Chris Candela and AOSM: A Darker Twist on EDM Classics
The world of electronic dance music (EDM) is constantly evolving, with artists pushing creative boundaries to develop fresh sounds. One of the latest contributions comes from Italian-Venezuelan producer and DJ Chris Candela, known as CDC Vlogs, and Mexican producer AOSM. Following their initial triumph with “Move Your Feet,” the duo has returned to mau5trap—deadmau5’s prestigious label—to deliver a remix of the iconic track “Shined On Me,” originally produced by Nicola Fasano, Karl8 & Andrea Monta. This new interpretation is a testament to their collaborative synergy and ability to reimagine classics for the contemporary dancefloor.
The Remix: A New Vision for an Iconic Track
“Shined On Me” has been a beloved anthem within the global club scene since its release. Candela and AOSM have taken this classic and infused it with darker elements and a more contemporary sound profile. Their remix merges Electro House and Bass House with subtle hints of Tech House, resulting in an energetic production that stays true to the original while resonating with today’s club culture. The driving basslines, aggressive synths, and intricate melodies breathe new life into the track, making it an essential for any DJ’s playlist.
A Streamlined Creative Process
The duo credits their seamless collaboration to the timing and inspiration that surrounded them. Chris Candela explains how the opportunity arose directly from the mau5trap team:
“After hearing some of the projects AOSM and I had been working on, the mau5trap team felt we could bring a fresh perspective to this classic. They invited us to create the remix, and less than a week later, it was finished.”
With both artists in a creative headspace following their previous endeavors, including Candela’s “Move Your Feet” and AOSM’s remix of Candela’s own track “Nasty,” they found that their ideas flowed effortlessly, culminating in an invigorating remix that garnered the personal approval of deadmau5—an accolade both artists cherished.
Artistic Vision: The Influence of Darkness
AOSM, drawing inspiration from techno and bass house luminaries like Matroda and Chris Lake, emphasizes the intent behind the darker production direction taken in their remix:
“The main idea was to create a dark atmosphere by blending Techno and Bass House elements into a fairly experimental approach.”
Throughout the week-long creative process, they experimented with different versions, ranging from highly melodic to aggressively rhythmic, eventually finding a balance that highlighted their distinct styles:
“Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop overthinking and simply let the music flow.”
Working alongside Chris Candela allowed AOSM to harness a environment of creativity, teamwork, and professionalism, which proved beneficial throughout their collaborative journey. AOSM expresses appreciation for Candela’s dedication and attention to detail:
“He’s genuinely involved in every detail of the project and maintains the same level of commitment even when deadlines are extremely tight.”
For AOSM, the remixed version also marks a significant milestone in his career. As a producer from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, he sees this opportunity as a stepping stone to engage with wider audiences:
“Having the opportunity to officially remix international artists…is a major milestone in my career. I hope this release opens new doors for emerging artists who, like me, are striving to take their music to audiences around the world.”
The Original “Shined On Me”: A Timeless Classic
Before diving into the remix, it’s essential to recognize the origin of “Shined On Me.” Produced by Fasano, Karl8, and Andrea Monta, the original track stands out for its uplifting house grooves, iconic organ and piano chords, and memorable vocal performance that contributed to its status as a timeless dancefloor anthem. Its feel-good energy has consistently made it a staple in DJs’ sets worldwide.
Nicola Fasano, the founder of Route75 Records, has built an impressive resume collaborating with top names in the industry, while the duo Karl8 & Andrea Monta have cemented their reputation as leaders in the Afro House and Tech House scenes. Their productions have seen massive success across various digital platforms.
In recreating this classic, Candela and AOSM have managed to preserve the essence of the original while bringing a fresh perspective—a highlight in their burgeoning careers.
Anticipation and Future Endeavors
The successful unveiling of their remix strengthens Chris Candela’s relationship with mau5trap, an influential player in the EDM landscape. As he gears up for a series of releases set to start in August, Candela continues to balance his roles as a producer, DJ, and content creator based in Mallorca, Spain. This latest release not only aims to solidify his footprint in the Spanish and European circuits but also promises further collaborations across the continent.
For both Chris Candela and AOSM, the path ahead looks promising, marked by innovation and growing recognition within the global EDM community. Their collaboration on “Shined On Me” is just one example of how the genre continues to evolve while paying homage to its roots.
