Disco gave us the remix. The 12-inch was created for the DJs and the extended mix, the special disco version, the dub, and the dancefloor. Since those early days of the likes of Larry Levan, Walter Gibbons or Francois K all pioneering the remix, we have been blessed with thousands of new dancefloor (and sometimes non-dancefloor versions ) songs. The results can be an entirely new meaning to lyrics that connect a song to the dancefloor and a brand new audience. The freedom of the remix enabled DJs and producers to tease, extend, and splice a track into an often lengthy workout for their intended audience.
Join us as we explore some of our favorites, each track handpicked for its transformative power and enduring impact on the dancefloor. We celebrate the art of remixing.
Donna Summer – “I Feel Love” (12inch and Patrick Cowley Remix)
We kick off our remix journey with the iconic “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer, remixed by Patrick Cowley. Patrick was involved with the legendary disco act Sylvester (more of that later) and is often credited with the birth of electronic music. This remix takes the timeless disco anthem to new heights, infusing it with pulsating electronic beats and a futuristic flair that was unknown at the time. Cowley’s innovative approach transforms the classic into a space-age 15-minute odyssey that defined an entire era of music and is perfect for dark rooms to this day.
Tori Amos – “Professional Widow” (Arman Van Helden Remix)
Tori Amos’s “Professional Widow” gets a sonic makeover in this remix that seamlessly blends electronic elements with Amos’s haunting vocals. Arguably one of the biggest remixes of all time that continues to impact todays dancefloors and charted higher in the Uk chart than the original.
Crazy P – Never Going to Reach Me (Hot Toddy Remix)
Chris Todd AKa Hot Toddy is one member and expert producer (along with Ron Basejam) behind the UK disco outfit Crazy P. We featured this on Future Disco City Heat and perfectly sums up that slow-paced chung of modern disco music, where the infectious groove keeps developing and weaving alongside Danielle Moore’s classic vocal.
Wamdue Project – “King of My Castle” (Roy Malone’s King Radio Edit)
Roy Malone’s remix of “King of My Castle” by Wamdue Project is a testament to the timeless quality of a well-crafted remix. This Future Disco gem elevates the original to new heights, with a contemporary energy in the bassline that makes it immediately recognisable.
Hercules & Love Affair – “Blind” (Frankie Knuckles Remix)
Frankie Knuckles, the godfather of house music, works his magic on Hercules & Love Affair’s “Blind.” The result is a remix that seamlessly blends the soulful vocals of the original with Knuckles’ signature touch, creating a track that stands as a testament to the enduring power of House and Disco and sounds as if it could have been released 3 or 30 years ago.
Lapsley – “Operator” (DJ Koze’s Disco Edit)
DJ Koze’s Disco Edit of Lapsley’s “Operator” is a masterclass in the art of remixing The 12-minute epic weaves disco elements into the fabric of the original, creating a nuanced and infectious groove that captures the essence of an extended Disco mix. Also featuring on Future Disco Volume 9.
Scott Grooves – “Mothership Reconnection” (Feat. Parliament/Funkadelic) (Daft Punk Remix)
Daft Punk’s remix of Scott Grooves’ “Mothership Reconnection” featuring Parliament/Funkadelic is a sonic journey into the outer reaches of disco for a supersonic education in electronica. The duo’s futuristic touch adds a layer of interstellar magic to the track, making it a standout on the dancefloor, once heard never forgotten.
Moloko – “Sing It Back” (Mousse T_s Feel Love Mix)
Mousse T remix of Moloko’s “Sing It Back” is a dancefloor anthem that effortlessly blends classic disco vibes with a modern twist. The infectious energy of this remix has secured its place as a timeless addition as a club classic and propelled Moloko and then front-woman Roisin Murphy into the mainstream.
Sylvester – “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” [Soulwax For Despacio Remix] Forever a disco classic, You Make Me Feel has been transformed into a ten-minute disco epic by Belgian duo and remix masters Soulwax. It takes the disco classic into uncharted territories where in the true spirit of those early disco remixes, it pulsates and teases until the anthemic break and Sylvester’s distinct vocal.
Jamiroquai – “Space Cowboy” (David Morales Mix)
New York’s David Morales had grown up in clubs such as Paradise Garage and was behind the 90’s anthem ‘Needin U’, so when he was asked to remix Jamiroquai’s Space Cowboy, at the height of both their fame, it was the perfect match. The result was a soulful journey into a house that just added the right amount of swing to the original made it an instant dancefloor anthem.
These remixes embody the genre’s spirit and serve as a testament to the remixes’ enduring appeal. As we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of Future Disco, the remix remains a beacon of innovation and reinterpretation.
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