#23 Feat. Banner in Indie Dance

Founded by Robbie Redway and psychedelic researchers Mathieu Seynaeve and WaiFung Tsang, UK-based United Freedom Collective has grown into a collaborative network of diversely talented artists that includes Jordan Stephens, Falle Nioke, Eliza Shaddad, Labdi, William Rees and Facesoul, among others. Originally conceived around creating soundscapes for psychedelic therapy sessions, online yoga and breathwork channels, the musical scope has expanded on each of the four EPs released on Maribou States Dama Dama label, and here continues with their debut on Multi Culti. On this new EP, Robbie takes the lead on production and, for the first time, sole vocal duties on all five tracks, which present a fantastic range of influences and style. Lead single Between Memories blends tropes of ecstatic dance with uplifting vocal piano house, somehow making hippie flutes fit in with Detroit strings to epic, hands-in-the-air effect. Influenced, in their words, by birds, trees, Buddhism, yoga, headless way meditations, Jungian analysis, Zen Taoism, Chinese plant medicines, indigeneity, Amazonian and psychedelic cultures, icaros and worldwide healing traditions. The music is eclectic, ranging from afro-inspired jazz to Chinese folk, psych-rock to dub and dance music, an ambitious and inclusive range that has already seen them work with musicians in Kenya, pointing to exciting future collabs that extend well beyond the borders of western musical traditions. Their sound was described by Clash Magazine as an aural mosaic that glitters with colour and potential, and while the sheen of the production and precision of the arrangements might seem a departure from Multi Cultis left-field endeavours, the psychedelic idealism and global connectivity make it a natural fit with the open-ended ethos of the label. Having already had radio support from KEXP, BBC6 Music (Laverne, Ravenscroft, Charles, Nemone, Letts), Jazz FM and Worldwide FM (Gilles Peterson), with a live show has recently sold out Dalston Curve Garde and The Waiting Room as well as supporting Maribou State for their upcoming comeback show at Islington Assembly Hall in London the young collectives future is looking exceptionally bright.

United Freedom Collective