“Music is a powerful tool, I hope all listeners get a positive feeling and generate peace & love.”

Micki Free: Dreamcatcher of Blues-Rock

Micki Free is a multi-talented guitarist, songwriter, performer, and producer - with a career that spans decades and includes collaborations with some of the most legendary figures in music. Born of mixed Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, Micki's unique cultural heritage has deeply influenced his sound and artistic journey. Micki Free, Grammy winner and Native American Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, has released Dreamcatcher (2024), an innovative six-song EP featuring a cast of brilliant accompanists. To make this album, which features Free’s incendiary guitar work, velvet-smooth vocals, and styles from funk to Native American flute, he enlisted members of his friend Carlos Santana’s band. On the album are Cindy Blackman Santana (drums), Benny Rietveld (bass), and Ray Green (vocals). The EP also includes guest appearances from bassist Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck) and Mark “Muggie Doo” Leach (Buddy Miles) on Hammond organ and piano. Micki Free, Grammy winner and Native American Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, has released Dreamcatcher, an innovative five-song EP featuring a cast of brilliant accompanists.

(Micki Free / Photo by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo)

Free has been on the cutting edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, Free joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar, when he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early ‘90s, Free continued his solo career, appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Billy Gibbons, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Cheap Trick, and Bill Wyman. His most recent album, “Turquoise Blue” (2022), also featured high-level artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. He is not only a gifted guitarist but also a master of the Native American flute, with five albums dedicated to the instrument.

Interview by Michael Limnios

Special Thanks: Mickie Free & Frank Roszak Promotions

How has the music influenced your views of the world?

Music is the medicine I've always said...it's a global cure!

What moment changed your life the most?

Seeing Jimi Hendrix, when I was a young boy in Germany!

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook?

I'm definitely a blues-rock based guitarist influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, my two favourite guitar players. My songbook varies, love songs and blues.

Where does your creative drive come from?

As a musician I'm constantly writing songs, I'm inspired by everything!

Why do you think that the Native American Heritage and Music continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think it's because it comes from a spiritual place that people recognize, it is ethereal really.

“That the musical business is fickle...constantly changing. To me there really is no formula to writing a hit song...the listener drives that vehicle to make it a hit.” (Photo: Micki Free blends blues, rock, and Native American sounds into a powerful, distinctive voice. His work in the studio, on stage, and beyond reinforces a commitment to uplift and amplify Native voices in the industry.)

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

I miss making money from my albums like in the old days!!! Now it's downloaded and the artist is not making any money from our hard work. My hopes are people get back to digging real music by real musicians...my fears are it will never happen again.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications?

Music is a powerful tool, I hope all listeners get a positive feeling and generate peace & love.

How do you want the music to affect people?

I think music should move you anyway you want when you hear something that moves you.

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

That the musical business is fickle...constantly changing. To me there really is no formula to writing a hit song...the listener drives that vehicle to make it a hit.

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

I think everyone interprets music differently...to me music is life, a feeling I get like no other, when i listen to it.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Horseback riding...I'm at peace and inspired riding my horse!

Micki Free - Home

(Micki Free / Photo by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo)