High Beam: Rising Star in Electronic Music
In the bustling world of electronic music, few moments shine as brightly as a significant endorsement from a titan of the genre. Rising producer High Beam recently experienced this phenomenon. With the legendary Moby selecting him to remix his iconic track ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like To Die’, the stakes have never been higher. This opportunity attracted new listeners and was pivotal in broadening High Beam’s audience following his hit ‘Just What I Said (Everything In Its Right Place)’, a track that boasted over 30 million streams and charted across 25 countries.
The Weight of Recognition
When asked about the significance of receiving a co-sign from Moby, High Beam expressed sheer astonishment and gratitude. “Honestly, I thought my managers were joking when they told me about the opportunity,” he shared, reflecting on the surreal nature of the endorsement. Moby has transitioned seamlessly through various musical trends, and his ability to blend genres is something that has inspired High Beam throughout his journey. He mentioned the importance of receiving personal guidance from someone who has had such a lasting influence on the electronic music landscape.
A Learning Experience
The remix process was not without its challenges. High Beam highlighted that Moby provided them with valuable production notes that directed him towards understanding the essence of the original track. He noted the significance of Moby’s unique style, especially in his subtle use of sampling, which distinguishes him from many artists of his era. This influence guided High Beam in creating a remix that honors the original while establishing his own identity within the track.
Navigating Remix Dynamics
Undertaking the remix of ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like To Die’ was an emotionally charged endeavor. High Beam admitted that it felt nerve-racking to tackle such a beloved song. He meticulously began the process by experimenting with various versions before homing in on one that resonated with him. “The song has such a beautiful vocal, so I wanted to keep that front and center while still honoring the overall feel,” he explained. This thoughtful approach involved initially building the harmonic and melodic components to align with the original track’s emotional weight before layering in rhythmic elements to infuse his unique style.
An Experimental Approach
Every artist brings their touch and methodology to the production table, and High Beam’s approach reflects a deep respect for creative flexibility. “I usually come into a project with an idea of the overall emotion and vibe I’m trying to capture but keep the details open-ended,” he elaborated. For him, the creative journey often begins with a simple sound that develops into a complex piece, allowing the music to unfold organically.
Breaking Through
High Beam’s rise to prominence was catalyzed by his viral hit ‘Just What I Said (Everything In Its Right Place)’. He acknowledged the importance of his team in clearing the Radiohead sample that contributed significantly to the track’s success. “When I released the track, I didn’t have any expectations that it would perform nearly as well as it did,” he stated, emphasizing the surreal nature of his breakthrough.
Crafting a Musical Identity
For new fans discovering High Beam through the Moby remix, he described his musical style as rooted in melodic house and indie dance. He admits to being a “sucker for sad, nostalgic-leaning music,” blending sounds that resonate both on the dance floor and in more reflective environments. This duality embodies the essence of what he aims to achieve in his productions.
Influences that Shape Sound
Recognizing the contribution of other artists in his musical journey, High Beam cited various key figures who have influenced him. Flume, Jamie xx, Tourist, Lane 8, and Caribou all played significant roles in shaping his sound. He expressed admiration for their innovative approaches to production that have guided him in finding his voice in the industry.
What Lies Ahead
After launching his year with the Moby remix, High Beam has his sights set on future projects. He shared that he has been diligently working in the studio on new music and collaborations that fans can expect to hear this year. Additionally, he is exploring how to evolve his project into a live musical experience, signaling an exciting phase of growth for him. The momentum generated by the remix and earlier success suggests that High Beam is poised to continue captivating audiences with his distinctive sound.
In summary, the journey of High Beam is just beginning, but with endorsements from influential figures like Moby and a growing body of work, his future in electronic music looks highly promising.
