About
Beginning on a retreat on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall with Robbie Redway, Mathieu Seynaeve and WaiFung Tsang, United Freedom Collective, led by Robbie as producer and facilitator, has developed into a collaborative network of diversely talented artists including Jordan Stephens, Falle Nioke, Eliza Shaddad, Labdi, William Rees and Facesoul, amongst others. Also a live band, they recently supported Maribou State on their sold out European tour, ending with three nights at legendary London venue Alexandra Palace.
Whilst WaiFung and Mathieu dedicate their time to work as psychedelic researchers and mental health practitioners, Robbie has taken the lead with United Freedom Collective, working with new collaborators, by himself and with the original line-up at his studio in Margate, UK - resulting, so far, in 4 EPs released on Dama Dama, a sub-label of Ninja Tune, and a new EP ‘Bright Patterns’ on seasoned indie label Multi Culti. UFC have also been commissioned to create soundscapes for psychedelic therapy sessions as well as for online yoga and breathwork channels, and will facilitate retreats in the future as well as continuing to release a vast array of music.
By its nature the music is eclectic, ranging from afro-inspired jazz to Chinese folk, psych-rock to dub and electronic dance music. Their sound was described by Clash Magazine as an ‘aural mosaic that glitters with colour and potential’.
Robbie has taken the project to Kenya to work with local musicians there, as well as DJing at festivals abroad and at home in the UK, and the ever-evolving live band have sold out Dalston Curve Garden and The Waiting Room, London, and also played at Lost Village, Blue Dot, Neon In Nature and Wilderness festivals. Radio support has come from KEXP, BBC6 Music (Laverne, Ravenscroft, Charles, Nemone, Letts), Jazz FM and Worldwide FM (Gilles Peterson).
The collective have been influenced 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. United Freedom Collective is and will always be about finding the space in which we can create, connect and heal.