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Looking Up

by Pete Josef

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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Colour (Original Version), The Big Five, Lifeline, Looking Up, Defence EP, Lost Yourself, Carbon, Sunny Side Up, and 11 more. , and , .

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1.
Looking Up 04:10
Never ever did I mean to break you. Never ever wanna bring you down Never ever did I mean to take myself so low that you would seek to paint me, as someone that I ain’t; I'm so low Some days I don’t see nobody, no I never wanna let them know But if you ever wanna find a soul to make you feel aglow like you are living, not just surviving, then you gotta be bold And people, it ain’t all positive people You can handle anything that comes your way until things are looking up Cause there’s a rhythm to life’s music Just gotta choose it Yeah there’s a rhythm to life’s music No matter where the rhythm goes it flows it always comes back home There’s a world in a moment There’s a life to share So you go One day you might need somebody, you might even wanna let them know Don’t need to be adrift for long fore it dawns you yearn for making a connection, something affecting, someone you can love Cause people, there's community people There's a scene with ready open arms for you where things are looking up Cause there’s a rhythm to life’s music Just gotta choose it Yeah there’s a rhythm to life’s music No matter where the rhythm goes it flows it always comes back home Oh there’s a world in a moment There’s a life to share It’s a wonderful moment When you realise you care So you go
2.
Never ever did I mean to break you. Never ever wanna bring you down Never ever did I mean to take myself so low that you would seek to paint me, as someone that I ain’t; I'm so low Some days I don’t see nobody, no I never wanna let them know But if you ever wanna find a soul to make you feel aglow like you are living, not just surviving, then you gotta be bold And people, it ain’t all positive people You can handle anything that comes your way until things are looking up Cause there’s a rhythm to life’s music Just gotta choose it Yeah there’s a rhythm to life’s music No matter where the rhythm goes it flows it always comes back home There’s a world in a moment There’s a life to share So you go One day you might need somebody, you might even wanna let them know Don’t need to be adrift for long fore it dawns you yearn for making a connection, something affecting, someone you can love Cause people, there's community people There's a scene with ready open arms for you where things are looking up Cause there’s a rhythm to life’s music Just gotta choose it Yeah there’s a rhythm to life’s music No matter where the rhythm goes it flows it always comes back home Oh there’s a world in a moment There’s a life to share It’s a wonderful moment When you realise you care So you go

about

Pete Josef’s latest release, Looking Up, captures the uplifting spirit and emotional resonance reminiscent of his first solo album, Colour, on Sonar Kollektiv. As we celebrate the decennial anniversary of this critically acclaimed album, the single stands as a testament to Josef’s enduring partnership with the label and his ongoing creative evolution as a multi-talented musician.

Following the socially conscious Defence EP of 2024, Josef reaches for spiritual elevation with his new EP, Lifeline. This collection shifts focus toward the joy of human connection and the hope found at the end of hardship.

Blending afro grooves, highlife guitars, and Eastern jazz influences, Looking Up radiates a unique fusion of esoteric styles wrapped in an intrinsic pop sensibility. The steady groove anchors the track, while evolving melodic layers and rhythmic intricacies drive it forward. A particularly heartfelt moment comes as Josef’s six-year-old son, Art, joins him for the refrain:

“There’s a rhythm to life’s music, you just gotta choose it.
Yeah, there’s a rhythm to life’s music, no matter where the rhythm goes, it flows, it always comes back home.”

Together with vocalist Anna Ryan, Art’s contribution infuses the lyrics with profound meaning, echoing the wisdom and warmth passed between generations. The song’s message encourages listeners to seek nurturing relationships and communities that inspire and support:

“There’s community, people; there’s a scene with ready open arms for you, where things are looking up.”

The track features a distinctive double bass hook from long-time collaborator Jihad Darwish (Sting, Van Morrison, Moses Boyd) and drums by Miguel Andrews. Josef himself performs all other instrumental elements, including the vibrant tuned percussion.

Looking Up was inspired by a close friend who, despite later-life challenges in seeking love and companionship, has a wealth of wonder and life to share. Like many of Josef’s songs, it also reflects an introspective message—an encouraging reminder to embrace change and look upward for inspiration.

The track and the Lifeline EP draw additional influence from Japanese art and Shinto principles, which resonate deeply with Josef for their emphasis on purity, harmony, and community values.

Both Looking Up and the Lifeline EP will be released as part of his new album, alongside the Defence EP, solidifying Pete Josef’s place as one of Sonar Kollektiv’s most dynamic and visionary artists.

credits

released March 20, 2025

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Pete Josef Bristol, UK

Pete Josef has always been a soul boy at heart, but his Multi-instrumental skill's have led him into some interesting situations.  He has for years been recording and playing live with with Roni Size and Reprazent, and fronts and co-produces the lo-fi house duo White Lamp with Darren Emerson (underworld). As album two is already bubbling in his mind, his focus now will be his new live trio. ... more

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