Barbarossa is the solo project of London-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist James Mathé. Signed to Memphis Industries (home to TMR faves POLIÇA, Field Music, Warm Digits & many more), 'Always Free' is Barbarossa's first new music since his hotly-tipped 2018 album Lier. Recorded with Phantasy signing and electronic producer Ghost Culture, who's name has popped up a few times recently (on Wesley Gonzalez' 'Change' and the brilliant collab with Falle Nioke 'Barké') 'Always Free' opens with an evocative piano piece and quickly slips into a sequence of squelchy synthesizers and shimmering electronics. Lyrically affirming, the atmosphere is light and uplifting. Mathé explains: “‘Always free’ is about me reminding myself that I always have access to freedom from my thoughts if I can find stillness and am open to change. I really struggle with this daily but sometimes a song/film/book/my kids or a conversation might remind me just how simple it can be to just let go of trying to control the outcome and get out of my comfort zone. That’s where the good shit is, it’s in those moments.” -Holly Mullineaux