#11 Feat. New Releases in Indie Dance

Founded by Robbie Redway, 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. WaiFung and Mathieu work as psychedelic researchers and health practitioners, so in addition to the four EPs released on Maribou States Dama Dama label, they have also created soundscapes for psychedelic therapy sessions, online yoga and breathwork channels. 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. 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. Title track Bright Patterns bridges the gap between Jungle, Jai Paul, and Jamiroquai, a fusion of funky filtered disco-house and electroclash with side-chained pop vocal hooks. 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 Garden and The Waiting Room, London (as well as gigs at Lost Village, Blue Dot, Neon In Nature and Wilderness festivals) the young collectives future is looking exceptionally bright.

United Freedom Collective