Daniel Avery Delves Into the Heart of Remixing with Tremor (Midnight Versions)
After nearly three years immersed in the creative whirlwind of his 2025 electronic/alt-metal album, Tremor, British producer Daniel Avery found himself at a crossroads. This immersion may have painted his identity in bold strokes, but when the time came to remix the LP into Tremor (Midnight Versions), he took a remarkably different approach. Rather than reworking his own compositions, Avery treated this as an exercise in detachment, redefining each track as if it were a fresh canvas from another artist.
“Being able to step back and approach it as though it was someone else’s work set me free,” Avery explained. This philosophy not only liberated him creatively but also allowed him to craft something distinctly powerful, with the club’s energy guiding his hand. “I told myself I’d never be too precious with the originals,” he continued, emphasizing that while some tracks retained a clear lineage to Tremor, others took daring departures. “Every remix needed to stand alone.”
The Unexpected Journey of Remixing
Avery’s journey into remixing was initially not intended to be a solo endeavor. As a seasoned dance music producer, he began with just a couple of remixes—Greasy off the Racing Line and Rapture in Blue. Satisfied with the outcome, momentum built quickly, leading him to rework all 13 tracks within a brisk six-week timeframe. “Working in a more urgent manner can often yield surprising results,” he noted. “The connections to the dance floor feel more authentic when they flow organically.”
Crafting a Freestanding Release
What emerged from the intense labor was Midnight Versions, a collection that, while rooted in the same sonic universe as Tremor, showcased a distinctly fresh narrative. Avery viewed it as a full-fledged release, rather than an extension of the earlier work. He proudly reflected on Tremor, noting it represented a significant point in his artistic journey. With Midnight Versions, he discovered new avenues to explore within that crafted world.
Bridging Genres: An Intersection of Sounds
Intriguingly, Avery’s history within the club scene informed some of the more aggressive elements of Tremor, blending alt-metal’s raw energy with dance music’s driving beats. He cited the exceptional use of guitar samples from Soundiron’s Axe Machina plugin, which provided him the necessary framework to straddle both worlds.
One noteworthy example is found in the remix of Greasy off the Racing Line, featuring alt-rock powerhouse Allison Mosshart. Her fiery vocal delivery carries a certain intensity, yet Avery transformed the raw power into a high-speed jungle beat, filtering down the dissonance while retaining the spirit of her vocals. To ensure Mosshart’s voice had a chilling presence, he creatively distorted it with FabFilter Saturn, fashioning a “demonic phone call” effect that resonates deep within the vibrant dancefloor.
Intricacies of Production
Beyond the intense sounds, Avery’s expertise shines in tracks that reflect his intricately woven electronic threads. The remarkable ambient piece Neon Pulse showcases his nuanced craft, where he took the freeform synth jam of the original and restructured it with a breakbeat created from years of accumulated live and electronic drum sounds. The addition of a Reese bass, an iconic staple in electronic music, introduces a propulsive quality that adds depth.
“It’s become a slight signature sound of mine,” Avery remarked about utilizing the Reese bass, cementing its role in giving tracks both momentum and melody.
Adapting to Live Performance Needs
Avery approached the remix of Rapture in Blue, which features Cecile Believe’s ethereal vocals, with the goal of making it more club-friendly. His initial version was self-assured but woefully unsuitable for vibrant club settings. “It ended up being too muddled, too thick—there was a lack of separation,” he explained. Recognizing this creative roadblock, Avery enlisted the expertise of Pearson Sound for the mixdowns, allowing him to explore new dynamics while empowering his actualizations.
Embracing Uncertainty in Creative Freedom
What stands out throughout Avery’s work on Tremor (Midnight Versions) is the beautiful unpredictability inherent to the process. Approaching the remixes with an open mindset, he allowed his intuition to dictate the outcome. “When you let go of expectations,” he shared, “there’s really no telling where the music might end up.” This philosophy not only exemplifies his artistic journey but also resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with the weight of expectation in their creative pursuits.
Through Midnight Versions, Daniel Avery invites listeners to explore an alternative universe, one that augments the original while distinctly standing on its own. Each remix is a testament to his artistry, experimentation, and the vibrant pulse of the dance scene that continues to inspire him.
