Acoustic version of dance music songs are currently all the rage. We’ve heard acoustic versions of Zedd’s “Spectrum” and “Clarity,” Above & Beyond’s “Sun and Moon,” Hardwell’s “Spaceman,” Swedish House Mafia’s “Dont You Worry Child,” and now Kaskade’s “4AM.” The American producer tweeted it out last night alongside the following statement, “Seems like more electronic artists are getting into the idea of doing acoustic versions of their songs. When I filmed this 4 years ago all it did was confuse people and the label just looked at me strangely when I delivered it.” We’re glad the world is finally embracing acoustic remakes especially because 4AM is one of our favorite tunes of all time. Check it out above and let us know in the comments section what other songs you’d like to hear acoustic versions of.
Hardwell recently released an emotional Electric Zoo 2012 aftermovie. Instead of setting the video to one of his many high energy tracks, he gaves fans the opportunity to create an acoustic version of his massive song, “Spaceman.” The winner of the contest was Collin McLoughlin, an aspiring singer with a passion for dance music. McLoughlin has created highly trafficked covers of popular tracks like “Titanium” and “Save The World.” His acoustic version of “Spaceman” doesn’t fall short of the expectations he’s created for himself and is available for purchase via iTunes. Read on to hear his cover of “Titanium.”
Before the release of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child,” members hyped up the track for its “emotional” qualities and word even spread that it could ‘make grown men cry.’ Well, the original mix of the song has already received a fair bit of airplay in nightclubs and at festivals around the world, but now there’s an official acoustic version that really lets John Martin’s soulful vocal shine through.
The slowed-down vocal is laid over gentle guitar riffs, providing a far different sound than the original that you’ve inevitably heard by now. Axwell told Rolling Stone that “A stripped-down version of the song that captures the essence of the messages… was important for us,” and that they wanted to keep the song’s integrity after hearing the vocal from John Martin in LA.
SHM has also uploaded sheet music for the track to their website, which you can find right here. If you end up doing a cover, be sure to drop the link in the comments!
“Spectrum” is certainly in the running for most remixed song of the year. As of now there are seven remixes of varying styles as well as an acoustic version — enough choices to suit anyone’s taste. Although we posted many of them yesterday, the package isn’t complete without the Congorock remix and acoustic version. These two tracks have nothing in common — except that they were birthed from the same song — but each bring something important to the table. The acoustic version is stripped down to nothing but a tinkling piano — played by Zedd — and Matthew Koma’s spectacular vocals. It’s not of the dance music persuasion but it does illuminate Zedd’s versatility and unparalleled talent. Congorock’s version on the other hand is full of synths, melodies, and layered elements. The acoustic version is unfortunately not yet available for purchase.
