New AW Remix: RJD2’s The Shining Path

Uh. C’mon. Bounce… C’MON!

It gives me IMMENSE pleasure to present my latest remix of RJD2’s “The Shining Path” from his new album, “The Colossus” (BUY IT). RJ is a 10-year-strong musical innovator and pioneer, and it’s been an honor to correspond with him and work on this. Furthermore, today on his website, he said he loves what I did with the remix, and I’m still buzzing quite a bit about that.

The man is a legend and needs no introduction. I vividly remember hearing “Ghostwriter” for the first time, and thinking “YES…” RJ’s unique vision, ability to cross genres, and garner the respect of so many major artists and fans alike is unparalleled. Also worth noting, he’s released his latest record himself, abandoning the traditional record label model at a high level. That’s something I wish I saw more of in the world and is pretty inspiring, to say the least.

As I tried to explain the big-deal-ness of this project to my parents, they looked at me encouragingly but blankly… until I explained that his song, “A Beautiful Mine,” was licensed as the theme song to AMC’s “Mad Men,” at which point their eyes lit up – “oh we LOVE that song.” Damn straight!

Enough gushing, and on to the remix… It features Grammy-nominated Phonte Coleman of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange on vocals. Without getting too technical/music-dorky about it, the original song (listen here) had a 6/8 feel, reminiscent of some classic Motown. As I listened to Phonte’s vocal, though, I saw the potential to hear it as a straight 4/4 rhythm, but with hints of triplets. In non-dork terms, I gave the song a very different feel – elements of G-Funk, California 60’s surf-pop, 8-bit sounds, and more… I hope the result will make you want to strut in the sunshine. Check it out:

DOWNLOAD: “The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)” – RJD2

Enjoy it, and please help spread the word if you like what you hear!

Much love,
A

1 comment March 2nd, 2010