In March 2023, leading German record label Embassy One announced a pioneering collaboration with music NFT marketplace twelve x twelve to launch a series of high profile remixes; inviting some of electronic music’s biggest artists to reimagine a selection of dance music’s most iconic records. Kickstarting the project with Roger Sanchez’s ‘Black Rain’ remix of Betoko’s Raining Again, the Berlin-based collaborators now unveil the next band of remixers to join the ongoing initiative.
A staunch contributor to the scene since the early 90s, Cologne-based artist Sharam Jey and long-term collaborator Bakka (BR) link up for the latest instalment in the collection. Available now across all streaming platforms, as well as a Digital Vinyl/ music NFT with exclusive content, ownership and limited access to the community, this unequivocally cool rework serves as a refreshing house gem, giving the deep house original a percussive-fuelled update that’s beaming with synth intricacies. Tethered to the roots of its counterpart through the famed vocal line, Sharam Jey & Bakka (BR)´s offering takes a stylistic turn, with 80s electronica sensibilities and contemporary breaks providing listeners with a stimulating blend of old and new; a trademark that we’ve come to know and love from the pair’s collaborative endeavours.
Next up to join the release, Betoko himself is welcomed back to reimagine his own original record, over a decade on. Initially landing on Solomun’s Dynamic imprint in 2012, Betoko’s remix marks his studio debut for Embassy One, and is available now exclusively as a digital vinyl/music NFT. Making his intentions known from the off, the London-by-way-of-Mexico artist expands on his original with a flurry of cosmic synth elements that fully embody the project’s narrative of renewal. His revitalised cut brings the project full circle, highlighting his consistent drive for progression within a fast-paced music scene.
Last but by no means least, and rounding out the project in emphatic fashion, Embassy One welcomes the indisputable talents of world-renowned duo Eli & Fur. Standing as one of the industry’s most exciting newcomer acts of the past decade, Eli & Fur deliver on artistry and technical prowess with their remix, guiding the original into contemporary waters. Available now as an exclusive Digital Vinyl/music NFT drop, the pair’s remix will also be released via all major streaming platforms on June 30.
Originally released in 2012, Betoko’s legendary dance anthem – Raining Again – was labelled ‘Track of The Summer’ during its initial unveiling, and has since amassed over 13 million streams on Spotify alone and over 100 million hits worldwide across all platforms. A record that has no doubt stood the test of time, Embassy One’s initiative aims to revive its global impact, whilst opening it up to a modern audience through a carefully curated band of remixers.
Why digital vinyl? The artist regains artistic freedom instead of algorithmic control, and their fans once again own a piece of music history. Through exclusive content and limited access, the artist and super fans foster a stronger connection and mutual growth.