Biography

Multi-platinum recording artist Colin Hay released his new single, "We The People," Friday on Compass Records. The song, co-written with rapper Derrick “Solpowa” Rice arrives just as the 2024 election cycle reaches a fever pitch. “We The People” serves as an anthem and call to action, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. With its stirring combination of Hay’s soulful vocals and Rice’s impactful rap verses, the track resonates as a timely reminder of the power vested in each citizen.

A founding member and the unmistakable voice of the iconic Australian band Men at Work, Colin Hay has made his mark on music history with hits like “Down Under” and “Overkill.” His distinctive voice, songwriting craft, and stage charisma have not only fueled a successful solo career but also earned him a loyal fan base across generations. Now, with “We The People,” Hay adds a vital message to his body of work, calling on listeners to reflect on their civic duty and consider the importance of participating in a democratic society.

Hay speaks to the process behind the song and the serendipitous collaboration with Derrick “Solpowa” Rice: “When I wrote the music and verse/chorus lyrics of ‘We The People,’ I imagined someone rhyming on it, but I wasn’t sure who that could be,” he shares. “Then I heard Derrick ‘Sol’ Rice rap on one of my wife Cecilia Noël’s tracks, and I loved his words and sound. So he dropped in to the studio and wrote and recorded his rhymes in the B sections of ‘We The People’ in an hour or so. Fantastic work.”

The song is paired with a compelling music video featuring Hay and Solpowa, which visually captures the spirit of the track. Both artists deliver impassioned performances against a backdrop of evocative imagery, adding another layer of depth to the song’s message.