In today’s music industry, remixes have evolved far beyond simple reinterpretations. They’ve become powerful artistic springboards, capable of catapulting lesser-known talents to the top of the charts. Some artists owe their international success to the unique magic of a remix—be it a fresh mix, an unexpected collaboration, or a rearrangement that completely transforms their musical trajectory and brings them the recognition they needed. A blend of creative opportunity and marketing strategy, the remix is now almost a must for breaking through in the hyper-competitive world of contemporary pop music. Without further ado, here’s a selection of artists who made their mark thanks to a remix. Thank you to Slash Music Media from Canada for their help with this article!
1. OMI: Cheerleader
Jamaican singer OMI released a reggae track in 2014—a classic example of the genre. The song quietly gained traction but didn’t become a massive hit. That’s when German DJ Felix Jaehn stepped in with an audacious remix: out went the finger snaps and reggae drums, replaced by danceable percussion, a powerful kick on the choruses, and an ultra-catchy piano line in the verses. It may sound simple, but it was incredibly effective. The result? Cheerleader shot to the top of the charts in Germany, France, the U.S., Austria, Australia, and many other countries.
2. Lykke Li: I Follow Rivers
Who hasn’t been surprised to learn that the song they love is actually a remix? It’s often during a party that you’ll hear the original version of I Follow Rivers by Lykke Li, which is quite different from the remix by Belgian producer The Magician. His version strips the melody down to its essentials, injecting new energy with sharp piano chords, a vibrant bassline, and a club-ready beat. The result? A smash hit in Germany, Belgium, and Italy, with a strong 4th place finish in the French charts.
3. Elvis Presley: A Little Less Conversation
When it was released in 1968, this Elvis Presley song enjoyed moderate success, far from the frenzy that usually surrounded the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It wasn’t until 2002 that Dutch DJ Junkie XL elevated it to global hit status with an audacious and brilliant remix. That said, the original version is also worth celebrating, especially for its fantastic drum-and-bass intro and vintage music video that perfectly captures the charm of the 1960s.
4. Disclosure: You & Me
Flume’s remix is arguably one of the standout tracks on this list (totally subjective, of course). The original You & Me by Disclosure, featuring Eliza Doolittle, already had everything it needed to become a hit. But it was the Australian DJ who took the track to a whole new level. While heavily reworking the original, Flume turned it into a true banger, so much so that it caught the attention of Lacoste, who featured it in their 2014 ad campaign. A must-listen, along with an exceptional orchestral cover by Meute.
5. Dr Don: Totally Real
Seattle-based artist Dr Don continues to make his mark on the contemporary music scene. Reminiscent of the charismatic Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad, he teamed up with French producer KVN Beatmaker to remix his latest track, Totally Real. The goal? To expand his audience and conquer new musical landscapes. This electro-pop remix, with its sharp, pulsating sound, opens the doors to clubs and international playlists. Success is only a matter of time.