DREAMER (Remixes)
by Nabihah Iqbal

— Released 28th February 2024

Nabihah Iqbal has announced a remix package for her critically acclaimed album, ‘DREAMER’, featuring some of her favourite musical contemporaries. The remix EP features tracks by Haider Uppal, Slowspin (ft. Zak Khan), SIDD and Sijya, all of whom Nabihah has performed alongside, making this release feel like another iteration of their collaborations. As well as the four remixes of tracks from DREAMER, the EP also features a bonus track courtesy of Berlin-based producer Frank Wiedemann, with his take on 'Zone 1 to 6000', the standout track from Nabihah's previous album 'Weighing of the Heart'. Each remix is steadfast and uncompromising with a distinct mode of expression - an electric display of each artist’s craftsmanship.

The EP opens with Haider Uppal's remix of ‘Sky River’. With a slow, gradual build, the fiery tune erupts with shuffling drums and a propulsive beat. Uppal, an emerging multidisciplinary artist in electronic music, hailing from Lahore, Pakistan, whose music productions have already captured global attention, has created a remix which has an agile blend of house and bass, which would be at home at any nightclub around the world.

On the task of remixing Sky River, Haider Uppal remarks, 'A dream house addition to a dreamer — this was the track I resonated most with when asked to remix; my goal was not to break Nabihah’s vision but rather to build upon the feeling of the original.'

Pakistani musicians Slowspin (aka Zeerak Ahmed) and Zak Khan pare the instrumentation on ‘Dreamer’ back to its barest bones. Building on her reputation as one of South Asia’s most talented vocalists, this remix showcases Zeerak Ahmed’s range with her melancholic voice crooning softly over Khan's emotive piano chords. Next is SIDD’s fiery remix of the beloved track ‘This World Couldn’t See Us’. One of Pakistan’s youngest and most exciting DJs and producers, he uses Nabihah’s voice and lyrics as the foundation upon which he builds a rapturous tune that pops and fizzes with a menacing energy. This remix solidifies an emerging talent who is ready to be embraced by the world.

Indian ambient and experimental musician Sijya follows. With her take on ‘Sunflower’, she syphons away all elements of the production, leaving behind a heavy bass drum and a hollowed-out vocal. It’s bizarre and brilliant, making for an arresting, atmospheric and near-spiritual track.

Rounding the EP off is Frank Wiedemann’s remix of an old Nabihah Iqbal tune, taken from her first album, ‘Weighing of the Heart’. “I heard Nabihah’s first solo album and was immediately hooked,” he says. "I thought why not ask if a remix would be welcome?" With its ceiling-threatening rhythms and toe-tapping pace, ‘Zone 1 to 6000’ epitomises how this remix EP manages to skate between sounds without ever sounding disjointed.

Reflecting on the remixes, Nabihah says, 'I wanted to use the opportunity of putting together remixes for DREAMER to highlight some of the musicians that I've crossed paths with, whose work I really admire, and whose artistry is an inspiration for me. I've been lucky enough to share the stage with Slowspin and Zak Khan, who supported me on some of my live shows in the USA, Sijya who supported me on my UK tour, and I got the opportunity to DJ alongside Haider Uppal and SIDD for my first ever gig in Pakistan, which I'll never forget. Being able to travel the world and play music is an absolute blessing in itself, and on top of that I'm so thankful for the chance to be able to connect with different musicians along the way. These are just a handful of those musicians, people whose creations and performances have struck a chord with me, and so it's an honour to be able to present a body of work in this way, after making those musical connections. All the remix artists also happen to be South Asian, and so it feels extra special to be able to highlight some of the amazing musical talent that is coming out of our community. And as for the bonus remix of 'Zone 1 to 6000' by Frank Wiedemann, this has been in the works for a while and I'm just so happy that it's finally getting an official release! Frank is a legend of the electronic music world and when I heard that he wanted to make a remix of my song, I was utterly flattered. Thank you so much to everyone who features on this release.'