The Power of Collabs

In the ever-evolving world of electronic dance music (EDM), artists constantly strive to push the boundaries of sound and creativity. While many producers and DJs have made a name for themselves with their solo work, there's something undeniably special about the power of collaboration. When two or more artists come together, the result often transcends the sum of its parts. In this issue, we'll look at some of the most iconic collaborations in EDM history.

Here's our theory: collab songs age better than solo tracks. Why? Because they are rare and, therefore, more memorable (when done right).  

There's something undeniably thrilling about seeing two artists come together and blend their talents. Whether it's two producers swapping production tricks, a vocalist lending their voice to a DJ's instrumental, or two rappers trading verses over a hard-hitting beat, the results of these collaborations are often nothing short of magical. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we delve into the world of EDM collaborations that have aged well for at least a decade and explore why they matter.

1. Swedish House Mafia and John Martin's "Don't You Worry Child."

Collaborations can take many forms, and one of the most exciting is when two artists from different genres come together to create something entirely new. One such example is the collaboration between Swedish House Mafia and John Martin on their hit single "Don't You Worry Child." Sure, it's a commercial track, but one with almost 5 million likes on YT. This track blended the progressive house sound of SHM with Martin's powerful vocals, creating a seamless fusion of genres that resonated with fans worldwide. The result was a chart-topping hit that remains a staple of festivals and club nights eleven years later. The song was released in 2014.

2. Skrillex and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's "Make It Bun Dem."

Another memorable collaboration came from Skrillex and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's "Make It Bun Dem." This track brought together Skrillex's heavy bass drops and Marley's reggae roots, resulting in a unique fusion of genres that still sounds fresh today. The track quickly gained popularity, with fans praising the innovative blend of sounds and styles. Skrillex, back then, in 2012, was still holding back, keeping the track melodic and easy to listen, even for non-dubstep enthusiasts. Both artists could showcase their individual talents while pushing each other to new heights, resulting in a track that remains a standout in the world of EDM. You can dance to this one — something you can't say from Skrillex's recent head-banging tracks.

3. Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers "Get Lucky."

There's no denying that collaborations can breathe new life into a track, and one of the most iconic examples of this is the collaboration between Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers on "Get Lucky." This track took the world by storm in 2013, largely thanks to the perfect blend of Daft Punk's signature disco-infused house sound and Rodgers' funk-driven guitar work. The result was a catchy, feel-good anthem that quickly climbed the charts and became a staple of summer playlists everywhere.

Partnerships have pushed the boundaries of sound and creativity and have helped propel more than one artist's career. One thing is certain: when two or more artists come together, the results can be magical. Whether it's a fusion of genres or a simple exchange of ideas, these collaborations can elevate the work of everyone involved. If you are wondering how well EDM hits age, collabs will give you the answer.