Welcome back to Remix Radar! Since our last connection, some excitement has occurred. The Academy Awards took the spotlight on Sunday with a meandering, often boring and often underwhelming show. For the most part, there was no controversy with the winners. Congrats to Bong Joon-Ho and Parasite, which became the bells of the ball by winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Screenplay. It was the first time a non-English-speaking film won Best Picture and proves that great pieces of art can transcend language and be awarded. Maybe the Grammy’s will see a similar progression?
The Academy Awards also brought us quite a few musical numbers. Janelle Monae kicked the event off with a tribute to the memorable movies of the year. It got a little awkward when she tried to get the celebrity crowd to join in, but otherwise, it was a great performance. Cynthia Ervio had a show-stopping performance of “Stand Up”, the Oscar-nominated song from Harriet. She was joined on-stage by a gospel choir to create a truly magical moment. It wouldn’t be an awards show this year if Billie Eilish and Finneas didn’t make an appearance. The sibling-duo sang an ultra-melancholy version of the Beatles’ “Yesterday” during the In Memoriam segment. It was exactly what you expect from the two. There was also an unexpected Eminem performance. Many people I’ve spoken to – and what I’ve seen in the media – were quite bewildered by his appearance. It’s not like this was an anniversary of the release or had any relevance to the ceremony. 8 Mile came out 18 years ago and Eminem refused to perform back then. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to wait two years and have a redemption anniversary performance? I guess the Oscars were okay with being a promotional tool for an upcoming album. Also, it’s Black History Month, wouldn’t Three 6 Mafia have been the better choice for a legacy performance? Final note, it was quite funny seeing the audiences’ reaction to Eminem’s performance (Looking at you Martin Scorsese).
With that being said, we have a great week of Remix Radar. We feature Sonny Fodera, Digitalism, and Franky Wah. Scroll down for the fun!
Vintage Culture & Fancy Inc – In The Dark (Sonny Fodera Remix)
I’m a big fan of the original version of “In The Dark” from Vintage Culture and Fancy Inc. It has this soaring-like feeling to the production that latches to listeners. In a surprise twist, Sonny Fodera creates a deep house version that is even more of a vibe.
SPARKLING – We Don’t Want It (Digitalism Remix)
German trio, SPARKLING get a funky-house remix from Digitalism. “We Don’t Want It” transforms from a really cool, original indie sound to a thumping dance sound with an insatiable groove. The original “We Don’t Want it” is great and Digitalism makes it even better.
Duke Dumont – Therapy (Franky Wah Remix)
I’ve been a big fan of each Franky Wah release. He creates a very current take on classic house & dance sounds that I find to be absolutely incredible. His remix of Duke Dumont’s “Therapy” brings that same sound to listeners and unleashes a perfect remix upon our eardrums.
Shadow Child & Mark Archer Present MASC – Eye Feel (Dance System Remix)
Shadow Child and Mark Archer make the triumphant return of their collaborative project, MASC, with the Return Of The MASC EP. On the EP’s b-side, is the Dance System remix of “Eye Feel”, which was off the previous MASC EP. The British artist blends tempos and genres to truly create a buzzy new sound for current listening tastes.
Above & Beyond pres. Tranquility Base – Surrender (Tinlicker Remix)
Nestled neatly in the Anjunadeep 11 compilation, which by the way is incredible, is a new Tinlicker remix of Above & Beyond’s Tranquility Base monicker. “Surrender” was originally released, almost 16 years ago, in 2004. Tinlicker creates a beautiful, melodic remix that still retains a bit of the original’s spirit, but provides a fresh take that is breathtaking.
Joris Voorn – Never (Colyn Remix)
The opening track on Joris Voorn’s Four receives the first remix of the album. Dutch artist, Colyn, brings a darker, almost techno-esque sound to “Never”. Colyn adds screeching windpipes that creates a hauntingly mystical sound to the remix.
Miami Horror – Restless (Turbotito Remix)
Indie-darlings, Miami Horror, is gearing up to release a new album in 2020. Their first single was the ultra-groovy and playful “Restless”. It receives the remix treatment from Turbotito, the project from Filip Nikolic who is known for his role in Poolside and countless production credits. He brings an imaginative, disco-inspired sound that unleashes a new level of sultriness for “Restless”.
Armin van Buuren Ft. Ne-Yo – Unlove You (KOLIDESCOPES Remix)
For those of you who have been consistent readers of Remix Radar will have caught on to the fact that I don’t really like pop/commercial dance sounds. However, KOLIDESCOPES has done a fantastic job of creating a riveting remix that contains those pop elements. Their take on “Unlove You” from Armin van Buuren and Ne-Yo is a well-constructed tune that has a little something for everyone.
Huxley & Lazarusman – Power (Marco Lys Remix)
Huxley teams-up with South African poet Lazarusman to formulate a gritty techno track that provides a commentary on power and influence. The legend Marco Lys provides a gnarly remix that has more of a driving build that creates an infectious, dancefloor exploding energy. When those synths hit you’ll know what I mean.
Chris Liebing Ft. Polly Scatter Good & Ralf Hildenbeutel – And All Went Dark (Mark Broon’s Vision Remix)
Prominent techno producer, Chris Liebing released part 1 of his BURN SLOW remixes. The stand out remix comes from Mark Broon who spins “And All Went Dark” into a banging melodic techno track. His sound design is exquisite and even makes the track less creepy.
Joyhauser – Entropy (Rudosa Remix)
The techno-duo Joyhauser released a new remix pack of their track “Entropy”. My favorite from the pack comes from British artist, Rudosa. His remix stays within the techno spectrum, but he speeds the beat up with a gooey bassline and adds some extra flair with shimmering synths.
ONE FROM THE VAULT
Shadow Child – So High (Hot Since 82 Remix)
After I had listened to the Return Of The MASC EP, I was served this Hot Since 82 remix of “So High”. The bassline and beat are so sticky, the synth melody is delightful, and the sample work is perfect. On top of it, the build and drop are such a vibe that this remix will be stuck in the back of your consciousness.
