ORTU drops debut single “Level It Up”

ORTU is a new act in pop music born from the shared vision of two seasoned musicians, Jimmi Clarke and Josh Bunce. The name, taken from the Latin for “rising,” reflects both their ambition and their origins; Clarke hails from Lowestoft, the first place in the UK to see sunrise, while Bunce grew up on the ocean-inspired shores of South Devon. Together, they’ve channelled their diverse journeys into a project built on originality, storytelling and a passion for music that truly connects.

Both artists bring an array of experience to the project with Jimmi Clarke having spent years touring the world with artists such as Gloria Gaynor, developing his own talents along the way while Josh Bunce carries classical training and has since walked his own singer-songwriter path. Their complementary skill sets, along with a shared belief in honest expression, form the backbone of ORTU’s mission statement: to create hook-driven, emotionally compelling pop songs that amplify the voices of those they collaborate with.

Taking cues from a wide range of influences including Jimi Hendrix, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Sia and Dua Lipa, ORTU crafts music that’s cutting edge and energetic, yet always based in substance. Their focus is on creating songs that feel timeless, meaningful and widely relatable, a context that shines through in their official debut single titled “Level It Up.”

Linking up with singer Roxy Yarnold, they present a track that hints at what fans can expect from ORTU in the future while showcasing their ability to pair sonic impact with thoughtful lyrical writing. “Level It Up” is a thrilling pop anthem cut with funk vibes and danceable energy with an empowering message at its heart. Built on a base of pop, electronic and house elements, it’s track made to light up dancefloors and provide a joyous listening experience.

But beyond its groove lies something more personal, the duo crafted the song with their daughters in mind, aiming to deliver a message of self-worth, boundaries and inner strength. Taking aim at the notion that love is often portrayed as superficial, the song thematically pushes back by celebrating relationships formed in mutual respect and a refusal to settle for less than one deserves. The track was co-written with vocalists Meg Birch, known for her appearance on The Voice UK and Roxy Yarnold, who’s worked with Westlife and Boy George. Their unique perspectives infuse the song with real emotion, giving “Level It Up” its relatable quality.

Recorded in ORTU’s Suffolk studio, the production stacks live bass, guitar, keyboards and percussion with crisp programmed drums, creating a sound that feels organic yet incredibly punchy, resulting in an infectious pop anthem that’s exhilarating and profound in equal measure. As a debut, “Level It Up” signals the arrival of a duo determined to make music that matters and with two more tracks set for release before the end of the year, ORTU are only just beginning their inevitable rise as a must watch new act in the UK music scene.

Listen to Level It Up (feat. Roxy Yarnold) below