What's the science behind asking for a remix? Do artists ever hope that the remix doesn't get more exposure than their original? That has to be an awkward phone conversation, right? "Say, fam, thanks for knocking out that remix, but why you have to do me like that?!"
Remixes can make you appreciate the original more, but there are times where that remix totally overshadows the original - sometimes to the point where you think the remix IS the original. From drum & bass to house, here are 10 examples of the remix being better than the original.
Flosstradamus - "Rollup (Baauer Remix)"
Nothing like that cough cough to let you know the dynamite is about to go boom. The inventive sample chopping, the thunderous bass; Baauer breathed new life into this one, and mashed down a number of clubs doing so.
Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl ft. Georgi Kay - "In My Mind (Axwell Mix)"
Even Feenixpawl drops this over their original mix. Bow down to the master right? The Grammy committee nominated this classic for "Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical" in 2012, and although it didn't win, it easily could have. The catchy hooks and soaring synths might fit the now tiring big room trend, but there's no doubt that this one is a classic and will be lighting up dancefloors for years to come.
Major Lazer - "Original Don (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Yes, we love Major Lazer and so do you. We get it. But did you even know the original had come out until you heard the #HOODIEBOYZ take on it? Hell, this birthed an entire sound in the EDM scene. DAD, you know where we found this: In the TRAP!
Rusko - "Everyday (Netsky Remix)"
Netsky absolutely murdered this one. The tune dropped at a time when dubstep was at its peak in America and it certainly helped christen a new generation of drum & bass fans when it did. That drumstep sound can work wonders.
La Roux - "In For The Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix)"
Has anyone ever said to you electronic music doesn't have emotion? soul? Many hater has been converted with this one heater. From the rolling sub-bass to the supreme vocals, the raw emotion and intensity just drips from this cut like that post-coitus glow. Skream harnesses the track's original upbeat, almost playful tone and turns it into a ravaging sexual monster.
Adrian Lux - "Teenage Crime (Axwell & Henrik B Remode)"
It's like the original didn't even exist because everyone thinks this one is the original.
Rusko ft. Amber Coffman - "Hold On (Sub Focus Remix)"
No hate on Rusko, we love ya, but this is the second time he's appearing on this list. Sub Focus came correct with this remix, upping the energy to take us on a ride and making us really want to "Hold On" Sometimes you hear a remix and you think this has to be the original, right? Sub Focus' rework was so good, it could have (should have?) been the original, although you've not lived until you've seen Kristina Rose's (totally NSFW) dance to this one.
Flight Facilities - "Crave You (Adventure Club Remix)"
Lovestep, dreamstep, baby-making step, name this whatever you want, there's no doubt that Adventure Club truly arrived with this one. An aboslute mind-melting, panty droppin' banger, this one is not just a great remix, but a dubstep classic.
AlunaGeorge - "Attracting Flies (Baauer Remix)"
This honestly could have been our oversight, because this remix is just massive. Most people may know Baauer for his "Harlem Shake," but any true fan knows he's not just a one trick pony, allowing his ventures into remix land to showcase the depth of his artistry.
Roni Size & DJ Die - "The Calling (Goldie Remix)"
Roni and Die crafted a sub-heavy jazzy jungle track, but Goldie threw this one into the Metalheadz chamber, added some somber undertones, and out came a classic.