Welcome to the first installment of Remix Stories, where we dive into the transformative power of remixes that took songs to new heights. Today, we’re exploring the fascinating journey of "Are You With Me", from its humble beginnings as a country ballad by Easton Corbin to its reimagination as a deep house anthem by Lost Frequencies.
The Original: Easton Corbin’s Country Ballad
Released in 2012 on Easton Corbin’s album All Over the Road, "Are You With Me" is a tender country song filled with longing and emotional depth. With simple guitar instrumentation and Corbin’s soothing voice, the track painted a picture of yearning for connection.
Despite its charm, the original remained a hidden gem within the country music scene, far from achieving mainstream success.
The Remix: Lost Frequencies’ Breakthrough Hit
In 2014, Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies came across Corbin’s track and decided to remix it, giving it a completely new identity. Stripping the song of its country elements, he infused it with deep house beats, a soothing tempo, and an irresistible melody.
Interestingly, this remix was not initially authorized. Lost Frequencies uploaded his version to platforms like SoundCloud, where it started to gain traction organically. Its growing popularity caught the attention of Armada Music, which then worked to negotiate the necessary rights to release the remix officially. This retrospective authorization allowed Lost Frequencies’ version to be legally distributed, propelling it to global fame.
Released by Armada Music, the remix became a massive success, hitting #1 in over 18 countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the UK. It even topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, earning Lost Frequencies his first taste of global fame.
The remix’s success wasn’t just due to its catchy production; it resonated because Lost Frequencies preserved the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it universally relatable.
Why "Are You With Me" Endures
This remix’s global appeal lies in its ability to transcend genres and audiences. Lost Frequencies’ deep house production transformed a country ballad into an international dance floor anthem while keeping the heart of the song intact.
The story of "Are You With Me" also highlights the creative freedom and occasional challenges of remix culture. What began as an unauthorized passion project became one of the most iconic remixes of the 2010s, proving that great ideas can sometimes thrive even when they start outside official channels.
Legacy and Influence
"Are You With Me" marked a turning point in Lost Frequencies’ career, paving the way for hits like "Reality" and "Where Are You Now". More broadly, it demonstrated how remixes can introduce songs to entirely new audiences, crossing cultural and musical boundaries.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of our Remix Stories series. Stay tuned as we explore more iconic remixes and the DJs behind them.
What’s your favorite remix of "Are You With Me"? Share your thoughts in the comments on Remix.me, and let us know which remix you’d like us to cover next!
