“YOU GOTTA KNOW” by Collaborations

With “You Gotta Know,” Collaborations continues its mission of creating music that is both emotionally resonant and socially aware. Helmed by Ed Daniels of Stratford, United States, this original single—released on June 20, 2025—brings together a stellar ensemble of musicians to deliver a track that feels timeless yet urgent. Seamlessly blending vintage 60s–70s influences with a modern sonic palette, the song is both a nod to musical heritage and a call for conscious reflection.

At the heart of “You Gotta Know” is a deep sense of intention. Co-written by Daniels and vocalist Anais Preller, who also performs lead vocals on the track, the song challenges listeners to question complacency and recognize the need for change. But it does so with grace, wrapping its message in warm melodies, textured instrumentation, and an unmistakable human touch.

This is no programmed loop or synthetic backdrop—every note is played, every harmony sung live, creating a sound that breathes and moves. The production, led by Vic Steffens at Horizon Music Group in West Haven, CT, is rich and restrained. Grammy-winner Scott Spray lends his talents on bass, with Tim Dehuff on lead guitar, Tom Naggy on drums, and orchestrations by Matt Oestreicher weaving everything together. The result is a lush, layered soundscape that uplifts without overwhelming. Background vocals by Kevin Monroe, Simone Brown, and the Devotion team add soul and presence, enhancing the song’s emotional pull. What makes “You Gotta Know” stand out is its authenticity. There’s an organic clarity in the way it was made—each artist contributing their individual perspective while staying anchored to the song’s core message.

The collaborative nature of the project is its strength: it invites creativity while honoring structure, allowing the song to evolve naturally in studio sessions. There’s a clear respect for the craft, evident in every detail from lyrical nuance to the final mix. Inspired by legendary acts like The Association, Carole King, and America, “You Gotta Know” carries the heart of its influences but reimagines them for a new generation. It feels familiar without being derivative, reflective without losing momentum. It doesn’t shout—it sings. And in doing so, it reminds us that the power to affect change often begins with a quiet, heartfelt truth. This single builds on the foundation laid by Songs of the Heart, expanding the vision of Collaborations as a project rooted in creative freedom and emotional depth. “You Gotta Know” isn’t just a song—it’s a reminder: real music, with real players and a real message, still has the power to move people.