Freddie Moross is the head of marketing for Cutting Edge Group, a leading independent full-service provider of music across the film, television, gaming and advertising industries. The company has produced the music for major titles including Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Severance, The King’s Speech, Whiplash and many more.
Moross is responsible for devising the marketing strategies for the group, with a particular focus on the wellness music brand, Myndstream, which has recently partnered with Universal Companies to launch a subscription-based music service for spas.
Moross believes that music can be an incredibly powerful, affordable, and accessible tool for healthcare when created and then used in the right circumstances. As such, he often describes Myndstream as sitting at the intersection between art and science, working with a roster of critically acclaimed musicians to understand how they can substantively improve the impact of the music they create.
A passion point for Moross is trying to improve access to high quality music. With this in mind, he is working on a variety of projects that bring Myndstream’s music to different demographics through innovative distribution platforms, including the music streaming platform specifically designed for spas. He is also working on founding a community-based tech platform to support children with behavioral and learning development disorders through a variety of preventative healthcare tools, music being a key component.
Here, he shares some of the ways he tunes into wellness.
What does wellness mean to you?
I am conscious that the word wellness still has a stigma attached to it in the mass market, with many believing it is reserved for those who are affluent and can afford to go on retreats, or for those who are enlightened and able to meditate. For me, wellness is the simple but crucially important act of doing the small things that make you and those around you feel better on a daily basis. Wellness is self-care and is a critically important part of healthcare.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
I like to spend quality time with my close friends, my family, particularly my wife and dog. I am also a huge fan of team sports; it always makes me feel refreshed and energized. And of course, music. I believe music is my main crutch, nothing can change my mood as quickly and reliably as the right track.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Team sports work really well for me, because I am very competitive and also really enjoy the camaraderie. I find the time passes very quickly, and I do far more than trying to motivate myself in the gym or on a run, for instance. My favorites are football (or soccer for those of you in the U.S.) and cricket.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
I have to be honest, my wife is a nutritionist and a wonderful cook, so she does the majority of the cooking in our household. She creates this wonderful cod dish with tomatoes, olives, capers, and potatoes. I always feel great after eating it.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
There is a wonderful brand in the UK called Clean Co, which does a non-alcoholic gin that tastes great. I love a G&T, and this way I get the experience and pleasure of making an adult drink after a long hard day, without the guilt. I like to pour it over ice and serve with juniper berries, lavender, and lime, particularly when paired with an elderflower-infused tonic. That being said, a good glass of wine or two on the weekends also does the trick.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
I am relatively new to the wellness industry, so it was a great achievement to be introduced in such a manner at the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) in Boston and to be welcomed so warmly by the community. Some incredible things have come out of that trip, not least of which is our new focus to create the best possible audio environments in the spa industry.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Nancy Davis. The work she is doing at the GWS is truly remarkable.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
My dad has always said take responsibility for your own actions. Of course, this can apply to anything, but I think it is an incredibly underappreciated component of wellness. So as a result, I always try to keep myself accountable and make one or two decisions a day that can improve my overall wellbeing.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
Recently I have been working with some incredible clinical trialists and music therapists who have told me about some of their latest work showcasing the value music can have connecting with non-verbal autistic individuals, as well as help with memory retention and connection within Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. I think people underestimate the power music can have just because it is so prevalent. For me, it is by far and away the most exciting wellness innovation, because it is so accessible. It’s already a key part of everyone’s lives—now it’s just time to work to ensure we use it in the most impactful way possible.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
I think balanced healthy happiness comes from doing something that is meaningful and sustainable. So, working on something you are passionate about, that aligns with your values. That way when the tough times come at least you can fall back on the resilience that working with a purpose can provide. And crucially, feel comfortable being yourself in all areas of life, particularly work. It’s not easy having to wear a mask or trying to pretend.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
Expert. I view wellness as a key component of healthcare, so for me quality of service and product is everything. When you have to compete with self-proclaimed “experts,” it makes messaging so confusing for consumers, and they aren’t able to make informed decisions about what can actually help them. It’s very frustrating. I am a strong believer in knowing what you don’t know and making sure to surround yourself with great people who are verifiable experts to ensure you get a well-rounded final product. That is the only way to produce the best quality experiences for the end user. No one knows everything!
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
No secrets sadly. I would suggest just keep things simple and easy. Focus on doing small things that make you happy, regularly.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
I am a nostalgic person, and there is a place in the South of France that my parents would take me as a child. My dad also spent his summers out there when he was young. When I go there, I feel a weight release from my shoulders. It’s wonderful.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
Universal Companies because of its consistent approach to providing the best quality for consumers. We are very proud to be their music partner.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
It’s starting to feel like I am a one-trick pony but listening to music. I tend to use it on my walk to work to gear myself up for the day and then on the walk back to relax and disconnect for half an hour. Walking in the fresh air in a beautiful green and sunny England also does the trick. Although the sun is rare, music is far more dependable over here.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
I bet you can’t guess… music.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Devoting enough time to actively practicing wellness. Sometimes I let my work priorities get in the way and then feel a little exhausted. When this happens, I feel like I have to lean into wellness, squeeze it back in to my routines. It’s far more reactive than I would like it to be. I always feel so much better when I am proactive with it and stay a bit more consistent.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
I am terrible at reading books and when I do, they are always history or psychology related. Although I would like to mention Adam Grant—I love his podcasts and books. They share a lot of my philosophies about wanting to create a great workplace culture, which I believe is critical for sustainable wellness.
How do you celebrate small victories?
Usually with a nice a glass of wine.
What brings you joy?
On my good days, as cliché as it may sound, life. I am genuinely grateful for what I get to experience. I get to work with great people, in something I am passionate about and that has a purpose. There’s nothing else I could ask for. And on my bad days…my family, they are a true rock for me.
To learn more about the Universal Companies/Myndstream partnership, check out Myndstream Wellness Music Teams with Universal Companies.
