We had a chat with long-time CLOUT favourites Wotts and found out some more about the duo and their new release ‘sinking II’
Boasting a varied and expansive retro-pop sound that has covered a tonne of ground over the last few years, Ottawa duo Wotts are a outfit that we refuse to stop screaming about across this website, with each new single from the pair reinforcing our love for their sound and the personality and intricacies that are woven into their work.
Their latest single ‘sinking II’ is something of a reimagining of their previous single ‘sinking’, giving a more futuristic and expansive feel (more akin to artists like Tame Impala and Gorillaz) to a track that had more indie-country vibes the first time around. The contrast between these two tracks does a great job of showcasing the range and scope of the project and the fun things they’re capable of doing with their sound. We had a chat with Wotts to find out a bit more about the new release and the project as a whole.
Who TF are Wotts?
Hello! We’re Wotts, a two piece indie pop band from Canada.
How long have you been making music?
Rick and I been making music under the Wotts banner for about 5 years.
Why do you make music?
For me it’s because it’s my own little world I get to play in. It’s also the only thing I’ve ever found that lets me feel like I’m actually disconnecting from everything. It’s freeing, but also super challenging and rewarding. Can’t beat that!
What are your biggest influences?
It feels like it changes year to year, but right now my biggest inspirations are Blur, Djo and Fontaines D.C. Historically I’d say the ultimately one has been Tame Impala.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
That’s a great question. Maybe the coolest was playing a festival called Ottawa Bluesfest here in Canada. It’s a well known one where we’re from, and by that point we had gone to it as fans almost every summer. So to be on that bill and get to experience what it was like behind the scenes was insane. Definitely a pinch me moment, especially since I was new to music back then.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
I’d say retro pop. We love music that has a timeless vibe to it, so we always aim to bring in ‘vintage’ elements, whether its analog synths, drum machines or even how we approach our production. And pop because we’re suckers for catchy melodies and we definitely don’t mind if something sticks in peoples ears.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
This is really pie in the sky, but if we ever end up in a room with James Ford or Dave Fridmann that would be my moment. Those guys have produced so many records that shaped me as a person and as a musician. If that ever happens, game over, I’m on a new plane of happiness.
We love your single ‘sinking II’, what more can you tell us about it?
Thanks for saying! So “sinking II” is actually a reimagining of our last single (“sinking). We’ve never made a remix before so it was a new experience for us. Without getting too deep, it’s about losing people and bending to the universe’s will. We had a pretty good idea where we wanted to go with it before heading to the studio, and thankfully when we went in, the stars aligned and it came together quickly and naturally.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
A new EP! We’ll be announcing it later in March or April. Super excited for that chapter because we’re incorporating new inspirations and taking some bolder swings.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
We just saw on our Apple Music stats that someone in Japan streamed one of our older songs like 70 times in 3 days. That person probably wins the title right now. To them, bless you, thank you, we love you and are you ok?
