The past few years have been quite a journey for Kalapuya Native, Jan Michael Looking Wolf.

In 2008, Looking Wolf was named “Flutist of the Year” in both the Indian Summer Music Awards and the Native American Music Awards. In 2009, Looking Wolf won the esteemed “Artist of the Year” award for his album “The Looking Wolf Project.”
Today, as the Nammy Artist of the Year, Looking Wolf is doing what he can to give back.
In a response to the afflictions faced in Indian Country, Looking Wolf has released his latest album, “Breakin’ Free” with the Jan Michael Looking Wolf band in an effort to combat drug and alcohol addiction among Native Youth. Though Looking Wolf’s newest album may serve as a vehicle to help Native kids, there is one added bonus. The album is filled with spectacular music.
After traveling with his band and playing to sold out crowds across the country for two years, Looking Wolf decided to reenter the studio in order to create his next album. Under the guise of producer Keith Sommers and Spirit Wind Records, Looking Wolf created Breakin’ Free.
Looking Wolf’s producer commented on the album. “Jan Michael’s vocals and music have evolved into a world class act”, says Sommers, “this new CD is like ‘Daughtry’ meets ‘Jethro Tull’ with native flute solos that travel into new places.”
According to the bands release, Breakin’ Free is much more than a great native rock recording, it also gives a positive message of drug and alcohol prevention for native youth. In addition to the CD, the label also released two music videos. In the videos, the band is featured in a concert setting that shares a story of a native teen resisting the peer pressures of drug abuse.’
Additionally, copies of the CD, music videos and native youth drug and alcohol prevention posters have been distributed to every tribe in the United States this past January.
“After winning the award, I wanted to try and give something back,” says Looking Wolf. “The Native American Music Awards have become a healing force to native communities across the nation by providing recognition of Native artists and through their programs that outreach to some impoverished reservations.”
As if an inspirational album wasn’t enough, Looking Wolf, along with producer Keith Sommers and Donald Blackfox of Spirit Wind Records have joined efforts to create the Breakin’ Free Project, a 501 ©(3) non-profit organization to further promote drug and alcohol awareness among Native youth.
“There is a positive movement in native music with many artists and organizations starting to reach out to make a difference.  I am just honored to be part of it,” says Looking Wolf.
Looking Wolf tells all who would listen, that you don’t need to be the Artist of the Year in order to give back. He says, “Everybody can make a difference in this world, everyday.  Show compassion, kindness, and charity.  The Breakin’ Free effort is all about recognizing that we are all equal, all family.”
According to Ludwig Devito, the Breakin’ Free Project Program Director, the success of the program is already making a difference. “The Breakin’ Free Non-Profit Project is energizing everyone who hears of it. People come up to me and say ‘how can I help’?  While I’m explaining, I’m thinking, this awareness is what the Project is all about.”
Taking everything into consideration, it is more than worth mentioning that Looking Wolf and his band members have created an album that will give the listener something to be happy about. The album delivers genuine and honest music without holding a single note back.
Breakin’ Free also premiers 19 year old native lead guitarist Kenny Sequoia Lewis, who adds an amazing depth to the album which is surprising for someone so young. “Playing on stage with Jan Michael is a blast; I can hear my ancestors through our music.  We just played for a reservation last week and the youth were up rockin’ with the band.”
The other band members include Ledhead Ned on bass, Patrick McDermott on guitar, and drums by Nathan Myers. “
Donald Blackfox, CEO of Spirit Wind Records also commented on Looking Wolf’s latest album and the Breakin’ Free Project. “This is by far Jan Michael’s best work to date. His band is amazing to see live and the recording is a work of art for sure. Every song is a hit and the message is strong…its hope for humanity…it’s that everyone is important…it’s that we are all related.”

For more information about the Jan Michael Looking Wolf Band, go to www.lookingwolf.com