Over the past decade, Music From Memory has established itself as a global hub for sonic rediscovery and forward-thinking sounds in Amsterdam. Originally created to reissue overlooked recordings, the label has evolved into a diverse catalogue where archival treasures and contemporary works engage in an ongoing dialogue. Its name, inspired by Vito Ricci’s 1985’ album, signifies their dedication to music that is timeless, emotive, and often spiritually resonant.

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With We Carry Eden, Music From Memory presents a collaboration steeped in shared memory, cultural depth, and spiritual continuity. At its core is Son Of Chi, the current moniker of Rotterdam-based multi-instrumentalist Hanyo van Oosterom, whose journey through ambient music stretches back to the early 1980s. From co-founding the Dutch collective CHI to reviving it decades later as Chi Factory alongside longtime collaborator Jacobus Derwort, van Oosterom has long worked at the intersection of sound, ritual, and introspection. After Derwort’s passing in 2019, he returned to a more acoustic and instrumental focus, clearly displayed in this two-part release, where each side feels like one half of a whole. That foundation finds its other side in the voice of Omar Ka.

Born in Senegal with roots in Niger, Omar Ka belongs to the Fulani tradition of nomadic storytelling, one that spans generations and geographies. His lyrics and vocal phrasing carry the rhythms of migration, community, and oral history. Through projects like the Fula Band, Ka brought the spirit of West African poetry to European audiences, weaving mbálax, reggae, and desert blues into a sound both rooted and far-reaching.

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The two first came together in 1997, recording H.O.W. Decades later, that connection returns with a deeper resonance. On We Carry Eden, van Oosterom unites Radboud Mens’ drones and Koos van der Vaart’s field recordings to create fertile ground for Ka’s voice to move through. His vocals don’t lead but guide, weaving through the compositions like a spirit in motion. The album’s meditative stillness will feel familiar to those familiar with Chi. But it’s the subtle grooves that give the music its lightness and breath. What emerges is not just a profoundly introspective listening experience but a philosophy in sound: a peaceful offering rooted in respect for the wisdom of Elders and ancient traditions.

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“In a place where grace can flow to you”, so begins the 21-minute premiere track of We Carry Eden (Part I), setting the tone for an explorative listening experience. The piece balances earthiness and transcendence by fusing dub-tinged basslines with subtle motifs and spoken word. It unfolds with patience, offering space to sit with the textures, sensations, and many stories it carries.

Full tracklist

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1. We Carry Eden (Part I)

2. We Carry Eden (Part II)

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We Carry Eden (Feat. Omar Ka) will be out on May 16th, 2025. Pre-order a copy via Bandcamp.