We’re welcoming back our favourite Ottawan duo Wotts for a follow up interview with them for the first time this year. 2025 is already proving fruitful for the pair, with new material, studio upgrades and their first Spotify editorial playlist. Fresh off the release of ‘sinking II’, a reimagined version of their original track ‘sinking’, we wanted to delve into this exciting new chapter. As you’ll read below, Wotts discuss how the remix process shifted the track emotionally allowing them to further explore themes of loss and existential reflection. They also touch on the significant personal experiences that helped to shape the song’s poignant message.
From their first official remix to future collaborations and genre explorations, Wotts hint towards a year full of creative progression and surprises . Join us as we uncover the story behind ‘sinking II’ and catch a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Welcome back to Unrecorded! How’s 2025 treating the Wotts duo so far?
Thanks for having us! I’d say the year’s started off good. We got new material cooking, new gear in the studio to play around with, and we even got on our first Spotify editorial playlist. Still lots of hard work to be done but we’re super excited about what’s to come.
You’ve just released a remix of your recent song ‘sinking’, what sparked this idea to reimagine your track?
This one’s hard to explain, but it was something I felt we needed to do. Maybe it was having a bunch of free time over Christmas to think about it, but it all just clicked into place. When we got back home from the break, we hopped in the studio and it straight up poured out.
You mentioned that ‘sinking II’ has a different meaning compared to the original, so what changed for you emotionally between the two versions?
I never try to dwell on what we’ve put out into the world, but for some reason the original track wouldn’t leave my side. I went through some bad stuff last year, and when we made that version, it was about looking inward to see how it all impacted me. As I processed things more, that perspective changed, and suddenly the song was less about me and more about everyone in my bubble.
The original version leaned into organic instrumentation, while ‘sinking II’ is drenched in 80s textures. What was the biggest challenge in reworking the track?
I think the biggest challenge was transforming those new feelings into music while also making it sound fresh and sincere. Even with all the emotions linked to the song, I don’t think we would have put out a remix unless we knew it could stand on its own. Since the theme of the song became more existential, we thought hitting it from a big cinematic angle was the way to go. Ultimately I think that vibe ended up complimenting the meaning of the song perfectly.
‘sinking II’ touches on losing people around you, does this stem from a personal experience?
Yeah, I lost a couple good souls last year. Up until that point I hadn’t really faced death, so when it happened, it was a rush of new feelings. I don’t know if people ever really get over things like that, but thankfully I have music to talk about it when I need to.
You’ve experimented with various styles before, but this is your first official remix. Do you see yourselves doing more remixes in the future?
That’s a great question. I’m a “never say never” kind of guy, but I think it would take very special circumstances for us to do another one. We’re starting to collaborate with more artists, so maybe we’ll leave it to others to do it!
If you could have any artist remix a Wotts song, who would it be and why?
A dream would be The Chemical Brothers. I just started getting into them and they’ve done tracks with bunch of vocalists I love like Noel Gallagher and Bernard Sumner. What I’d give to hear our vocals behind a big huge thumping track from those dudes.
Your music seems to be in a near-constant evolution from hip-hop to indie-pop, is there a sound or genre you haven’t tried yet but would love to explore?
We’re always getting inspired, but one genre I’d love to dive into more is britpop. Up until this point we’ve been super inspired by Aussie psych pop, but there’s just something about 90s UK guitar music that keeps pulling us in. I don’t expect it’ll be a permanent shift in that direction, but would love to at least make an EP with that kind of vibe.
What was the biggest music-making lesson you learned in 2024 that you’re carrying into this year?
It never hurts to get peoples opinions, but at the end of the day trust your gut.
What does 2025 have in store for you? And is there anything that Wotts’ fans should be looking out for?
We got a lot planned! The remix kicked things off for us, but we got new music, collaborations and visuals on the way. And since it’s us, don’t be surprised if we throw a few curveballs to keep people guessing.
You can also listen to ‘sinking II’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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