It's What You Give Up (Digital Single)

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About ‘It’s What You Give Up’

Drums and a lone synth kickstart the track into life and set a tempo for the upbeat melody that follows. Representing a departure from the neon-noir style of the previous single (I Can’t Wait Forever), the synth tone moves away from a jagged, resonant saw wave to a softer, chiming sine wave. Falling on the off-beat its repetition lends a supporting role to the ensemble of percussion already on display. A sweeping guitar heralds the pre-chorus, where a gentle cascade of arched chords opens up a space for the melody to breathe and swell before giving way to the central hook. “It’s about who you love, not who you don’t” rings out over a rising hairpin harmony as we arrive at the optimistic core of ‘It’s What You Give Up’. Itero iterum before segueing into the outro, in which a breakbeat and falsetto vocals offer a resolute and almost defiant statement “Never going to break my heart”

“It’s What You Give Up shines an optimistic light on all our demons and negative thoughts - in an age where inadequacy and unfulfillment is at its peak, this is a pep talk to our inner voice with the aim to focus on the present and be grateful for what we have instead of what we don’t. With a subtle tribute to a childhood friend killed at 13 years old, it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of our life and our struggle to make each day count - savour each moment and stay true to ourselves.” - Simon Middleton

The single was recorded at the renowned Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, Wales. The studio has a rich recording history and has hosted recording sessions for many iconic artists, including Queen, Oasis, Stone Roses, and Coldplay.

Laurence 'Loz' Anslow, who has worked with artists such as Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Muse, and Coldplay, produced, engineered, and mixed the single.

Single Credits for 'It's What You Give Up'

Simon Middleton - Vocals/Keys/Synths.

Eamonn Dawe - Guitars/Bass.

Andrew Gallop - Drums/Percussion.

Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Monmouth.

Produced by Laurence 'Loz' Anslow.

Assisted by Matt Butler.

Mixed by Laurence Anslow at Air Studios London.

Mastered at Air Studios by Ray Staff & Cicely Balston.

Artwork by Eamonn Dawe.