We Speak Music

Katy Hurt and Gangstagrass get ‘Revved Up’ with new energetic summer remix!

Published

9 months ago

July 31, 2024

Don Reed

Born in London and raised in the US, Katy Hurt was drawn to the sounds of Country, Americana and Southern rock from a young age, inspired by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, and Patsy Cline. Since her debut in 2016, Katy has released a string of critically acclaimed singles and EPs, showcasing her versatile range and has won accolades such as the UK Country Music Spotlight Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, Best EP, Best Song and Best Video. She has also toured extensively, playing major festivals such as Country 2 Country at the O2 Arena, Pilton Party on Glastonbury’s famed Pyramid Stage and the Isle of Wight festival.

Katy spent time in Canada, which she now considers her second home, writing and recording a host of songs including some of her latest singles “Sounds Good In A Bar” and “Wish I Could Give You Up”, which both went to Number 1 on the UK iTunes charts on the day of release and were subsequently added to rotation on CBC, Sirius XM, KIX Australia and were play-listed on Amazon Music. The tracks, which were produced by Juno Award-winning producer Murray Pulver (Doc Walker, The Bros. Landreth) come from her soon to be released and highly anticipated debut album.

But before the album comes, Katy is treating us to a sizzling reimagining of her 2019 hit, ‘Revved Up’, skilfully remixed by Gangstagrass mastermind Rench and featuring R-Son the Voice of Reason. This dynamic collaboration follows their successful 2019 tour, blending Hurt’s country flair with Gangstagrass’s signature fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop. The result is an energetic summer anthem perfect for long drives and living life in the fast lane.

On the collaboration, Katy says; “Touring with the guys from Gangstagrass was one of the best experiences of my musical career. I’ve never felt so loved or had so much fun on the road. Every single night we were matching energies, hyping each other up and just generally hanging out and playing songs together and we’ve been talking about doing something like this ever since. I’m so excited that Rench and R-SON were up for making this collaboration finally happen and I’m even more pumped that it’s finally going to be out in the world for everyone to hear”.

‘Revved Up- Rench Remix ft. R-SON’ is out now!

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

16 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

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.