What makes the perfect remix?
How much of the original track’s identity do you keep? How much do you flip it?
How do you pay respect to the original artist’s style while conveying your own signature?
What if you’re remixing a personal favourite? How do you develop or subvert an idea that’s already so solid in your head?
Questions questions.
And we don’t have any technically detailed answers soz. But we can get the conversation started as we shine a little spotlight and shed a little insight on the new CLIQUES Got Remixed Volume 2 release.
Out this month, it’s the start of a new remix collection the Brighton duo are gradually rolling out. Following the original CLIQUES Got Remixed VA way back in 2021 (back when they were a trio and rumours persisted that Barry from Eastenders was a member of the act), this new collection promises to take CLIQUES’ sound to all corners of the 174 spectrum and it starts with the reboot of two breakthrough bangers from two highly respected names in the game from two very different generations of producers.
Their 2022 Grim Sickers-fronted power-up Back Up gets an earth-flattening diesel-fuelled boost from the mighty moustachioed neuro scientist (and occasional on-screen psycho / axe murderer) Audio, an artist respected for his technical tekkers and his consistent reputation for unapologetic dnb weaponry for well over 20 years.
CLIQUES’ 2021 sonic serpent Anaconda, meanwhile, gets charmed into an XXXL carnivorous beast by new-gen headliner and A-list neuro warrior MEL. Originally released on The Prototypes label Get Hype almost five years ago, MEL brings Anaconda bang up to date with obscene levels of brutalist funk.
“It felt like big boots to fill because the original tune is such a banger already,” MEL admits. “And being alongside the don Audio on the double release made it feel even bigger! I wanted to keep that original energy and add my own twist without overdoing it. Took a bit of back and forth with myself, but once it all came together I felt good about where it landed. Definitely learnt a lot from it too, which is what my production journey is all about right now.”
“My remix came together very nicely to be fair,” says Audio in contrast. A producer renowned for his knack of turning in powerful reboots on the regs. “The original had lots of interesting things going on so it made it easier for me to choose a path with a remix. I love remixing it’s why I do so many and this was no different. I caught a vibe on the first session which I built on further and was super happy with the result.”
Both cuts hit with precision and panache, as you’d expect. Describing the remixes as “music built to smash raves and stand the test of time,” CLIQUES are happy, too.
“It’s an honour to have them on this release,” they explain. “As we’ve evolved as a group, we’ve made the decision to only work with people we genuinely respect, like, and can give something back to, as much as they give to us. In CLIQUES we are now doubling down on being ourselves and delivering nothing but realness via our music, podcast and the artists we work with and will be full of surprises. This is the start of a relentless 12 months, strap in.”
Strap in or shut up: We’ve already had a sneaky peak at some of the remixes coming next and every safety precaution is worthwhile. Like everything they’ve done since their guerilla entrance into the game in 2020, Paul and Phil are doubling down harder than ever. And it starts with these versions from MEL and Audio.
To celebrate this moment we asked all concerned for their secret ingredient to a killer remix. Here’s what they told us.
CLIQUES Got Remixed Vol 2 is out now. Follow CLIQUES on Instagram for more updates.
“The secret ingredient is basically paying homage to the original while adding your signature sound to it. It can also depend on the status of the original. If it’s a stone cold classic it’s a mistake to stray too far from what made it great. Not a classic? I feel there’s a lot more freedom to take it into unknown territory.” Audio
“I think the secret is making sure the identity of the original is still there, because people still wanna connect with that…but at the same time, putting enough of your own spin on it so it feels fresh, It’s a balance between respect and creativity.” MEL
“Sometimes people stick too close to the originals. While that’s cool, and still going to get a reaction, we want people to grab hold of the tune and take in their own direction. Much like Audio did with the direction of Back Up. When I heard that I thought, ‘There’s no way in the world I’ve have thought about this or be able to do it!’ That’s what I’m talking about: Make it your own and not a copy of the original.” CLIQUES.
