SOULFOOD is a World Music project with crossover appeal which integrates Indigenous Chants and Instrumentation with Western Musical Approaches.

SOULFOOD is uniquely different from ENIGMA, DEEP FOREST, PETER GABRIEL'S PASSION and THE DEAD CAN DANCE in that its intention will take the listener through seven specific musical cycles on the full length CD.

These cycles will take the individual listener through seven stages around the Ancient Indigenous Medicine Wheel and through the Seven Chakras within Hindu tradition. In Summer 1997, SOULFOOD will release its debut singles, "CREATION & BREATHE". The compositions combine Maori (New Zealand), Native American, Aboriginal (Australia) and a variety of indigenous sounds with contemporary Western music.

The Creator and Producer of SOULFOOD is DJ Free. Free is a musician, dj and Graduate Student focusing on the Preservation, Education and Awareness of Indigenous Peoples. Listed below are two of his music industry projects:

• Released nationally charted club songs "Shout" & "Extacy"
• Worked for the Artist formerly known as "Prince" at Glam Slam

Authentic songs and vocal chants are performed by Arapata from the Maori Indigenous Peoples of New Zealand and his Lakota family relations in South Dakota. Within SOULFOOD, artists range from the Maori, Native American and Sami Indigenous Peoples.

Additional Musicians and Co-Producers include Pianists Steven Kuether, Mark Hempel and Ambient/Dance band members Phuzz and Android from L.E.D. who have ventured into Soundtrack, Multi-Media and CD releases. L.E.D. projects include:

• Released nationally charted club hits "Wish" & "Shout"
• Voted best electronic CD "Shortwave" in the Minnesota Music Awards

SOULFOOD'S MUSICAL JOURNEY

SOULFOOD is designed to take each listener on a musical journey through the human experience. With the exception of single releases for radio/video, the full length CD will differ from most in that there will not be individual tracks, but a continuous theme which explores through an organic/electronic adventure. This includes elemental sounds, animal calls, atmospheric journeys, authentic indigenous chants and instrumentation integrated with Western music and technology where Secular meets the Sacred.

To fully understand the foundation of SOULFOOD it is important to look at the human experience of this musical journey. Two linear ways of looking at SOULFOOD is by moving through the Seven Directions of the Ancient Indigenous Medicine Wheel and the Seven Chakras found in Hindu tradition.

DEDICATION

SOULFOOD is dedicated to the many INDIGENOUS PEOPLES of the world who are willing to share and preserve their invaluable life philosophies, knowledge and cultural perspectives. Indigenous teachings emphasize the importance of community and show our interconnectedness with each other and the world around us. Indigenous Peoples believe that life works in circles and that we are deeply connected to our fellow humans, animals, trees and the earth itself.

Combining Indigenous musical influences with contemporary Western approaches allows us the opportunity to bridge together two unique, yet complimentary musical styles.

SOULFOOD takes us on a familiar path to rediscover ancient wisdom and lost knowledge. Throughout this musical journey you will have the opportunity to experience an innate connection to the first people who walked the earth. Maori, Aboriginal and Native American are many of the musical influences found within SOULFOOD. Exploring these harmonious rhythms may take you back to a time where celebration, dance and ceremony were honored daily in life. Many of these sounds found in SOULFOOD can be traced back over 100,000 years in creation stories.

Rediscovering Indigenous philosophies allows people of the West to expand their cultural knowledge, to grow spiritually and change beliefs on consciousness and the role humans play on this planet. Native American, Maori, Aboriginal, Pygmies, Polynesian, Sami, Ainu, Yagua, Maasai, Bushmen, Tibetan, Mapuche, Mayan and many other indigenous cultures share a belief system which shows our deep connection with nature, each other and the earth.

Indigenous voices, drums, flutes, rattles, shakers, bells and a variety of other instruments are presented within this composition to amplify many of the exotic harmonies and rhythms of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. As a musician, it is easy to identify with and appreciate the beauty, power and storyline which lies within native songs.