Connor Jones’ Top 10 Remixes Of 2015

2015 was a big year for EDM, a moment that will go down in music history as a turning point for the genre as it made the transition from the underground fringe to full-blown mainstream popularity. As EDM gained greater exposure in the mainstream world of music consumption, one of its most beloved practices, the art of remixing, saw a boost in popularity as well. The remix is an art form close to the heart of electronic music, allowing artists to transform a previously established product into something entirely new, fostering a collaborative and open community among like minded creators. With a number of EDM singles hitting the pop charts, remixers flooded the internet with re-imaginings of their favorite songs, with varying levels of success. With such a high volume of works produced, there were bound to be great tracks and terrible tracks alike, but I've done my best to go back through the last twelves months and choose the best. So, without further ado, read on for my 10 favorite remixes from 2015. 10) Five Knives - "Savages" - Absence Remix Starting off our list of the top remixes in 2015 is the “Savages” remix by Absence, which was entered in a contest hosted by up and comers Five Knives and wound up placing in the top three. Despite only grabbing their recognition in the form of third prize, Absence’s remix was actually the strongest offering the track got, as the producer gave the song a total 180 by infusing the tribal-themed original with clubby UK style piano chords, pitch shifted vocals and infectiously funky drops. The remix art form thrives on original re-imaginings of existing songs, and Absence managed to pull off that rare feat of taking a song in an entirely different direction and delivering a finished product that stands on its own. 9) Major Lazer - "Lean On" - CRNKN Remix Major Lazer stole the show in 2015 with their absolute monster of a hit “Lean On,” a track which would go on to be named Spotify’s global song of the summer. Featuring MØ’s catchy vocal hooks and production help from “Turn Down For What” producer DJ Snake, “Lean On” dominated the pop and dance worlds alike, and naturally became one of the year’s most remixed songs, making it inevitable that some version of it would show up on this list. However, the song's status as an instant classic made it a difficult choices for remixers, and most of its mixes failed to live up the original. CRNKN’s version, however, which was featured on the official remix EP, served as the stand out rework, utilizing the vocals prominently while sounding original, something the other remixes were unable to achieve. With world music influences, didgeridoo samples, and groovy, laidback drops, CRNKN managed to give a new identity to an already beloved dance anthem. 8) GTA - "Red Lips" - Skrillex Remix While Skrillex’s remix of GTA’s "Red Lips" has floated around the internet in the form of low quality festival rips for a while now, it didn’t receive its official release until November, when the anticipated track dropped in the form of a nightmarish music video. The remix felt like a much needed return to old school Skrill, with massive drops, mind bending rhythms and a warped pop appeal that few producers can pull off. Skrillex has plenty of fun with Sam Bruno’s distinctive vocal takes as well, giving a demonic twist to her singing as the impending drops approach. And the accompanying music video was of course a nice treat for fans, with terrifying surreal imagery and a cryptic plot, full of bizarre choreography and more than a few nods to the classic videos from Chris Cunningham. 7) Disclosure - "Magnets" - A-Trak Remix When Lorde revealed via Twitter over the summer that she was hitting the studio with Disclosure, the internet went into a frenzy of expectation and excitement. The fruits of their labor was finally released as “Magnets” off the UK duo’s sophomore album, Caracal, and was later given an overhaul by A-Trak, who delivered a smooth house remix that brings up the BPM to more club friendly levels without sacrificing the smokey vibes of the original. With pounding four on the floor beats, shuffling hi-hats and bouncy, future house styled bass lines, A-Trak cemented his remix as a formidable dance floor anthem. He even throws in some oh-so-2015 modulated vocal chops during the drops, turning Lorde’s distinctive voice into a raw instrument in its own right. 6) Nero - "The Thrill" - Porter Robinson Remix Anything with both Nero and Porter Robinson’s name on it is bound to be great, and the Worlds producer’s remix of “The Thrill” lives up to its mighty expectations as he strips back some of the original version’s darkness in favor of a melodically driven masterpiece. Alana Watson’s smoky vocals dominate the intro, transposed against an original chord progression as light percussion leads up to the arpeggio saturated drops. Eschewing robotic energy and futuristic sound design in favor of emotive content, Robinson takes “The Thrill” to new highs that contrast the superb original. The remixes final thirty seconds really tie it together, with a stark, 8 bit synth melody that only Porter Robinson could dream up. 5) Zomboy - "Game Over" - Barely Alive Remix Barely Alive gave Zomboy’s “Game Time” a bone shattering Dubstep remix back in May, and it’s one that got constant play from me over the second half of the year. From its emotive builds complete with solid synth work and pitch shifted vocal samples to trademark bass heavy drops, Barely Alive’s remix made Dubstep feel fresh again. Although Zomboy’s original version dates back to the earlier days of Brostep before the market became completely oversaturated, Barely Alive’s update gives “Game Time” a much needed face lift that no doubt melted a few faces on the dance floor. 4) Porter Robinson - "Sea Of Voices" - Galimatias Remix When Porter Robinson’s remix companion to his 2014 classic album Worlds came across my desk this fall, I was understandably excited to be reviewing such a strong offering of remixes. Galimatias’ take on “Sea of Voices” was the stand-out remix from the collection for me, with jazzy vibes, bouncy drops and its light airy feel. Opening with stripped down organic instrumentation and soulful vocals, Galimatias switches things up in the dance oriented sections, throwing a sonic barrage of mutated vocal chops, synth melodies and happy go lucky drums at the listener, resulting in a bubbly remix that will have your toes tapping. 3) Collarbones - "Turning" - Flume Remix 2015 was a fairly quiet year for Flume, even as details of his forthcoming album spilled out slowly across the EDM blogosphere. His summer remix of Collarbones “Turning,” however, was a welcome release that saw the future bass star giving the 2014 track a fresh overhaul, complete with cool, head nodding beats, stark vocals and minimal electronic instrumentation. Flume’s lean approach to the new production proves that less is more, issuing restraint for most of the mix while offering up a re-imagined take on the song with plenty of variation to keep the listener from growing bored. Flume has a penchant for balancing high energy beats and melody, forging a unique identity with everything he touches and managing to make music that is equally suited for the dance floor as it is for headphones listening. His remix of “Turning” is no exception to this rule, and its originality lands it at the number 3 spot. 2) A-ha - "Take On Me" - Kygo Remix 2015 saw Kygo’s meteoric rise to musical prominence in full force, as the Norwegian producer took his Tropical House stylings to new heights as a dominant influence on pop music from the EDM spectrum. His remix of A-ha’s 80’s synthpop classic “Take On Me” was as surprising as it is satisfying, giving the soulful tune a Caribbean update that only Kygo could pull off so successfully. Relaxed vibes and gentle yet clubby beats elevate the catchy vocals, as Kygo infuses his signature pan flute melodies and washes of oceanic white noise into his updated production. The producer built a name for himself off of his tropical updates of existing songs, and “Take On Me” joined the ranks as one of his best remixes in this vein. 1) Jack Ü - "Where Are Ü Now?" - Ember Island Remix While technically more of a cover, Swedish trio Ember Island’s re-work of Jack Ü’s smash hit with Justin Bieber on “Where Are Ü Now” was my favorite remix of 2015, as it stood out as the high point on the single’s remix EP, breathing fresh air into one of the year’s most played out tracks. With Skrillex and Diplo’s cheesier productions points removed, the song’s true heart and soul is revealed, bringing forth a more sincere approach to the now familiar vocal hooks, complete with an Imogen Heap-esque vocoder. Ember Island’s percussion free production may lack the energy of Jack Ü’s original version, but the enhanced emotionality and pastoral tones leave a more lasting impression. For these reasons, Ember Island’s version of “Where Are Ü Now” finds itself as the number one remix of 2015.