So I’ll put my faith in something unknown I’m living on such sweet nothing But I’m tired of hope with nothing to hold I’m living on such sweet nothing.”
Sometimes a musical pairing comes along that makes you go, “what?” When I first heard the rumor that Florence Welch was teaming up with Calvin Harris on his new album I was skeptical. I first wondered why Florence was dipping her foot into the EDM scene, then I wondered if she’s selling out. Sure, the dance remixes of her tracks (especially Calvin Harris’ re-do of “Spectrum”) are fire. Her beyond powerful vocals soar over synths and drops like it ain’t no thang, but this would be her first – for lack of a better word – intentional venture into a whole new sonic world. So when the official single dropped in late summer I was prepared for the worst. I don’t know why I even doubted Welch’s artistic and musical choices. The single was an dance-fused emotional explosion. Harris’ now trademarked bloop-bloops take the backseat while Welch wails her love woes. The track left me speechless and ready to blast it again.
Rumors again started circling the internet and between a couple of my friends that Diplo was going to release his take on the track. Other EDM DJ’s have already tackled the song, but I had a feeling that Diplo was going to trick this one out with something thats equal parts chill and filthy. Teaming up with Montreal’s go-to party-rock DJ, Grandtheft – who brings out his suave groove, the remix that officially dropped this week is dripping in Diplo.
Thankfully, the remix shifts the focus to Welch’s vocal performance. Harris’ sounds are chopped, slowed down, and twerked up beneath her. The verses are minimal and loaded with a bass line that’ll pound through your bones. Your ears will thank you when the beat builds and drops into a sexed up production with descending kick-drums, deep bass, and a synth melody that amps up Welch’s desperation.
I’m all about this track despite it being a Sunday – a day where I prefer relaxing music over hype, but this track is doing a balancing act that’s working today. If anything, it’s refreshed my ears to the incredible versatility of sound and music artistry. Worlds collide here that seem unexpected. Often, though, it’s the things that are unexpected and the things that make you slightly uncomfortable that are the most rewarding and exciting.
Here’s to Sunday. Here’s to a solid week ahead.
Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing (Diplo & Grandtheft Remix)