COLLABORATIONS - ED DNAIELS You Gotta Know

“You Gotta Know” by Collaborations, a genre-blending collective led by Ed Daniels of Stratford, Connecticut, arrives with a clarity and spirit that feels both timeless and urgent. Released on June 20, 2025, the track pulses with purpose, revealing a masterful assembly of talent. The unmistakable voice of Anais Preller takes center stage, her delivery commanding yet vulnerable, making the song’s message all the more impactful. This isn’t just a single it’s a living, breathing composition that merges the soul of vintage pop with the raw intensity of contemporary musicianship.

The craftsmanship behind the song is nothing short of stellar. Vic Steffens, the seasoned producer and owner of Horizon Studios, steers the production with a steady hand, while orchestrator Matt Oestreicher weaves a lush tapestry that underscores the emotional peaks and valleys of the piece. Anchoring it all is the powerhouse rhythm section Grammy-winning bassist Scott Spray, lead guitarist Tim Dehuff, and drummer Tom Naggy each of whom adds layers of nuance and energy. The inclusion of background vocals by Kevin Monroe and Devotion brings a rich, gospel-tinged fullness, balancing out the track’s exploratory edge.

Drawing from the golden era of ’60s and ’70s pop-rock, “You Gotta Know” channels the spirit of legends like Carole King and America without ever falling into imitation. Instead, it reinvents that nostalgic sound with a bold, forward-looking message. The song’s lyrical core challenges listeners to wake up and act a theme reinforced by the passionate delivery and finely honed arrangement. It’s the kind of music that doesn’t just ask for attention it earns it, compelling its audience to reflect, move, and perhaps even transform.

Recorded at Horizon Music Group in West Haven, CT, the song stands as a testimony to collaborative synergy. Every musician involved brought a distinct flavor, but it’s the seamless integration of their voices, ideas, and techniques that makes the track shine. Credit is due to Vic Steffens not only for his technical skill but for his ability to capture the chemistry in the room. “You Gotta Know” is not merely a project it’s an event, a shared moment where artistry and authenticity coalesce into something genuinely memorable.

Written by Patrick