Posted By: Editor
October 10, 2022
KATIE GREGSON-MACLEOD
SHARES NEW SINGLE
‘COMPLEX’
NEW VERSION OF BREAKOUT TIKTOK SONG
PRODUCED BY GREG KURSTIN
Today, breakthrough Scottish singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod shares her highly-anticipated new single ‘complex’ via Columbia Records.
Written by Katie and produced by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Paul McCartney, Maggie Rogers), the track is a new version of her breakout single ‘complex (demo)’.
The new version of ‘complex’ adds extra emotional weight to what was already a deeply heartbreaking tale of unrequited love. It retains Katie’s original lyrics from the song that immediately captivated listeners, while updated production from the Grammy award-winning producer lifts her intimate yet powerful vocal performance to new heights.
Prior to the release of ‘complex (demo)’ in August, the song quickly became a viral TikTok phenomenon, inspiring cover versions from the likes of Camila Cabello, King Princess, Madison Beer, Tom Walker and more in the span of just two weeks, with Katie eventually joining musician and singer-songwriter JP Saxe in New York City to perform the song together at the Rockwood Music Hall. ‘complex (demo)’ was recently named Tune of the Week by Jack Saunders on his BBC Radio 1 Future Artists show.
Speaking on the new version of the song, Katie shares: “It was really important to me to release the song in its rawest form, hence the demo release on the 26th of August, but beyond that I also wanted to see where else the song could be taken. When the opportunity arose to work with Greg Kurstin I couldn’t believe it and working with him was something that even seven weeks ago I never would’ve imagined to be on the cards. Greg understood the light hand and subtlety with which I wanted to make this new version, and at the centre of the process was protecting the raw emotion of the track. I’m really excited for everyone to hear this new version, which I feel goes somewhere new, but still conveys the unguarded moment in which it was written only two months ago.”
Hailing from Inverness (in the Scottish Highlands) and, until recently, working in a coffee shop, Katie’s candid songwriting and stunning vocal abilities have quickly captured a global audience. ‘complex’ and ‘complex (demo)’ follow the independently released single ‘Second Single Bed’ and Katie’s 2021 debut 5-track EP Games I Play, which received support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Music Introducing and BBC Scotland, with Vic Galloway naming her one of BBC Scotland’s 25 Artists To Watch In 2022.
“An elegiac capturing of the hollow, zombielike experience of loving someone far more
than they can, or will, love you back.” – New York Times
“Katie Gregson-MacLeod’s songwriting is as dynamic as it is honest as it
meditates on the pitfalls of complicated love” – NYLON
“There’s a quiet confidence to Katie’s work that eases gently into a realm of its own” – CLASH
“Katie Gregson-MacLeod has already captured listeners hearts with
her vulnerable lyricism and stunning vocal ability” – Notion
“This is perfect, I have not heard many songs capture the transition between youth
and adulthood… The lyrics are just incredible” – Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1
