Pharrell – Happy (Woodkid Sad Remix)

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Pharrell’s chart-topping, hit single “Happy” is ubiquitous by this point, and already numerous bootleg remixes abound. However, even the happiest of subjects often have a melancholic underpinning, which is exactly what is explored by French musician and director Yoann Lemoine (aka Woodkid) in this ‘sad’ rendition of the Pharrell piece. In a beautiful and poignant contrast from the original, Lemoine infuses the melody with a dramatic instrumentation of strings, piano, and minor chords — exposing the fragile core of its predecessor. Stream the gut-wrenching result below.

RMX Roundup: RÜFÜS + Claptone / Zella Day + Marian Hill / Follow Me

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Another Saturday night calls for another Remix Roundup — so let’s get started shall we? First up, we have the new Claptone reconstruction of RÜFÜS‘s third single “Sundream.” The German producer adds some tight deep house percussion that doesn’t stray too much from the original — perfectly lending itself to your late Saturday night activities. Next, Marian Hill has reworked singer Zella Day‘s “Sweet Ophelia” into a funky, fresh chopped-up reinterpretation worthy of your time. And finally, NYC production duo Follow Me regale us with their high-energy single “Somethin’ Bout You,” that will indeed make you want to follow them — or break out into dance — one or the other. Get down with this groovy dance floor track by streaming below and picking up the free download on Soundcloud.

BROODS – Bridges + ASTR

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Brother/sister duo BROODS has made quite the impression on the blogosphere, and with their hit debut single “Bridges” it’s easy to understand why. Produced by the Grammy award-winning (and Lorde producer) Joel Little, the New Zealand siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott are clearly poised for international success with their ethereal atmospheric sound. What’s really blowing me away though is the below remix from NY production duo ASTR, who apply a breathtaking balearic beat and melody that manages to elevate the original in my mind. If you’re in the DC market, you can catch BROODS at U Street Music Hall this Friday, May 2 and ASTR opening for The Knocks at 930 Club June 16.

Bon Iver – Holocene (Satchmode Remix)

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This dreamy new remix of Bon Iver’s “Holocene” from Satchmode is the perfect downtempo soundtrack for this rainy day in the district. The LA production duo keeps Justin Vernon’s vocals at the forefront — adding an underlying shimmery layer of immersive synths to stunning effect. Listen below, and pick up a free download over on Soundcloud.

 

RMX Roundup: MS MR + Goldroom / The 1975 + EMBRZ / Mr Little Jeans + Y&S

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Time for another edition of Remix Roundup! The LA producer Goldroom has been killing it lately, and I’m loving his mix of MS MR‘s “Hurricane.” This track has already been given the remix treatment several times over, but Goldroom brings something new to the table with signature sun-drenched production. Next we have EMBRZ, the boy wonder from Ireland with a knack for glitch-pop. His take on The 1975‘s track “Settle Down” is spot-on with his chopped up synths and sonic dreamscape. And finally, Dutch artist Nick Van Hofwegen (Young & Sick) has teamed up with Harvest Records labelmate, Mr Little Jeans to give her song “Good Mistake” a darker, more digitized remodel. Retaining the original catchy melody that makes the original so brilliant, the soulful ‘Y&S $500 Remix’ is a fresh new way to enjoy the electropop number. Stream all three electronic gems below.

RMX Roundup: MØ + Goldroom / Sam Smith + Rainer & Grimm / Daughter + BAILE

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Welcome to another edition of Remix Roundup! Let’s get started with this Goldroom/ collaboration on the soulful track “Don’t Wanna Dance.” The LA producer/DJ takes the Danish artist MØ’s original to nu-disco-heights with his hypnotic, shimmering synthed-up rendition. (Sidenote: DC’ers can catch the Danish songstress performing at U Street Music Hall on May 20.) Next up is Brooklyn producer BAILE‘s electronic rework of British indie rock band Daughter‘s song “Love” — off their 2012 EP Wild Youth (via 4AD). Dark and foreboding, this downtempo and percussion-laden remix blends well with Elena Tonra’s chilling vocals. Last but not least is the gorgeous Rainer and Grimm re-imagining of Sam Smith‘s affective new ballad, “Stay With Me.” I’ve been waiting for a quality retake on this one, and it turns out the Toronto-based production duo were just the ones to step up to the plate. Stream all three tracks below — each of which is available for FREE by following their respective DL links on Soundcloud.

RMX Roundup: London Grammar Edition

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In honor of their upcoming sold-out 930 Club show in DC on Monday, this edition of Remix Roundup is dedicated to one of my favorite artists at the moment  London Grammar  and the myriad of remixes devoted to them. So many in fact, that it was difficult to pare down to just the top five (can you tell I’m a fan?). Alas, it had to be done.

First up is the top-notch rework of their track “Hey Now” from Tensnake, an upbeat disco remix that hits euphoric levels at 2:55. Next we slow things down a bit with Budo‘s rendering of “If You Wait.” The Seattle-based producer takes the gorgeous vocals of Hannah Reid and accentuates them with different instruments in this downtempo rework — available for free on Soundcloud. Next we have High Contrast‘s energetic recast of “Strong,” and producer Paul Woolford‘s perfectly punched up rendition of collaborative track with Disclosure “Help Me Lose My Mind.” And rounding out this week’s epically long installment of Remix Roundup (#sorrynotsorry), we have Henry Schwarz‘s bass-infused version of “Wasting My Young Years.” The German producer’s reinterpretation encapsulates everything the group embodies — powerful, poignant music with shimmering soundscapes and haunting vocals. Stream below and let me know your favorite, (if that’s possible).

 

RMX Roundup: Stevie + Autograf / We Were Evergreen + Aeroplane / Mapei + Kingdom

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RMX Roundup: Coldplay + Urban Contact / BreakDLaw + ManiezzL / L D R U + Yahtzel

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Chris Martin may be making news lately for his “conscious uncoupling” with Gwyn, but as you may’ve also heard he has his new album Ghost Stories coming out April 19. Cbeck out the superb Urban Contact remix of Coldplay’s new minimalist single “Midnight” below and consciously calm yourself over the stars’ split. A free download is available on the Urban Contact’s facebook page here. Next up in this issue of Remix Roundup is the sexy rework of BreakDLaw’s “Paint Me Like A French Girl” by ManiezzL, aka Austrian producers Max Manie and Scheinizzl. With the pulsing synths and lively house beat, you’ll be “eager and keen” to stream below. Finally we have Future Classic’s latest act L D R U, collaborating with fellow Aussie Yahtzel on the ebullient track “The Only One.” Find this fantastical fusion of tropical bass and ambient beats gratis on Soundcloud.

Panama – Strange Feeling

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Panama have put out another amazing single with the US release of their EP Always via Future Classic earlier this month. True to the Aussie group’s epithet of purveyors of nostalgic electronic sounds, “Strange Feeling” is a warm, piano-driven track with hopeful indie house vibes. Listen below and pick up the free Casino Gold rework replete with wobbling synths as well.

https://soundcloud.com/wearepanamatheband/panama-strange-feeling-1