It’s obvious at this point that dance music has reached commercial prosperity, but what would be considered the ultimate peak? A cameo on Glee. “Clarity, ” by Zedd featuring Foxes has been a ubiquitous festival and remix favorite of the season, reached #1 on the Billboard dance charts and even received some late night exposure on David Letterman. It must have caught the attention of Glee’s producers for they chose the cast to perform it on the pivotal season finale. The show choir version boasts a feverish Broadway-like intensity with a heavier bassline and lower vocal sung by American Idol runner up Jessica Sanchez. The exposure has undoubtedly opened up the world of dance music up to an entirely new audience who will only be craving more. In fact, Zedd’s original version broke the Top 25 American mainstream iTunes chart over the weekend. Click here to watch Zedd play piano while Jessica sings an acoustic version.
We were admittedly a bit surprised last week when Zedd’sClarity EP was released featuring only a select few of the anticipated remixes. Thankfully, as we later learned, the renditions by Tiësto, Brillz, and Style of Eye constituted only the iTunes segment of the official remixes. Today, Zedd and Interscope Records have released the official Beatport edition of the Clarity EP, boasting 10 productions from talented producers such as Funkagenda, Headhunterz, Felix Cartel, Torro Torro, Swanky Tunes and more. While Brillz’s take stole the spotlight on part one, click past the break to find out which remixes excelled above the rest in this colossal remix package.
After a wildly successful remix contest and remix EP for Zedd’s ”Spectrum,” it seemed only natural that Clarity‘s eponymous single should receive the same treatment. While the remixes started back in November with Aylen’s lovestep rework, it was only last week that Zedd unveiled the sumptuous roster of producers for the official “Clarity” remix package.
With renditions from Tiësto, Style of Eye, Brillz, and an orchestral edit from Zedd himself, the “Clarity” remix package is just as daunting as its counterpart’s previous package. Curious to see whose stole the spotlight? Click past the break to read our review.
The train of official “Clarity” remixes began two days ago with the unveiling of Tiësto’s “Clarity” remix to a lukewarm response. It continued yesterday with a trap remix from Brillz, a menacing house spin from Torro Torro, and a progressive/electro house remix from Felix Cartal. And now, it’s reached its potentially most awesome point yet: a heavy progressive house rendition from the masterful hands of Funkagenda.
The first minute consists of a budding, anxious energy, but when that dark, pulsating beat drops, you’ll understand why Funkagenda is one of the most well-respected house producers in the industry. The preview ends all too quickly with a grandiose halftime section, which presumably (and hopefully) leads to another sinister, thumping drop. In regards to the track, Funkagenda writes: “Probably one of the best remixes I have ever done.” Funkagenda’s remix will be released on February 12th as part of the official “Clarity” remix package.
Now that you’ve heard the entirety of the official remixes, which one is your favorite?
In anticipation of his Clarity remix compilation due out Feb 12, Zedd teased Tiesto‘s rendition of the powerful production today. Last year his concept album by the same name became a defining release in the young producer’s career. “Spectrum” — the first single off the album — reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs chart and a remix EP featuring reworks from artists like A-Trak & Clockwork, Arty, and Armin Van Buuren to name a few. Zedd is ready to give “Clarity” the same treatment with another extended play via Interscope Records.
Earlier this month Zedd broke new ground when he performed his hit “Clarity” on David Letterman, and last night another big name DJ followed suit. Hip hop star ASAP Rocky, who officially released his long awaited debut album LONG.LIVE.A$AP and has a history of performing with A-Trak, brought the Fool’s Gold label head, Araabmuzik, and DJ Clark Kent along with him for his Letterman appearance. Further bridging the hip hop/dance music gap Rocky chose to perform his Skrillex produced track “Wild For The Night,” as well as the album’s title track. Check out the performance above.
Last week Zedd captivated audiences with his acoustic performance of “Clarity” alongside Foxes and Alvin Risk on the David Letterman Show. The young producer continues to gain recognition and fans through his evident musical talents, securing himself a permanent position in the dance music elite. This week Zedd released an official video for the acclaimed tune, which heavily features vocalist Foxes in an on-screen love affair. Zedd, who only appears occasionally throughout the video, allows the visuals and Foxes to charm watchers, while his precise production tickles our ears.
Starkillers returns in the new year with his new electro house mashup featuring Zedd’s massive 2012 production, “Clarity.” The bootleg rendition which Starkillers featured in his NYE performance in St. Louis, fuses the soulful vocals of “Clarity” with soaring electro synths and bumping bass. Starkiller who is known for his technical skills, fluently blends Foxes vocals around his pulsing production making for a subtle yet powerful bootleg output from the American producer. Head over to Starkillers’ Facebook page for the free download.
Another day, another milestone for Zedd who, alongisde vocalist Foxes, performed their hit “Clarity” on David Letterman last night. Zedd once again proves that he is more than just a DJ — it’s refreshing to see an electronic music artist transcend the genre with his art and abilities. Check out Alvin Risk performing back up vocals!
In an era dominated by singles and two-track EPs, the album often seems like an antiquated format. So many producers are caught up in a formulaic rinse and repeat methodology of singles that it’s easy to forget our origins as an LP-centric community. In an attempt to give credit to the producers who’ve put their time, heart, and soul into the extended release format, we’ve ranked our biggest albums and EPs of 2012.
