Nottingham-born indie starlet Jake Bugg signalled something of a change in direction when he dropped his single All I Need last autumn. Gone was the bluesy, Dylan-inspired indie folk of his early work, replaced instead with a soulful, savvy, and slick feel more reminiscent of some of his contemporaries. Which isn’t in any way to detract from the track, which felt then like the logical progression for Bugg who, at just 26 years of age, is still naturally evolving with his music.

All I Need has received widespread acclaim since its release with support from the likes BBC Radio 1, where Greg James made the track his Breakfast Show ‘Record of the Week’ and Radio X. Produced by Steve Mac, it is the second official single release since Kiss Like The Sun, which was co-written with Andrew Watt (Post Malone) and marked Bugg’s debut release since signing to RCA Records and this new start and direction in his musical career.

Bugg also released two new tracks and short films Rabbit Hole and Saviours of the City last year, making All I Need the fourth release expected from his upcoming but yet to be confirmed fifth studio album. It is “a song about a feeling of contentment. It’s about having absolute clarity in what you are doing and who you are. It’s about living in the moment and losing yourself. It’s a song written for all of us”, Bugg said in a press release coinciding with Yorkshire producer and DJ Franky Wah’s new remix.

Wah’s house remix blends euphoria and tranquility, giving an energetic spin on the track, while retaining Bugg’s distinctive vocals, albeit with a fresh electro edge. It’s a powerful collaboration and certainly adds to the anticipation surrounding Bugg’s new style and upcoming new music.

Bugg and his band played nine sold-out UK dates this spring before lockdown erupted, which followed his November tour performing at venues including The Roundhouse in London and a hometown show at Nottingham Rock City.

Listen to the Franky Wah remix of All I Need here

Find out more about Jake Bugg on his official website.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.