My favorite thing about electronic music is that possibilities for creating different instrumental tracks are endless. One thing that I do on a daily basis is find different remixes for a song and listen for new combinations of beats, chords and synth effects that mix well with the main melody. It’s definitely interesting, and it’s taught me a lot about different sound effects that I can incorporate into my own music.
Above all, listening to remixes is a lot like listening to a song for the very first time. Oftentimes, I will hear a song and wish that it were a little faster or slower, with a little more bass, or a few extra beats here and there. Remixes can make these ideas into reality, and it’s really cool to hear someone make variations to a song in the exact way that you had envisioned. Other times, a remix can show you a version of a song that you never expected would work. Either way, it’s a lot of fun.
Below are 10 of my favorite remixes/ covers (in no particular order)
1) Lost (Frank Ocean Cover) — Major Lazer
This is a very unexpected remix to the song that I stumbled upon last year. Unlike the original song, which has a very chilled out/ quiet feel, this remix is much more loud and energetic. While the original song uses guitar, this remix is mostly synth, and sounds much more tropical/ reggae-like.
2) Take Me To Church (Hozier Cover) — Ellie Goulding
Also an unexpected take on the original song by Hozier. This remix replaces the drum beat from the original song, and is much more synth-based, Overall, the remix has a chilled-out feel to it.
3) Black Widow (Delay Remix)
Both the original and this remix provide a lot of bass to get listeners hyped, but the remix throws in even more bass, with an intense build up and a trap-style drop that is very rhythmic and catchy.
4) I See Fire (Kygo Remix) – Ed Sheeran
This is one of my favorite remixes. Kygo turns the main guitar riff/theme from the original song and introduces a new timbre that sounds kind of like an Asian instrument (the Guzheng), and the melody line is also played with synth sounds. There is more bass added, but Kygo is able to maintain a chilled-out feel to the remix (like he does for the rest of his songs too, so if you like this check out his other music!).
5) Say My Name (RAC Remix) – ODESZA
I’m a huge ODESZA, and I love their sparkly dream-like sound. That being said, I also really appreciated this remix by RAC (who came for Rites of Spring last year!). RAC is able to keep the energy of the original song, but instead of using more synth, introduces an extremely catchy electric guitar riff that works great.
6) Tennis Courts (Flume Remix)
Probably one of the more well-known remixes, Flume’s take on Tennis Courts is amazing. The bass is crazy, the drop is crazy, and the synth build up in the bass line makes the song pretty intense.
7) Want That Old Thing Back (Matoma Remix) – The Notorious B.I.G.
When I was talking about the fact that remixes can show you versions of songs that you never thought would work, I had this song in mind the whole time. This is an unlikely mix of old school rap and tropical house—something that I would never think to throw together—that works ridiculously well.
8) Real Love (The Chainsmokers Remix) – Clean Bandit
This remix slows down the original song drastically, but it sounds awesome. There are so many different short synth melodies introduced throughout the verses, and the drop is extremely catchy (it even includes saxophones!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZnx0jpHWSw
9) Crave You (Adventure Club Remix) – Flight Facilities
Another classic remix that gives an otherwise chill and quiet song a slightly more energetic makeover. The verses have a little bass thrown in, but the overall feel of the song is still relaxed.
10) Suit & Tie (Oliver Nelson Remix) – Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z
This is another one of my favorites. This tropical take on Justin Timberlake’s song is extremely lively and cheerful, and the synth instrumentals/beats are completely different from the original. I would definitely suggest adding this song to a summer playlist.