Released on October 16, 2015, ‘Middle’ marked a pivotal shift for DJ Snake. By this time, he had already established himself as a dominant force in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene with massive hits like ‘Turn Down For What’, ‘Get Low’, and ‘Lean On’. However, ‘Middle’ introduced listeners to a different side of his artistry, one that emphasized a melodic richness combined with evocative vocal delivery, thanks to his collaboration with Bipolar Sunshine. This emotional pairing offered a fresh dimension to DJ Snake’s sound and laid the groundwork for his debut album, Encore.
How DJ Snake And Bipolar Sunshine Began To Work Together
The partnership between DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine began almost serendipitously in London. At the time, Bipolar Sunshine, whose real name is Adio Marchant, was navigating a new chapter in his career, having recently parted ways with Polydor and embracing a more independent approach to his music. His songs caught the attention of someone from DJ Snake’s team, and soon, an arrangement was made for the two to collaborate.
For Bipolar Sunshine, this leap into collaboration was particularly monumental. He had been rebuilding his confidence after transitioning away from traditional label support, and teaming up with an established artist like DJ Snake opened doors he hadn’t previously imagined. Releasing ‘Middle’ as the lead single from DJ Snake’s debut album amplified this collaboration’s visibility, establishing a broad new audience for Bipolar Sunshine’s soulful sound.
When Encore emerged on August 5, 2016, ‘Middle’ solidified its place not only as a standout track but also as the centerpiece of DJ Snake’s first full-length project. Encore boasted collaborations with heavyweights such as Justin Bieber on ‘Let Me Love You’ and George Maple on ‘Talk’, featuring an impressive roster of artists including Skrillex, Migos, Travis Scott, and Young Thug.
‘Middle’ Continued To See Success Through 2016
While ‘Middle’ dropped in October 2015, much of its commercial prosperity erupted in 2016, when the song resonated widely across global charts. Notably, it climbed to No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart. The track exhibited remarkable staying power, spending 28 weeks within the UK Top 100, further illustrating its widespread popularity.
By May 2016, ‘Middle’ had earned a platinum certification in the United States, marking it as a significant commercial success during DJ Snake’s Encore era. The track’s momentum showcased its potential, developing into one of the most recognizable songs linked to this period in DJ Snake’s career.
Amplifying its impact, the official music video for ‘Middle’ premiered in March 2016, directed by Colin Tilley. Featuring a narrative built around masked characters played by Josh Hutcherson and Kiersey Clemons, the visually striking video incorporated a superhero-inspired storyline that deepened the connection listeners made with the song, turning it into a multimedia experience.
DJ Snake And Bipolar Sunshine Stayed Connected
Despite the acclaim generated from ‘Middle’, DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine’s collaboration marked only the beginning of their relationship. In interviews, Bipolar Sunshine has expressed gratitude for DJ Snake’s continued support of his music career in the years that followed, illustrating a genuine camaraderie that extends beyond their initial work.
Now, eleven years after its release, ‘Middle’ is a hallmark moment for both artists. It not only showcased DJ Snake’s ability to lean into more melodic territories but also highlighted Bipolar Sunshine’s emergence as a noteworthy artist in his own right. The song not only etched its mark on the charts but has also remained a significant part of DJ Snake’s mid-2010s catalogue.
