Rendition, episode 2.09

Rendition, episode 2.09 features three remixes that will make your heart skip a beat, but it all begins with a complete reinterpretation of one of our favorite songs from 2015.

Astronauts, etc. – “I Know” (Harriet Brown – Alternate Reality Island Vacation Version) (Oakland & Los Angeles, USA)

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Anthony Ferraro’s project as Astronauts, etc. has long been a personal favorite because of his ability to create multiple layers and textures and create something lush and immersive, like with the single “I Know” from this great debut album, Mind Out Wandering. To think someone could reinterpret it was unthinkable – until now. Los Angeles-based, multi-instrumentalist Harriet Brown has taken Ferraro’s cosmic sonicscapes and brought them back to earth, namely the beach. The single is still gorgeous and lush, but it’s a dazzling delight of Caribbean vibes. The guitar work in the latter half of the track is memorable. Could this rendition be better than the original? Even Anthony think it revivals his version.

LOLAWOLF – “Drive” (Clayjay Remix) (NYC & San Francisco, USA)

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A bit more of a “traditional” remix is Clayjay‘s reinterpretation of LOLAWOLF‘s “Drive”, although admittedly that’s not a fair characterization. This rendition is cool, calm, and breezy. It’s not a lightning rod of electronic beats and overdubs. Instead, Clayjay respects the original’s lush sensibilities while adding a few extra touches to heighten the emotions in the song.

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Shana Halligan – “Something Real” (Tensei Remix) Ft Adad (Los Angeles & Chicago, USA)

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Meanwhile, Tensei have turned Shana Halligan‘s electro-pop number “Something Real” into a darker, more sultry song. This rendition turns the tune into one that edges close to being a soul tune at times, until Adad steps in with some quick workplay. This remix is really delicate, something that you don’t often associate with the genre – and that’s a compliment to the Chicago-based, production duo.

Danelle – “Chairs” (Cabu Remix) (Los Angeles, USA & Sydney, Australia)

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Cabu has done something similar with the chilling vibes of Danelle‘s “Chairs”. Instead of parlaying the song into a booming dance number, the Sydney-based producer has turned the song into a chess match involving two people, that interplay between them where one waits for the other to make the first move. It’s another sultry number that will have the heart pounding even if the overdubs and beats are not. That’s a sign of a producer who recognizes the importance of pace and subtlety to create an intimate and haunting atmosphere.