United Freedom Collective — the group made up of Mathieu Seynaeve, WaiFung Tsang and Robbie Redway — will release their debut EP ‘Am Ta’ on 30th September via Maribou State’s Dama Dama label. 

With a sonic palate that ranges from dancefloor-minded electronics to traditional Amazonian Icaros chants the trio also draw on the clinical, spiritual, ecological and philosophical practices of its three core members: Mathieu - a psychiatrist & medical doctor working at the forefront of research into the use of psychedelics for people with mental health difficulties, WaiFung - a clinical psychologist in training and researcher into Ayahuasca (a traditional South American psychoactive substance with ceremonial, spiritual and medicinal qualities) and Robbie - a trained practitioner of meditation, yoga and sound healing. They aim to create a framework for effortless production and collaboration, characterised by a fluid workflow and minimal emphasis on interference or re-takes. It’s a holistic, ego-less approach that allows the music to take on a transcendental quality. “It’s supposed to be something more than us” they explain, “it’s music with intention, music for healing”. 

Nowhere is this clearer than on first single “1994” which features lyrics and vocals from musician, actor, presenter and artist Jordan Stephens. Arising from a chance meeting between Robbie and Jordan, the track is in many ways a perfect embodiment of what United Freedom Collective are aiming to achieve, including a shared understanding of the importance (and profound nature) of time to heal both physical and invisible wounds. “I wrote the original poem after seeing my little brother fall off his scooter in the park,” explains Jordan. “He bruised his face. I tried to calm him. He didn’t seem to register what I’d said. But a couple of hours later he repeated my words exactly. I felt connected to him more than ever in that moment, and realised my responsibility as older brother. I’d already been on my own journey with bruises.”

“Jordan absolutely embodies what we want to do with United Freedom Collective” says Mathieu. “He’s somebody who is able to tap into that real creative, almost fugue-like space, but is also an example of someone who is doing something truly meaningful, building on his early success with a huge contribution to mental health awareness, particularly in men.” 

“He came into the fold perfectly” continues Robbie, “it all came together very quickly and I think often the best results in music come from things that happen with a bit of ease and fluidity.”

Produced across various sessions in Cornwall and at Robbies studio in Margate, the EP also takes in “Blake Vision”, which features the group singing a traditional indigenous Amazonian icaros, a chant usually sung at the opening of an ayahuasca ceremony; “MERCY” which features vocals from Somali-born, U.K.-based singer/songwriter FACESOUL; the rhythmic EP title track “Am Ta” — an expression of the group’s love for, and roots in dance music; and “Most Incredible UFO Case Ever” which features backing vocals from wider UFC members Falle Nioke and Eliza Shaddad, who both also feature on the amazing EP artwork by Tokio Ayoama.

‘Am Ta’ EP is set for release on 30th September on Dama Dama.

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