Ed Daniels and his creative music collective, Collaborations, return with a bold new single titled “You Gotta Know”—a track that blends the warm glow of 60s and 70s nostalgia with a clear-eyed, modern message. Released on June 20, 2025, this latest offering showcases Daniels’ signature approach: craft a strong conceptual foundation, bring in the right collaborators, and let real musicianship do the rest. The result is a soulfully performed and purpose-driven song that both honors the past and calls the present into question.
“You Gotta Know” is one of those rare tracks that manages to feel both timeless and timely. Drawing inspiration from musical legends like The Association, Carole King, Carly Simon, and America, the song’s DNA is rich with vintage tones: lush harmonies, organic instrumentation, and a strong sense of melodic storytelling. But this isn’t a throwback for the sake of nostalgia. Instead, Ed Daniels fuses the sonic language of those iconic decades with a message rooted in action, awareness, and social change.
The song encourages listeners to look deeper, question assumptions, and take meaningful steps toward a more conscious existence. In a world often driven by distractions and digital noise, “You Gotta Know” cuts through with heartfelt clarity and purpose.
One of the standout aspects of this project is the genuine collaborative spirit behind it. Ed Daniels began with the basic framework and idea, then passed the lyrical reins to Anais Preller, who also delivers a soulful and emotionally rich lead vocal performance. Her voice anchors the track beautifully, capturing both the urgency and warmth the song demands.
The production, handled by Vic Steffens at Horizon Music Group in West Haven, CT, is flawless. Steffens’ experience and ear for live music are on full display, letting every instrument breathe without crowding the mix. With Matt Oestreicher crafting the orchestration, the track gains a cinematic depth that elevates the arrangement without overwhelming its emotional intimacy.
The band itself is equally impressive:
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Scott Spray, a Grammy-winning bassist, brings gravitas and groove.
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Tim Dehuff’s guitar work is tasteful and dynamic, weaving in flourishes that give the track character.
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Tom Naggy’s drumming keeps everything grounded while allowing the track to build.
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Kevin Monroe and vocal group Devotion bring soulful background vocals that deepen the message and enhance the emotional resonance.
All of this is done without a single synth or plugin—just real musicians playing real instruments in a real room. That alone sets “You Gotta Know” apart in today’s heavily digital music landscape.
At its core, “You Gotta Know” is a call to wake up and pay attention—to the world, to ourselves, to what truly matters. It’s not preachy, but it’s purposeful. Daniels has said the intent was to encourage people to challenge the status quo, and the lyrics reflect that without resorting to clichés. It’s music with something to say, delivered in a way that invites rather than demands.
This commitment to authenticity and emotional connection is what defines the Collaborations project as a whole. Daniels doesn’t just write songs—he builds spaces for other artists to explore, empowering them to bring their voices, ideas, and emotions into the mix. That generosity of spirit is felt in every note of “You Gotta Know.”
“You Gotta Know” is more than just a well-produced, well-performed track. It’s part of a larger vision, one in which creativity, emotional truth, and social consciousness all live side by side. For Ed Daniels and his collaborators, music isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection, honesty, and growth.
As someone told Daniels: “You write songs that touch the heart.” And that’s exactly what this release does. It doesn’t just aim to entertain—it aims to inspire and empower.
“You Gotta Know” is an important release—not because it shouts the loudest or follows current trends, but because it chooses sincerity over spectacle, and substance over style (though it certainly has plenty of both). It’s a reminder that real music, made by real people, still matters—and that messages of hope and change, when delivered with heart, can leave a lasting impression.
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