This is our first time featuring Canadian indie-pop duo Wotts (vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Jayem and bassist/guitarist Ricky 100), but we feel like we’ve come across them at just the perfect moment. Former listeners of this talented pair might be familiar with their 80s influenced pop style, but their new single ‘blue’ represents a gear shift for the outfit as they look to new sources of inspiration. As you’ll hear, Wotts has swapped out those 80s era aesthetics for a more modern, woozy approach that blends discordant keys, shuffling beats, and dreamy-eyed vocals.
‘blue’ is not only a more airy, liberated sound on the surface level, but this free-form atmosphere is a reflection of the duo’s newfound sense of creative freedom. Here, Ricky 100 puts his finger exactly on the point: “I think when you start writing to make other people happy you lose a step. You’re never going to win everybody over, so we just focus on making music we like and hope it resonates with a few people along the way.”
It’s important to say that this new release isn’t about creating a division between “then” and “now”, but rather this is about Wotts‘ natural evolution and allowing themselves to make the music that makes them feel the most fulfilled. Other half of the band Jayem steps in here to explain how ‘blue’ is rooted in their earlier work: “I think we’ll always have an element of nostalgia in our music, but there’s so many sub-genres in pop that inspire us. Going on these little creative adventures helps to keep things fresh.”
You can’t help but be swept up in the optimistic, uplifting vibes permeating ‘blue’. It’s a positive reminder to do what makes you happy. Interestingly, the theme of this track was inspired by Spring, a season that typically represents re-birth and new beginnings, because the most important message of this track is that Wotts “wanted to create something that reminded us that it’s never too late to find your path.”
‘blue’ is part of a trilogy that already began with single ‘wheel’, so be sure to check that out too for the full story.
You can also find ‘blue’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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