Gala has re-recorded her 1996 dance anthem ‘Freed From Desire’. Check it out below.
The Italian musician first released the track as the lead single of her 1997 debut album ‘Come Into My Life’. It was met with critical and commercial success, receiving a triple-platinum certification in the UK.
In recent years, ‘Freed From Desire’ has taken on a new life as a football anthem, with fans around the world altering the lyrics to include players of their teams. It will also be used for the 2025 FIFA World Cup and was included in the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics in Paris this year.
Yet despite its continued popularity, contracting on the original track has excluded Gala from receiving royalties throughout the years.
Now, 28 years since its initial release, Gala has shared an updated version in order to “reclaim” her rights to the song. She’s also shared a remix by Diplo, which is out now via Ministry Of Sound and B1 Recordings. Check it out below.
In a statement, Gala shared: “‘Freed From Desire’ is a ‘fight the power’ song that embodies my spirit. I wrote it drawing on a Buddhist concept that challenges the constant craving for more, and encourages us to value our principles and our own freedom instead. I had a gut feeling that ‘Freed From Desire’ could resonate with people.
“Over the years, I put a lot of myself into keeping that song alive and relevant. I love that the song’s resurgence was driven not by a commercial operation, but by people singing it at sports stadiums, students’ protests, LGBTQ+ gatherings, and DJs around the world playing it.
“This re-release is not just about trying to reclaim my rights but also about renewing the song’s spirit for a new generation. I feel more connected to the song’s core philosophy than ever before in today’s world where the pursuit of material desires is questioned by new generations.”
Further remixes of the track are expected to be released in the near future.
