard(mutex)(&client->ioctl_mutex);
@@ -2597,9 +2598,9 @@ void snd_seq_info_clients_read(struct snd_info_entry *entry,
 
 	/* list the client table */
 	for (c = 0; c < SNDRV_SEQ_MAX_CLIENTS; c++) {
-		struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
+		struct snd_seq_client *client __free(snd_seq_client) =
+			client_load_and_use_ptr(c);
 
-		client = client_load_and_use_ptr(c);
 		if (client == NULL)
 			continue;
 		if (client->type == NO_CLIENT)
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_compat.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_compat.c
index 643af4c1e838..260428747e33 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_compat.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_compat.c
@@ -31,10 +31,10 @@ struct snd_seq_port_info32 {
 static int snd_seq_call_port_info_ioctl(struct snd_seq_client *client, unsigned int cmd,
 					struct snd_seq_port_info32 __user *data32)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *data __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	int err;
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *data __free(kfree) =
+		kmalloc(sizeof(*data), GFP_KERNEL);
 
-	data = kmalloc(sizeof(*data), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (!data)
 		return -ENOMEM;
 
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_midi.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_midi.c
index de7ec7d15f23..88e930980f16 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_midi.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_midi.c
@@ -269,8 +269,6 @@ snd_seq_midisynth_probe(struct snd_seq_device *dev)
 {
 	struct seq_midisynth_client *client;
 	struct seq_midisynth *msynth, *ms;
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) = NULL;
-	struct snd_rawmidi_info *info __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	struct snd_rawmidi *rmidi = dev->private_data;
 	int newclient = 0;
 	unsigned int p, ports;
@@ -281,7 +279,9 @@ snd_seq_midisynth_probe(struct snd_seq_device *dev)
 
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!card || device < 0 || device >= SNDRV_RAWMIDI_DEVICES))
 		return -EINVAL;
-	info = kmalloc(sizeof(*info), GFP_KERNEL);
+
+	struct snd_rawmidi_info *info __free(kfree) =
+		kmalloc(sizeof(*info), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (! info)
 		return -ENOMEM;
 	info->device = device;
@@ -319,7 +319,9 @@ snd_seq_midisynth_probe(struct snd_seq_device *dev)
 	}
 
 	msynth = kcalloc(ports, sizeof(struct seq_midisynth), GFP_KERNEL);
-	port = kmalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
+
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) =
+		kmalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (msynth == NULL || port == NULL)
 		goto __nomem;
 
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_ports.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_ports.c
index 40fa379847e5..bbec34bba4f9 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_ports.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_ports.c
@@ -211,14 +211,13 @@ static void clear_subscriber_list(struct snd_seq_client *client,
 
 	list_for_each_safe(p, n, &grp->list_head) {
 		struct snd_seq_subscribers *subs;
-		struct snd_seq_client *c __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
-		struct snd_seq_client_port *aport __free(snd_seq_port) = NULL;
 
 		subs = get_subscriber(p, is_src);
-		if (is_src)
-			aport = get_client_port(&subs->info.dest, &c);
-		else
-			aport = get_client_port(&subs->info.sender, &c);
+		struct snd_seq_client *c __free(snd_seq_client) = NULL;
+		struct snd_seq_client_port *aport __free(snd_seq_port) =
+			is_src ?
+			get_client_port(&subs->info.dest, &c) :
+			get_client_port(&subs->info.sender, &c);
 		delete_and_unsubscribe_port(client, port, subs, is_src, false);
 
 		if (!aport) {
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_queue.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_queue.c
index f5c0e401c8ae..c0c5e1424c5a 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_queue.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_queue.c
@@ -211,8 +211,9 @@ struct snd_seq_queue *snd_seq_queue_find_name(char *name)
 	int i;
 
 	for (i = 0; i < SNDRV_SEQ_MAX_QUEUES; i++) {
-		struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
-		q = queueptr(i);
+		struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+			queueptr(i);
+
 		if (q) {
 			if (strncmp(q->name, name, sizeof(q->name)) == 0)
 				return no_free_ptr(q);
@@ -285,12 +286,13 @@ void snd_seq_check_queue(struct snd_seq_queue *q, int atomic, int hop)
 int snd_seq_enqueue_event(struct snd_seq_event_cell *cell, int atomic, int hop)
 {
 	int dest, err;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!cell))
 		return -EINVAL;
 	dest = cell->event.queue;	/* destination queue */
-	q = queueptr(dest);
+
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(dest);
 	if (q == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	/* handle relative time stamps, convert them into absolute */
@@ -403,10 +405,10 @@ int snd_seq_queue_set_owner(int queueid, int client, int locked)
 int snd_seq_queue_timer_open(int queueid)
 {
 	int result = 0;
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_timer *tmr;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(queueid);
 
-	queue = queueptr(queueid);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	tmr = queue->timer;
@@ -423,10 +425,10 @@ int snd_seq_queue_timer_open(int queueid)
  */
 int snd_seq_queue_timer_close(int queueid)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
 	int result = 0;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(queueid);
 
-	queue = queueptr(queueid);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	snd_seq_timer_close(queue);
@@ -479,9 +481,9 @@ static void queue_use(struct snd_seq_queue *queue, int client, int use)
  */
 int snd_seq_queue_use(int queueid, int client, int use)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *queue __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(queueid);
 
-	queue = queueptr(queueid);
 	if (queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 	guard(mutex)(&queue->timer_mutex);
@@ -496,9 +498,9 @@ int snd_seq_queue_use(int queueid, int client, int use)
  */
 int snd_seq_queue_is_used(int queueid, int client)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(queueid);
 
-	q = queueptr(queueid);
 	if (q == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL; /* invalid queue */
 	return test_bit(client, q->clients_bitmap) ? 1 : 0;
@@ -642,11 +644,11 @@ static void snd_seq_queue_process_event(struct snd_seq_queue *q,
  */
 int snd_seq_control_queue(struct snd_seq_event *ev, int atomic, int hop)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) = NULL;
-
 	if (snd_BUG_ON(!ev))
 		return -EINVAL;
-	q = queueptr(ev->data.queue.queue);
+
+	struct snd_seq_queue *q __free(snd_seq_queue) =
+		queueptr(ev->data.queue.queue);
 
 	if (q == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_ump_client.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_ump_client.c
index a96d21981cbe..7bc18415a540 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_ump_client.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_ump_client.c
@@ -214,13 +214,13 @@ static bool skip_group(struct seq_ump_client *client, struct snd_ump_group *grou
 static int seq_ump_group_init(struct seq_ump_client *client, int group_index)
 {
 	struct snd_ump_group *group = &client->ump->groups[group_index];
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_port_callback pcallbacks;
 
 	if (skip_group(client, group))
 		return 0;
 
-	port = kzalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) =
+		kzalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (!port)
 		return -ENOMEM;
 
@@ -243,12 +243,12 @@ static int seq_ump_group_init(struct seq_ump_client *client, int group_index)
 /* update the sequencer ports; called from notify_fb_change callback */
 static void update_port_infos(struct seq_ump_client *client)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *old __free(kfree) = NULL;
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *new __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	int i, err;
 
-	old = kzalloc(sizeof(*old), GFP_KERNEL);
-	new = kzalloc(sizeof(*new), GFP_KERNEL);
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *old __free(kfree) =
+		kzalloc(sizeof(*old), GFP_KERNEL);
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *new __free(kfree) =
+		kzalloc(sizeof(*new), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (!old || !new)
 		return;
 
@@ -278,12 +278,12 @@ static void update_port_infos(struct seq_ump_client *client)
 /* create a UMP Endpoint port */
 static int create_ump_endpoint_port(struct seq_ump_client *client)
 {
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	struct snd_seq_port_callback pcallbacks;
 	unsigned int rawmidi_info = client->ump->core.info_flags;
 	int err;
 
-	port = kzalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *port __free(kfree) =
+		kzalloc(sizeof(*port), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (!port)
 		return -ENOMEM;
 
diff --git a/sound/core/seq/seq_virmidi.c b/sound/core/seq/seq_virmidi.c
index 9e7fd4993a10..574493fbd50d 100644
--- a/sound/core/seq/seq_virmidi.c
+++ b/sound/core/seq/seq_virmidi.c
@@ -361,13 +361,13 @@ static int snd_virmidi_dev_attach_seq(struct snd_virmidi_dev *rdev)
 {
 	int client;
 	struct snd_seq_port_callback pcallbacks;
-	struct snd_seq_port_info *pinfo __free(kfree) = NULL;
 	int err;
 
 	if (rdev->client >= 0)
 		return 0;
 
-	pinfo = kzalloc(sizeof(*pinfo), GFP_KERNEL);
+	struct snd_seq_port_info *pinfo __free(kfree) =
+		kzalloc(sizeof(*pinfo), GFP_KERNEL);
 	if (!pinfo)
 		return -ENOMEM;