Live Review: PREMIERE: Zapéd turns Royal And The Southern Echo into a dream on new remix

Taking an alternative rock song and turning it into a dreamy, electronic jam is something a fair few producers would've tried their hand at before. But, to make it sound good, to give it a whole new life and breathe fresh air into it to create a brand new song? That is a little more difficult.

However, Brisbane producer ZAPÉD has proven he's got what it takes, and has taken fellow Brisbane artist, ROYAL AND THE SOUTHERN ECHO (aka Bryce Schneider), into fresh new territory with his new remix of 'Hunt Your Love Down', and made it sound brilliant in the process.

Taking inspiration from the likes of ODESZA, not to mention his few years of producing and remixing, Zapéd is in his element here in this remix. Breaking the once lively, upbeat indie pop song complete with a horn section and catchy vocals, Zapéd turns the track into an atmospheric and rich electro number complete with shimmering splashes of synths and driving percussion.

Using the vocals and keeping them relatively in tact, there are flourishes of vocal samples to add in a little more texture while his kaleidoscopic breakdowns make you feel like you're falling down a technicolour rabbit hole. Those outstanding horns still remain, taking the remix to a whole new level at the 2:20 mark as it blooms into it's full form, complemented by booming bass and Schneider's voice soaring above.

While the original was a big step forward for Royal And The Southern Echo in terms of diversity and originality, he really shines on this remix thanks to Zapéd. He may not have considered a foray into the world of electronica, but there is something truly special about the way these two have collided on this remix that has us hoping this isn't the last time we hear them together.

With a debut EP slated for release later this year from Royal And The Southern Echo, we've got our ears pricked for more to come as he gears up for his biggest year yet. As for Zapéd, who debuted his own vocals in a stellar single last year in 'Push', things are picking up for him as well, so we can't wait to see what he does next too!

'Hunt Your Love Down' (Zapéd remix) is out Tuesday, 13th February.

Words by Emma Jones

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO

ZAPÉD REVEALS HIS OWN VOCALS AND A FRESH ELECTRO-POP SOUND ON 'PUSH'

ZAPÉD ON HOW TO JUGGLE MUSIC PRODUCTION, STUDY, AND RUNNING YOUR OWN MUSIC FESTIVAL