We Speak Music
“I Saw You Turning Around”: Longplayer’s Nostalgic Dive into Reflection and Release

Mikey Long’s latest single, “I Saw You Turning Around,” encapsulates the introspective, genre-blending style that Longplayer is quickly becoming known for. Known for his contributions to bands like Drugdealer, Long steps forward with a distinct voice, using his solo project as a vehicle for personal expression and creative exploration. The song channels deeply reflective themes, from the bittersweet encounter with an ex-lover to the complex feelings of letting go. Long’s ability to fuse genres with a classic songwriting touch makes this single an emotionally rich and sonically captivating listen.
With lush instrumentation, “I Saw You Turning Around” feels both familiar and innovative. Long draws inspiration from George Harrison’s “Crackerbox Palace,” imbuing his song with a similarly layered texture and dense guitar work. The slide guitar adds a unique layer to the song, with each strum and pluck carefully interwoven to create a soundscape that mirrors the nostalgia and intimacy of the lyrics. Long’s attention to detail shines here, crafting a song where each element supports the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the vocals.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the track gained additional depth through Jay Watson’s punchy drumming and mixing skills. Watson, a multi-talented musician known for his work with Tame Impala and Pond, brought fresh energy to the song, elevating its rhythm and overall presence. Adding further depth, Shags Chamberlain’s synth work creates an ambient backdrop that enhances the track’s introspective mood. The result is a piece that feels simultaneously dense and restrained, a testament to the careful production choices.
Complementing the single is a mesmerizing music video directed by Carter McNeill. Shot and edited by Joon Voigt, and featuring video synthesizer effects by Julius Valledor, the visuals echo the song’s reflective nature with rich colors and a dreamlike aesthetic. The video offers a layered experience that reflects the complex emotions behind the track, capturing the sense of longing and closure in a way that visually resonates with Long’s lush sonic landscape.
With “I Saw You Turning Around,” Longplayer cements Mikey Long’s place as an artist willing to push boundaries while maintaining a timeless approach. This single speaks to his growing prowess as a songwriter and producer, showcasing a unique ability to blend classic and contemporary sounds seamlessly. Longplayer is shaping up to be a project that music lovers of all generations can appreciate, striking a balance between innovation and tradition.
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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