Naarm (Melbourne) artist Robert Baxter boldly entrusts the reinterpretation of their own work into the capable hands of Scratching (Grace Sanders and Ezekiel Padmanabham), WHOISLEXI (Alex Garla), chaotiic good and Charlie Hanrahan.
Their effort, blue (the remixes), revolves around transforming Robert’s October 2023 single, “Blue,” into unique renditions while preserving the soul of the original composition. Initially crafted during the aftermath of a relationship’s end, the song unearths the frustration of being the sole bearer of emotional vulnerability.
On the remixes, Robert Baxter shares,
“I created ‘blue’ to tell a story, but I started thinking, what if there was a more abstract version, or one made for a club? So I decided to send the stems out to a few people I know and love, and we created blue (the remixes). This was my first time having someone featured on a rework of a song, and my first time having remixes.I love that each one serves a different purpose and breathes new life into the lyrics and melodies I created. I feel so blessed that they gave me their time and energy and creativity, the fact that Scratching/Grace Sanders has never done a collaboration is so wild to me, I have admired their work for so long! ”
Each rendition offers a distinct flavour, ranging from an unfamiliar sonic landscape to an adventurous spirit and deliberate restraint. These variations manifest as sharp, edgy expressions, breathing new life into the song’s emotional depth and raw authenticity.
The collaborative metamorphosis presents a compelling journey through diverse artistic lenses, inviting listeners to experience the raw emotions of vulnerability and resilience woven into each reinterpretation, making it a captivating and multifaceted musical exploration worth savouring.
