We Speak Music
Shannon Smith unveils “Valentine’s Day”: A Song of Redemption
Today Shannon Smith unveils his latest single “Valentine’s Day,” a poignant reflection on love, truth, and the power of confession. In a revealing twist, Smith shares that this song was born from a deeply personal moment – a confession to his partner, Helen Townsend, that nearly unravelled their relationship.
Crafted amidst the emotional turbulence and subsequent healing, “Valentine’s Day” transcends the typical love song. It delves into the heart-wrenching moments that test the bonds of love, echoing Smith’s journey towards redemption and the resilience of a relationship weathering its stormiest hour. This narrative of vulnerability and honesty is masterfully woven into the soulful melodies and poignant lyrics of the track.
The single’s release sets the stage for an equally compelling music video, scheduled to premiere on Valentine’s Day itself. This visual accompaniment is expected to further explore the themes of the song, offering a deeper insight into the story of love and redemption that Smith bravely lays bare.
Recorded across three renowned studios, including Nashville’s Compass Studios, “Valentine’s Day” is a rich tapestry of Americana and pop soul, brought to life with the gospel-infused backing vocals of the acclaimed McCrary Sisters. Their Grammy-nominated talent adds a profound depth to a song that is not just an ode to love but a testament to the courage it takes to face one’s truths.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Shannon Smith’s “Valentine’s Day” stands out as a bold, heartfelt reminder of the complexities of love – a reminder that sometimes, the greatest declarations of love are those that survive the toughest trials.
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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