We Speak Music
Chauhan ‘Age 17’: A Raw Anthem of Perseverance and Self-Belief

Chauhan’s latest single, “Age 17,” is a heartfelt tribute to his early experiences as an emerging artist, offering listeners a raw and authentic glimpse into his journey of self-discovery and resilience. The song captures a deeply personal moment in his life, marked by both the struggle for acceptance and the triumph of self-belief, as Vaibhav Chauhan reflects on the pivotal year when he found the courage to share his music with the world.
At its core, “Age 17” is a story of perseverance. Chauhan delves into the tension between the harsh realities of life and his unwavering determination to pursue his passion, even when those around him doubted his potential. The line, “The hard reality of life is that your own beloved people support you when you finally make it; no one wants to support you while you’re struggling,” powerfully encapsulates the emotional weight of his journey. It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has faced skepticism from their closest circles while chasing their dreams.
Musically, the track leans into a minimalist production, reflecting Chauhan’s DIY approach. With only basic recording equipment and a phone, he channels the spirit of underground rap and hip-hop, where storytelling and lyricism are king. Yet, despite the limited resources, Chauhan’s passion and ambition shine through, creating an intimate yet impactful listening experience.
The chorus stands out as an anthem of self-confidence and ambition. Chauhan’s assertion that even at 17, he had a “hustler’s mindset” is a powerful statement, reinforcing his belief that one day, his words and music will leave a lasting mark. The repetition of these themes of struggle and eventual triumph adds layers to the track, drawing listeners into his personal journey.
In terms of influences, Chauhan takes inspiration from Punjabi giants like Sidhu Moosewala, not only in sound but in ethos. Much like Moosewala, Chauhan uses his music to pay homage to his roots while aiming for global recognition. His pride in his heritage is palpable, and the track becomes more than just a reflection of his personal journey; it’s a declaration of intent to represent his community on an international stage.
“Age 17” is an authentic and compelling offering from Chauhan, blending emotional vulnerability with a strong sense of purpose. It’s a testament to his growth as an artist and his refusal to let doubt or limited resources stand in his way. For fans of rap and hip-hop, Vaibhav Chauhan’s story and his music will likely resonate deeply—an inspiring reminder of the power of persistence.
We Speak Music
Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.
Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’
‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.
Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.

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