Northern Exposure: Jeremy Glenn

Mysterious Lover (DVAS Salon Remix)' Free MP3

Many small independent labels have realized a smart way to introduce artists to listeners eager for new sounds is to leverage their roster against that of fellow imprints, inviting artists to rework each other's material. Whether that means bringing like-minded artists together or combining completely disparate acts, it's often a winning combination that helps acquaint music fans with two artists at once.

Toronto label YYZ Records focuses mainly on a cross-spectrum of electronic music, which naturally lends itself to the remix concept. But the melding of minds between their most recent signing, songwriter-producer Jeremy Glenn, and Toronto-based electro duo DVAS offers a bit of a twist, as Glenn's smooth RandB sound veers away from the dance-y bent of the rest of the YYZ lineup.

The pairing works in both parties' favour, though DVAS' remake of Glenn's single 'Mysterious Lover' pulls the original by the hand, leading it from the bedroom to the dancefloor.

The original track, released in advance of Glenn's debut full-length (to be released later this summer), showcases his soulful pipes and nu-jazz influence. The tune boasts a pop edge, but in a slower, moodier tempo than DVAS' remix, which re-envisions the number as a house-infused club banger.

Founded in Edmonton before transplanting to Toronto, DVAS (the duo of Dietzche V. and Abominable Snowman, otherwise known as keyboardists Darren Veres and Jered Stuffco) mine disco, funk, and soul for their dancefloor pop. While buzz continues to build around DVAS' own blips-and-beats sound ahead of their forthcoming album, "Society", in the meantime they show off their ample remixing chops on Glenn's track.



The remix benefits from DVAS' low-key but insistent beats and chilly synths layered around the sleek melody, drawing out the stronger points of Glenn's arrangement while perking up the initial heavy-lidded vibe. The vocals are sped up to match the quicker pace, though the chilled-out retro '80s vibe fittingly remains.

It is rare for a remix to showcase both the creator and the remodeler in their best light, but DVAS' take on 'Mysterious Lover' does just that, "whetting listeners", appetites for more of both artists.

Northern Exposure: Jeremy Glenn, Mysterious Lover (DVAS Salon Remix)' Free MP3.

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