In Episode 90 of Red Hoop Talk, host Jennifer sits down with Keith Secola, from Couchiching First Nation and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Nett Lake), an icon of Native music. Critics have called him the Native Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, but Secola is in a league of his own—his music is the soundtrack of Native Country. His hit song NDN Kars has become a contemporary Native anthem, holding legendary status as the most requested song on Tribal radio since 1992. In 2011, Secola was inducted into the Native Music Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams, Crystal Gale, and Ritchie Valens.

Born and raised in the grassroots music scene, Secola’s journey has taken him from the halls of the Chicago Urban Indian Center to the depths of the Grand Canyon, from the Olympic Games to stages across Europe. A master of multiple instruments—guitar, flute, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and piano—he blends folk, rock, and Native sounds into a style that resonates across generations. He has played at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, The Kennedy Center, SXSW, and festivals across the U.S. and beyond. A seven-time Native American Music Award winner, he has also earned recognition as a producer, including a NAMMY for Best Linguistic Recording for Anishinabemoin (2007).

In this episode, Keith breaks into song when the moment calls for it, showing how music is not just a performance but a way of life. He shares his philosophy on sound, explaining how the flute acts as a portal to harmony and how Native music carries the power to "change the vibes." He reflects on the shift from digital to analog, emphasizing the importance of keeping natural sounds alive in an age of technology. Secola also gives listeners a special treat—a live demo of an unreleased song.

Beyond the music, Keith shares personal insights on the healing power of sound. He talks about his song World Head and the need to let "all of the world’s wonders in your head." He discusses how mainstream music has become overly processed, contrasting it with the organic, medicine-like quality of music created naturally. With more than a dozen new songs in the works, Keith gives a glimpse into what’s next for his ever-evolving artistry.

To hear more from Keith Secola, visit Secola.com or stream his music on all platforms.

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