This year was my year of remixes. Whenever I fell in love with a song and played it one too many times on repeat, I would search for remixes of the song on SoundCloud. Here's a recap: 14 of my favorite songs, and their remixes -- in alphabetical order -- of 2014.
1. "Addicted to You" by Avicii
I actually heard Avicii's remix of his own song, "Addicted to You" on his album, True: Avicii by Avicii, before I heard the original. While the EDM element of the original arrives once the chorus hits, I love the remix's piano-backed beats throughout the entirety of the song. Avicii's ability to pair electronica with Audra Mae's raspy folk vocals makes "Addicted to You" a unique -- and of course, addicting -- track. Hearing Avicii play the song live in the 18,000-capacity Barclay's Center in June was one of my favorite moments of his True Tour concert.
2. "Ceilings" by Local Natives
"Ceilings," a song inspired by "not being able to fall asleep," has become my go-to romantic, indie alternative song. I love listening to the live acoustic version -- especially this one -- for the band's raw vocals, dreamy guitar riff and harmonies that give me chills every time I hear it.
Although the song was released on their 2013 album Hummingbird, I found this remix released by Kasbo nine months ago that completely transforms the song into a dynamic, future-trap track with a killer drop that I can't stop bobbing my head to.
3. "Ease My Mind" by Skrillex
"Ease My Mind" is one of my favorites off of Skrillex's 2014 album Recess, since it deviates from his signature hardcore, Transformer-like sound; well, at least in the beginning.
There's something both calming and intense about the Niki & The Dove's vocals and the breathing effect as the song begins, but given it is by Skrillex, the song explodes into an Egyption-like dubstep that's simply gold for an intense workout.
While Jai Wolf's version is smoother than the original at times, GTA's remix adds a fun, more colorful section at the three quarter mark. Because both versions were so awesome, Skrillex even released a special Ease My Mind v Ragga Bond Remixes EP in late November.
4. "Faded" by ZHU
With "Faded," which is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2015 Grammy awards, ZHU has made waves in the electronic music scene this year, despite his mystical anonoymity that is slowly being cracked. I chose ODESZA's remix as my favorite because of its intense introduction and awesome bass addition. Lido's remix adds a smoother and more sensual feel, as opposed to the original's more spooky aura. If you're looking for deeper house renditions, listen to the remixes by TÂCHES and Amtrac.
5. "Fancy" (feat. Charli XCX) by Iggy Azalea
If there's one song you've heard of on this list, it's going to be "Fancy."
While I love original for its catchy riff and attitude, I love GTA's version for its awesome bass, unexpected turns and...that drop. This trap remix has become a staple in my workout playlist.
6. "Jaigantic" by Tora
Tora is definitely one of my new favorite artists of this year. Their music is calming and spacious, with a touch of indie electronica that completes their seductive, luxurious sound. When I heard that Galimatias, one of my new favorite producers, remixed "Jaigantic," it just made my day. While the original is more moody and intense, Galimatias makes the track an eclectic, charming and picturesque, making it one of my favorite collaborations of the year.
7. "Latch" (feat. Sam Smith) by Disclosure
Here's another song that went viral this year -- one that skyrocketed Disclosure's popularity and Sam Smith's rise to fame. I admit that when I first heard the song, I thought it was a bit too foreign, since I had never heard Disclosure's retro, post UK 2-step garage beats that I would soon learn to love. Now, "Latch" is one of those songs I never really get tired of hearing.
If you're looking for a catchy alternative, one of my favorite mashup producers, The White Panda, released "Cooler Than Latch." It combines the vocals of "Latch" with the background music of Mike Posner's 2010 hit "Cooler Than Me."
Check out Part II here.