Premiere: The Freedom Affair’s “If You Don’t Want Me” is a joyous blast

May 14, 2024

Nick Spacek,

The Freedom Affair. // photo credit Erica Joy

Tomorrow, the nine-piece soul powerhouse that is Kansas City’s the Freedom Affair releases their latest single, “If You Don’t Want Me.” This song is the first of four stand-alone singles the band “recorded straight to tape in their Kansas City studio” which will roll out over the course of the rest of the year before the Freedom Affair releases their sophomore follow-up to their 2021 debut, Freedom is Love, in early 2025.

With each song “encapsulating a different sound and theme,” we can’t wait to see what the band has to offer next.

[And we really can’t wait to see, because we’ve covered The Freedom Affair a LOT in the last few years.]

“If You Don’t Want Me” features tremendous performances from vocalists Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, and Shon Ruffin, it’s a masterful piece of empowerment that’s as effective a kiss-off to someone who doesn’t appreciate you as it is a dancefloor mover and groover. It’s only enhanced when you check out the video directed by the Freedom Affair’s drummer, Dave Brick, which features all three women primping and posing before dancing joyously together during the song’s breakdown.

Says Saunders of the video for “If You Don’t Want Me,” “We had a blast making this video. It captures how we all respond differently to rejection. Some might laugh it off, some might smile and keep it cordial, and some might have an attitude!”

We’re excited to share the video as part of a dual premiere alongside 90.9 The Bridge, Kansas City’s listener-supported radio station. Check it out below.