Canadian indie-pop duo Wotts is back with their first-ever remix, “Sinking II,” a reimagining of their November 2024 single, “Sinking.” While many artists hesitate to revisit past work, Wotts has boldly taken another swing at their own song, reshaping it through the dreamy, psychedelic lens of Tame Impala and Gorillaz. The result? A version that feels both familiar and entirely new, offering a fresh emotional depth that expands the song’s meaning.
For Wotts’ bassist and guitarist Ricky 100, the decision to remix the track was spontaneous. “When we made the first version, there was never a plan to have another go at the track,” he shares. “Over Christmas, we just had this urge to approach it differently. It just felt natural.” That organic inspiration led to a radical sonic transformation—where the original version leaned into twangy guitars and acoustic drumming, “Sinking II” dives headfirst into the shimmering world of 80s nostalgia.
With LinnDrum samples, lush synths, and expansive, reverb-soaked guitars, the remix takes on a darker, more introspective tone. Producer and vocalist Jayem explains, “Even though the lyrics are more or less the same, the song has a completely different meaning to us compared to the original. That one really spoke about losing yourself, this one tackles losing people around you.” The shift in sound reflects a shift in perspective, taking on a more poignant and reflective approach—one that acknowledges the inevitability of change and loss.
Jayem further opens up about the personal nature of “Sinking II,” revealing that the song reflects some of the challenges he faced in the past year. “I had some not-so-great moments last year, and since then, those experiences have started to creep into our music. I’m sure that’s natural, but either way, it’s nice to have an outlet to get some of the sad stuff out.” This honesty adds a layer of raw emotion to the remix, making it more than just a stylistic experiment—it’s a cathartic release.
With a string of successful releases in 2024, the duo is setting the stage for an even bigger 2025. Jayem teases, “You can hold me to this, but I think we’re ready to take some bolder sonic swings this year. I think we’ll always stay in the pop ecosystem, but don’t be surprised if you hear us mix in some new stuff or influences in 2025.” Ricky sums up their direction in three cryptic words: “Britpop, guitars, randomness.”
While their next steps remain unpredictable, one thing is certain—Wotts isn’t afraid to evolve. “This has been a hell of a journey,” Jayem reflects. “We went from making hip-hop to dropping songs influenced by The Beatles. If you’ve been with us this long, probably safe to say you won’t mind a bit of change from us every now and then.”
Wotts is an Ottawa-based indie-pop duo composed of Jayem (vocals, multi-instrumentalist) and Ricky 100 (bassist, guitarist). Over the years, they have graced the stages of RBC Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week, and Junofest, earning recognition from CBC Radio (Canada), The Luna Collective (U.S.), and EARMILK (U.S.). With “Sinking II,” they prove once again that they are unafraid to push boundaries, embracing reinvention while staying true to their signature sound.
