Michael Lane

In the organizer's words:

Michael Lane is releasing his new, touching indie folk album "Live Free" on January 30, 2026 via the Berlin label Greywood Records. "Live Free" is about accepting life as it comes - with all its ups and downs. The songs revolve around love, freedom and self-acceptance and are the result of honest moments and genuine self-reflection. The album is a reminder that freedom does not mean avoiding responsibility or feelings, but remaining yourself in every situation. It's about growth, forgiveness and making peace with your own imperfections.

If there's one modern folk/pop artist who really knows the difficult side of life, it's Michael Lane. In his twenties, he was sent to Iraq and Afghanistan as a US soldier and saw a lot of cruelty there. His previous albums were like a musical diary of these experiences - but on "Live Free" you can clearly feel that lightness and joy have found their place again. The album sends a hopeful message: even crises and phases of self-reflection can lead us closer to the really important things again.

The German-American became known through two top 50 hits in the German charts, four released albums, international tours and his single "Liberty", which was the official song of the 2015/2016 Four Hills Tournament. Some of his songs have already made it onto Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists and are featured by tastemakers such as alexrainbirdMusic, Indie Folk Central, Starbucks Playlists and Double J Music. In addition to his work as a musician, Michael Lane also writes production music and produces in his secluded "Studio Waldblick".