Wotts drops new single “Wilson”

Hailing from Ottawa, Canadian indie duo Wotts have been building a loyal following with their distinctive blend of pop and psych-tinged arrangements. The pair, consisting of singer and multi-instrumentalist Jayem and guitarist and bass player Ricky 100, have spent the past few years crafting a sound that’s both accessible and original.

Their music is a delightful mix of catchy pop hooks and intricate, often nostalgic, soundscapes that incorporate their influences from yesteryear while reframing them in a thoroughly new way. Since their debut single “Before” in 2021, Wotts have been on a roll, consistently releasing a string of well-received singles and EPs.

With their music stacking up hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify, they’ve also played slots at high-profile events like RBC Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week and Junofest. This year, the duo has been riding a wave of creative momentum, kicking off 2024 with the release of their EP PETALS and teasing fans with tracks from their upcoming EP, Good People, Bad People.

Following the lead single “Laundry,” their latest single, titled “Wilson,” is the second release from the forthcoming EP and is a shining example of Wotts’ ability to blend retro influences with modern indie pop. Drawing inspiration from acts like Tame Impala and Brothertiger, “Wilson” leans into the nostalgic pop sound that has become synonymous with the duo.

Produced by Jayem, the track is a nod from Wotts to the 80s, infused with a fresh, vibrant twist that gives it a modern feel. From the woozy synth stretches in the intro, the tracks bursts to life with delicate guitar lines and shaking drum rhythms before settling into a colourful indie pop jam.

With smooth vocals laying infectious melodic lines over the bright arrangement, the track flows with danceable energy and a shifting base of guitars and synth textures that builds to an anthemic finale brimming with splashing drums and bold guitar notes. Once again serving up a sound that’s becoming their trademark style while still exploring new musical areas, “Wilson” presents another delicious bite of the Wotts world.

Commenting on the single, Jayem shares, “Since day one we’ve always looked to incorporate ‘timeless sounds’ into our music. Whether it’s pieces of The Smiths for our track “Laundry”, or bits of The Beatles in “there”, we love mixing old with new. While this new one isn’t necessarily linked to an older band, it’s heavily inspired by newer acts that wear the same influences on their sleeves.”

Listen to Wilson below

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