#HeyMrDJ – December Picks featuring Alesso, Eli & Fur, Flashmob and More

“Hide” (Amtrac Remix) – Washed Out

Washed Out remixes are usually one of two things – either they just completely kill the vibe of the original or they find a way of outshining the original. “Hide,” one of the standout tracks from the artist’s 2020’s album Purple Noon thankfully does neither. American DJ-producer Amtrac’s remix actually creates a whole new vibe for the song and in many ways, because of the time gap between the original release and the remix, this doesn’t outshine the original but gives it new life. “Hide” builds so beautifully that by the end of the song you don’t want it to end. 

“Vibrate” (Satin Jackets Remix) – IV JAY, Pink Sweat$

American R&B singer songwriter’s IV JAY’s “Vibrate” already had a groovy vibe reminiscent of some of star singer Amel Larrieux’s best work. So it was a perfect fit then to have Satin Jackets remix the smokey single and add even more atmospheric soul to the track. The result is hypnotic and yet another feather in the German producer’s hat, as he’s nearly perfected the moody soul-disco subgenre.

“Cool Enough” (The Knocks Remix) – Almost Monday

Almost Monday’s “Cool Enough” was already a cool track when it released in August – but when you get The Knocks to remix it – it just becomes even that much cooler. The chorus here works perfectly to create a sing-along, raise-your-hands-in-the-air vibe that will get all the kids riding that nu-disco train.

“Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)” (Purple Disco Machine & Lorenz Rhode Remix) – Spiller, Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Isn’t it amazing that 21 years later, this classic by Italian producer Spiller — featuring a then-unknown Sophie Ellis-Bextor – can still get all of us dancing along and how! Purple Disco Machine and Lorenz Rhode work their disco magic on the club favorite, reminding us no matter when we hear this signature hit or in what style, we’ll always keep feeling “so good.” 

“Over and Over” (Saison Remix) – Michael Gray, Kelli Sae

Michael Gray hit gold over the summer with “Over And Over” but here the single, featuring Kelli Sae on vocals, gets a disco tweak that makes the track move from club anthem to a booty-shaking retro classic. London-based duo Saison pay just the right attention to the single, making us move along to the record through the fall, winter and beyond.

“River” (The Magician Remix) – The Knocks, Parson James

“River” was already a superb first single release by The Knocks to introduce us to their upcoming third studio album. Parson James’ vocals make it all the more emotionally charged. But here with The Magician coming on board for the remix, the single gets that charmed staccato infusion that keeps us grooving along a bit harder, and a lot faster.

“Wild Skies” (Marsh Remix) – Eli & Fur

London DJs and producers Eli & Fur have “Wild Skies” remixed by British-born, America-based DJ and producer Marsh, who pushes the club-ready track to reach soaring levels with its progressive house vibes. There’s a bit of a BT feel to the single – modern yet with an instantly timeless production – makes for an oh-so-perfect addition to various playlists.

“Waiting For Nothing” – Hayden James, Yaeger

Aussie native Hayden James is back with “Waiting For Nothing” featuring the vocals of Sweden’s Yaeger. This is euphoric pop at its best. The Swedish singer’s emotive voice fits perfectly between the intricately woven synths over the thumping house beat James creates masterfully. The song deserves to breakout beyond dance radio and clubs, as the lyrical depth here is what makes the song feel like much more a giant hit at Top 40 than just in electronica.

“Sweet Illusion” – Morgan Page, Maggie Szabo

“Sweet Illusion” is a melodic funky slice of dance heaven by Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Morgan Page. Empowering in its message with spot-on vocals by Maggie Szabo, the single is bound to get plenty of attention on dance radio and in the clubs and it’s a shame, similar to Hayden James’ track above. In another era, this would have also landed them a hit at Top 40 radio too.

“Breaking Hearts” (Black Coffee Remix) – Manqo, AMOS

South African DJs Black Coffee are take over remixing duties here for Manqo’s “Breaking Hearts” featuring AMOS. The original single clocks in at eight minutes, as does the remix, relying on the haunting melodies to create an atmospheric, almost tribal build to the song that never lets up.

“Somebody To Use” – Alesso

“Somebody To Use” has been part of Grammy-nominated Alesso’s setlist for some time but the Swedish DJ and producer officially released the single (along with a Toxic Mix of the track) allowing all of us to finally add the fave to our playlists.

“Passive Aggressive” (Johnny GOLD Remix) – Charlotte Cardin

Singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin’s “Passive Aggressive” was a standout track from her debut Phoenix LP earlier this year. With the deluxe edition now out, the track gets a makeover by fellow Canadian DJ Johnny GOLD, who makes the jazz-electropop single into a house anthem. 

“Strangers” – Dom Dolla, Mansionair

Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla teams up with fellow natives Mansionair for “Strangers” – a banger that would fit any late-night club setlist or the kind of the track you wanna play on loop on a midnight drive.

“Floating Through The Sky” (Steve Brian Remix) – Awakend, TRØVES

Awakend’s “Floating Through The Sky” gets a hauntingly beautiful remix by German DJ and producer Steve Brian. The mix adds an another layer to the already touching song making for a euphoric late-night trance feel.

“I Gave The World” (Extended Mix) – Flashmob, Crystal Waters

Italian DJ and producer Flashmob teams up with the “Gypsy Woman” herself Crystal Waters for a house track that is the best slice of early Nineties dance. Waters is her usual dependable self, mixing soul and depth to the proceedings and Flashmob here gives us Inner City “Good Life” vibes sonically updated for 2021.