Release #6 – (Don’t Hurry) Slow Down

Westy — Thu, 29 May 2025 13:47:20 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Reflective New Single: ‘(Don’t Hurry), Slow Down’ – Out May 30, 2025

British singer-songwriter Craig Westwood returns with a powerful new release, (Don’t Hurry), Slow Down, arriving on all major platforms on May 30, 2025. Though the song’s roots stretch back to the 1980s, this new recording is a modern and deeply personal interpretation that captures the emotional nuance of its original concept through a fresh lens.

Co-written in the mid-80s with longtime friend John Ward Helliwell, (Don’t Hurry), Slow Down has long existed in demo form, passed through tapes and digital drafts over the decades. Its release today is the result of renewed interest and creative spark — led in part by Craig’s daughter, Amy Westwood, who reconnected him with the track during a visit to his studio in France in 2024.

“Amy told me she’d always loved the song — and unbeknown to me, she’d quietly been working out harmonies for it,” Craig explains. “We ended up playing it together at a couple of gatherings, and it just clicked. It felt current. It was ready to record.”

The song explores the emotional space between people who think at different speeds — where moments of quiet doubt and subtle imbalance create tension in a relationship. “It’s about trying to keep up, about feeling slightly out of your depth with someone quicker, sharper — and how that can stir up self-doubt,” Westwood says.

Amy’s vocals lend a soft strength to the song’s renewed arrangement, and her role as both collaborator and creative sounding board has helped shape Craig’s upcoming project, Experiments in Time. The project revisits and reimagines music written during Westwood’s most experimental period in the late ’80s and early ’90s, infused now with new perspective — and family connection.

“Amy’s been my fiercest critic and my biggest inspiration on this new material,” Westwood notes. “She grew up with these songs in the background of her childhood, so bringing her into the process has been incredibly meaningful.”

Though originally co-written decades ago, the release of (Don’t Hurry), Slow Down also serves as a quiet nod to Westwood’s late co-writer, John Helliwell, who passed away on New Year’s Eve, 2024. “It’s taken on new meaning now,” Craig adds. “While the song looks ahead, it also carries our love and appreciation for John and the role he played in its creation.”

Available On: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.

Release Date: May 30, 2025.

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Single Release #5 – Wry Smile

Westy — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 18:21:37 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Defiant Political Anthem “Wry Smile,” Urging Listeners to Embrace the Power of Voting

Available Now on All Streaming Platforms and Bandcamp

October 25, 2024 – UK – British singer-songwriter Craig Westwood has released “Wry Smile,” a bold and defiant new track with a resounding message: the power to instigate change lies within every individual. Available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase on Bandcamp, “Wry Smile” invites listeners to challenge political systems that seem rigged against them and to reclaim their voice in an era when democracy is at a critical juncture.

Written in 2017 against a backdrop of turbulent political climates in both the United States and the UK, “Wry Smile” was inspired by the rise of divisive, right-wing leaders who prioritized personal gain over the well-being of their people. With the now-iconic line, “If I’m just a nobody, then I can be anybody,” Westwood issues a rallying cry for voters to unite against leaders who see them as “nobodies.” In a defiant tone that underscores the power of collective action, the song speaks to the resilience of ordinary people and their ability to effect change by voting.

“Wry Smile speaks directly to leaders who misuse their position to further their own selfish interests rather than those of the people,” says Westwood. “This isn’t just about one leader or one country; it’s about holding all politicians accountable. And that means voting for people who care about the greater good, not just themselves.”

With its 70s-inspired acoustic rock sound, “Wry Smile” weaves wordplay and irony into a timeless yet urgent musical experience. Fans of KT Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” or Elvis Costello’s clever lyricism will feel right at home with Westwood’s distinct blend of biting social commentary and powerful instrumentation. The track’s raw, acoustic rock energy serves as the perfect vehicle for its politically charged message, underscoring the song’s urgency and relevance to today’s listeners.

In both America and the UK, “Wry Smile”’s message strikes a timely chord. Westwood wrote the song after witnessing the early days of Donald Trump’s presidency and the United Kingdom’s move towards Brexit—two decisions he saw as reflective of a growing disconnect between the powerful and the everyday citizen. With Brexit marking Britain’s retreat from a united Europe and Trump’s administration prioritizing division over unity, “Wry Smile” challenges listeners to be proactive in preventing history from repeating itself.

Wry Smile’s release comes at a pivotal moment, as the U.S. approaches its 2024 presidential election. Westwood hopes that the track not only resonates with listeners but also inspires action. “My hope is that this song encourages people to pay more attention to politics, especially in the United States where the stakes are so high,” Westwood shares. “We have the power to choose who represents us—leaders who genuinely care about the people, rather than those looking to line their own pockets. Our vote is our voice.”

With the urgency of “Wry Smile,” Westwood has created a song for today’s world—one that calls for engagement, unity, and accountability. Listeners are invited to join him in using their voices, especially as many countries face crucial elections and decisions. “Democracy only works if we’re all a part of it,” says Westwood. “I want this song to remind people that they’re not powerless.”

About Craig Westwood

Craig Westwood is a UK-born singer-songwriter known for his powerful lyrics, socially conscious themes, and unique acoustic rock sound. With influences spanning from the raw energy of the 1970s to the biting wordplay of artists like Elvis Costello, Westwood crafts music that resonates deeply with audiences around the world. “Wry Smile” joins a lineup of songs that reflect his commitment to speaking truth to power, calling for change, and inspiring listeners to think critically about the world around them.

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Release #6 – (Don’t Hurry) Slow Down

Single Release #5 – Wry Smile