Premiering today, Wishing & Waiting sees Exile, Lupole and Harry Shotta link up on a vocal-led cut landing via Make Your Era. It is a track that leans into songwriting as much as sonics, built with enough weight for the dance but clearly aimed beyond it.
Exile and Lupole keep the production clean and deliberate. The drums roll with purpose, giving the track forward motion without crowding the mix, while the bassline sits low and controlled. Where it really opens up is in the musical detail, soft chords, subtle textures and a warmth that nods back to early UK garage and grime influences without ever sounding dated. It feels considered rather than overbuilt, which suits the vocal focus.
Harry Shotta anchors the record. His delivery is tight and measured, sitting comfortably in the pocket while still carrying presence. The lyrical angle keeps things grounded, centred on that familiar cycle of anticipation and doubt at the start of something new. Waiting on messages, second-guessing timing, small moments stretched out. It is simple, but it lands because it is believable, and Shotta knows exactly how to phrase it.
What gives the track its edge is the structure. Instead of building towards a single drop, Wishing & Waiting unfolds more like a complete song. The transitions feel natural, the energy rises and falls without forcing it, and it holds attention without needing a big switch-up. That opens it up to a wider range of settings, from radio and streaming through to more melodic points in a set.
As a premiere, it also gives a clear snapshot of where Make Your Era is heading. With Vibe Chemistry behind the label, there is a noticeable push towards collaboration and crossover without losing touch with drum and bass fundamentals. Bringing together Exile, Lupole and Harry Shotta makes sense in that context, three different approaches meeting in the middle and landing on something cohesive.
Wishing & Waiting does not try to overstate itself. It is confident in what it is, a well-written, well-produced vocal track that understands its lane. As premieres go, it is a strong look for both the artists and the label.
