Sanchez and Hashian release new summer track “Speed It Up,” celebrating freestyle music.
Musicians Junior Sanchez and Lauren Hashian have joined forces to create a vibrant new summer track, “Speed It Up.”
This collaboration highlights Sanchez’s continued streak of musical partnerships, following recent work with artists like Mýa and renowned producers Mike Dean and Lee Wilson.
Hashian, who is known for her dynamic musical style and heartfelt performances, shared her excitement about working with Sanchez.
“Junior is truly all about the music and all about bringing people together and spreading positive vibes through his musical gifts.
It was a joy to tap into the freestyle era of the late ’80s, early ’90s, and some of those hits we all still sing word for word,” Hashian, 39, expressed in an interview with PEOPLE.
Freestyle music, a genre that saw its peak in the late ’80s and early ’90s, is not commonly heard today. However, both Sanchez and Hashian were eager to revisit and revitalize this genre.
“It’s a genre you don’t hear much anymore, so he, Dallas Austin, Naz Tokio, Todd Terry and I were all ready to go against the grain, be unpredictable and bring it back for Junior’s album in 2024,” added Hashian.
Hashian, who is married to actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson, celebrated the release of the song on Instagram.
She praised Sanchez, 47, describing him as “such an important, invaluable, unwavering presence” in the house music genre and community.
Sanchez also took to social media to share the story behind the creation of “Speed It Up.” “The song was created mid-pandemic with songwriters Dallas Austin and Naz Tokio,” he wrote.
“When Todd Terry heard the demo, he was instantly transported back to the era of Freestyle music. He added some special keyboard moments to the final mix, infusing it with authentic Todd Terry flair. I couldn’t be more honored by his contribution.”
Todd Terry, a legendary figure in the house music scene, brought his unique touch to the track, ensuring it stayed true to the freestyle roots while adding a modern twist.
This collaboration has been a labor of love for all involved, with each artist bringing their distinct style and passion to the project.
Earlier this year, Hashian showcased her vocal talents alongside her husband in a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute. The couple sang excerpts from two Sam Cooke tracks, with Johnson praising Hashian’s musical abilities.
“One human here is illuminated today on Mother’s Day, because she is blessed from the heavens above with kindness, empathy, compassion, beauty and an abundance of musical talents that can only be God-given with the voice and harmonies of an angel — all while being the greatest mama in the world to our babies,” Johnson said.
He humorously contrasted his own musical efforts with his wife’s, saying, “The other human here ruins songs by making up vulgar lyrics, followed by a very sinful laugh, while confidently singing in keys that don’t exist — and upon being questioned about song structure, he’ll simply insist, ‘We make up the rules’. And I’m quite sure there’s tequila in his energy drink can.”
Hashian’s ability to seamlessly blend her musical career with her family life is evident in her latest collaboration with Sanchez.
“Speed It Up” is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a celebration of music’s power to bring people together, even in challenging times. This track is poised to become a summer hit, thanks to its infectious rhythm and heartfelt homage to a bygone musical era.
