"As my life and my music have always been intrinsically intertwined, the most important lessons I have learned from music are also life lessons. Love and be loved. Be true to yourself, your true self. Spread kindness and good vibes. Be the best you can be and find a way to share that beauty with the world."

Freedom Heartsong: The Humane Music

Freedom Heartsong is a Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and multimedia artist. In 2019, he signed a global distribution deal with Sony/Orchard, Dark Star Records, who released his first album “Get A Heart On” in 2020. That same year, he became the #1 artist on the label, and also one of only two artists submitted for a Grammy consideration, with his song, “Ecstatic Magic.” In 2021 Heartsong was again on the Grammy ballot with his single, “Evil Grieves.” Blues is at the foundation of all of Freedom's music, and the heart and soul of his sound. His original music, solo, and power trio live performances bring blues-y, soulful, rockin' and rollin' tunes, filled with positive energy. Heartsong has performed at a variety of notable venues -- from The Mint and The Viper Room in Los Angeles, to The Cutting Room and Otto’s Shrunken Head in New York City; and on bills with the likes of The Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, All American Rejects, Neon Trees, and Sugar Ray, to name a few. He has garnered artist endorsements from Blackstar Amplification, Warm Audio, and Thimble Slide.

(Freedom Heartsong / Photo by Erich Grosskopf/Mister Palm)

Freedom's album “Get A Heart On” was produced, mixed, and engineered by Barry Pointer at Riott House Studio and mastered by Mike Wells Mastering. In 2022, Heartsong released a full-length album, “The Humane Experience” (and his new single, Will Power, was released on March 2023 via Sony/Orchard, Dark Star Records) which he produced, and which was mixed and engineered by Benjamin Cunill of Left Coast Recording, and mastered by twelve-time Grammy nominee and four-time Grammy winning engineer Gavin Lurssen (George Harrison, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper, Robert Plant). An all-around self-taught creative, life experiences and the learn-by-doing approach have been essential to Freedom’s growth and development. In addition to music, throughout his entire life, he has made countless artistic creations in a wide variety of disciplines, including design, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and poetry. From the rainforests of Costa Rica, to the cultural art and music centers of Africa, to the legendary clubs of LA and NYC, a rich diversity of cultures have influenced him along the way. With an international presence in the music and art communities, Freedom's fans and artwork can be found in many countries around the world. His work is infused with socially-aware messaging and poetic meaningful lyricism, overflowing with good vibes. He creates music with the loving intention of inspiring all people to be their best selves and enjoy life to the fullest.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Blues and Rock Counterculture has been pivotal in helping shape my life and perception of the world. Blues speaks to the soul, the real grit and rawness of life, the storytelling, the struggle, the overcoming of troubles, all of life's experiences and everything in between come out in the blues. As far as rock counterculture goes, the music from about 1964-1979 is some of the most influential and life changing music of all time. The messaging, musicality, and depth of artistry created through that time, and through some of the world's roughest times, has drastically had an impact on me in my music, striving to always create meaning-rich music that inspires all who hear to personal greatness. I feel self-awareness, and the encouragement of its exploration through music, is a foundation of the art I want to continue to create.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I love this question. I always tend to describe it as "bluesy soulful rock n' roll". The other day I actually posted a picture of Hendrix playing the guitar with his tongue and I thought that image perfectly captured the energy and feel of 'the kind of music I play'. It's rockin, it's bluesy, it's soulful, it's funky. Sexy, jammin, bold, energetic, good vibe laden tunes. My creative drive comes from my soul, my spirit, my heart and the desire to share all of the inspiration and goodness I feel with the world.

"I love the context of these questions! As mentioned, music is a tool, a powerful one that can be used to create, or to destroy. I hope the music I make creates. I hope it creates joy, inspiration, laughter, goodness, love, and magic for all who hear it. If we can all make music that creates a better world, I feel then we will be truly harnessing its power." (Freedom Heartsong / Photo by Erich Grosskopf/Mister Palm)

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I'm not sure I could pick one specific moment, but certainly signing with Dark Star Record, The Orchard/Sony has had a huge positive influence on my career. I think every time I am able to perform, my life and the lives of those who are listening is changed for the better. Being able to share that super-powered live music energy with open hearts and ears  of people who are hungry for it and receptive to it is the highlight of my music career.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Well, we just got back from a run of shows along the central coast of California, and just playing in some of the most beautiful coastline and nature in the world was quite spectacular. Standing on the ocean cliffs and taking in the crisp ocean air in between shows is ideal, and I'm so grateful for this.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I think the messaging and intention behind the music. People are still making intention and love filled music today, but it seems more rare. I think I am hopeful that more artists will make music while really considering how it may impact those who listen, and to do so with a context of improving the world situation. Music is such a potent tool, and so I think a healthier respect and usage of that tool throughout the industry would be my hope. Fear? No fear! All love and good vibes.

"I think the heart and soul of the blues being communicated in a new and exciting way is key to sharing it with younger generations, and I'm all about that. I don't play standard, straightforward blues, but an explosively powerful, rock n' roll soul iteration of it, with sounds that are new and never been heard before." (Singer, songwriter, and multimedia artist Freedom Heartsong / Photo by Joe Guardo)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I touched on this a bit in my previous answer, but I love the context of these questions! As mentioned, music is a tool, a powerful one that can be used to create, or to destroy. I hope the music I make creates. I hope it creates joy, inspiration, laughter, goodness, love, and magic for all who hear it. If we can all make music that creates a better world, I feel then we will be truly harnessing its power.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

As my life and my music have always been intrinsically intertwined, the most important lessons I have learned from music are also life lessons. Love and be loved. Be true to yourself, your true self. Spread kindness and good vibes. Be the best you can be and find a way to share that beauty with the world.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Yes, absolutely, as blues is the foundation ultimately of all rock n' roll and popular music today. By that alone, I think there are more people who love the blues than even know it! I think the heart and soul of the blues being communicated in a new and exciting way is key to sharing it with younger generations, and I'm all about that. I don't play standard, straightforward blues, but an explosively powerful, rock n' roll soul iteration of it, with sounds that are new and never been heard before. You don't have to take my word for it, just have a listen and come to a live show, and experience the positive energy charged tunes we share. That's what it's all about.

Freedom Heartsong - Home

(Freedom Heartsong / Photo by Joe Guardo)