Chicano Batman Believe "Freedom Is Free" And Add Grooves

A band like no other, the quartet's messages come from many traditions of the Americas but find groovy combinations that are always their own.

Los Angeles band Chicano Batman reprises ancient messages to great grooves, influenced by many traditions. New York Chapter caught up with them at the 2017 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island and they described their favorite protest songs and why. Their 2017 album's title track "Freedom Is Free" exemplifies their southwestern openness to the cosmic all around us and a refusal to be programmed by "Freedom isn't free" militaristic slogans. Across the festival circuit and opening for Alabama Shakes and Jack White, Chicano Batman have won respect for their proud musical blend.

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