Sonique, the British singer and DJ who rose to fame with her 1998 hit “It Feels So Good,” discusses the resurgence of her iconic track thanks to a remix by French DJs Matt Sassari and HUGEL. She describes the experience of hearing their reimagining as “completely blown away,” praising their ability to inject fresh energy while retaining the song’s original essence. Excited by this new iteration, Sonique felt compelled to contribute her own vocals, solidifying the remix as an official revival of the club anthem. This renewed success has prompted Sonique to reflect on other reimagined tracks, leading her to curate a playlist showcasing the power of remixes to revitalize classic songs.
Sonique’s curated playlist offers a diverse range of genres, highlighting her eclectic taste. She begins with a drum and bass remix of Fugees’ “Ready or Not” by DJ Aphrodite, emphasizing her early connection to the genre and championing the English drum and bass scene. Next, she selects a KVSH remix of AC/DC’s “TNT,” demonstrating her appreciation for rock music’s integration into the dance world. A Benny Bennassi remix of Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People” follows, lauded for its uplifting quality and unexpected energy. Sonique then turns to a “Voodoo People” remix of The Prodigy’s “Pendulum,” highlighting the raw energy and live instrumentation. A Freejack remix of Sergeant Slick’s dance version of Abba’s “Gimme Gimme Gimme” earns praise for its modern disco vibe. Pete Tong’s orchestral rendition of Ultra Nate’s “Free,” featuring Jules Buckley and LG Giobbi, is lauded for its seamless blend of classic elements.
Continuing her journey through remixed soundscapes, Sonique spotlights a Hardwell remix of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” acknowledging the challenge of bringing the iconic track to the club scene while praising Hardwell’s successful execution. A Patrick Cowley remix of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” is celebrated for its extended 16-minute runtime, a testament to the original track’s enduring appeal. Naturally, Sonique includes the Matt Sassari and HUGEL remix of her own “It Feels So Good,” recounting the surprise and excitement of hearing her song reimagined and the subsequent joy of collaborating with the DJs to add her vocals. Finally, she discusses her own remix of The Loft Club’s “Heart’s Desire,” featuring her own vocals, emphasizing the uplifting vibe she aimed to achieve and the successful fusion of rock and dance elements.
Through this curated playlist, Sonique not only celebrates the art of the remix but also reveals her deep and diverse musical interests. Her selections range from hard-hitting drum and bass to classic rock infused with electronic beats, showcasing her appreciation for artists who can successfully bridge genres and eras. Moreover, her commentary on each track reveals her understanding of the nuances of remixing, acknowledging the delicate balance between honoring the original and injecting fresh perspective. The resurgence of her own hit further underscores the enduring power of a well-crafted song and the potential for remixes to introduce classic tracks to new generations.
Sonique’s journey from 90s dance icon to a champion of reimagined classics reflects the evolving landscape of music. The ability to breathe new life into familiar tracks allows artists to transcend temporal boundaries, connecting with audiences across generations. The success of the “It Feels So Good” remix not only reintroduces Sonique to the spotlight but also highlights the collaborative nature of modern music production. By embracing the remix culture, artists can forge connections, expand their reach, and ensure the longevity of iconic tracks.
The playlist curated by Sonique serves as a testament to the power of remixing to rejuvenate and recontextualize existing music. Each track exemplifies the potential of a skillful remix to amplify the original’s strengths while adding unique elements that appeal to contemporary audiences. The diverse selection of genres represented highlights the versatility of remixing as a creative tool, capable of transforming tracks across a wide spectrum of musical styles. Ultimately, the playlist celebrates the enduring appeal of classic songs and the ability of remixes to bridge generations and keep the music alive.
In conclusion, Sonique’s reflection on the resurgence of her own hit and her curated playlist of reimagined tracks showcases the enduring power of music and the transformative potential of remixes. The ability to reimagine and reinvent classic songs not only introduces them to new audiences but also allows artists to explore new creative avenues and collaborate in innovative ways. Sonique’s experience serves as a reminder that great music can transcend time and that the art of the remix can keep the spirit of classic tracks alive for generations to come.
