ReMix:Chrono Cross "If I Could... (Synthwave Mix)" 4:53

Up next we've got a sweet synthwave vocal remix-of-a-remix, as Jorito (Jorrith Schaap) & JoyDreamer (Anne Marie Joy Jørgensen) team up for an alternative incarnation of "If I Could..." - album director prophetik music writes:

"Oh, man, a remix of a remix! Jorrith approached me about this track offhand a while after he'd started his ballad version with the always-great-to-hear question of "Did you plan for any bonus tracks for this album?". Any project leader knows that this inevitably results in music that is either unmitigated trash or something really special, and Jorrith delivered on the something special in a big way. I'm a big fan of synthwave, and Jor's attention to detail (and that sick synth solo!) really make for a great alternate version of "Reminiscing.""

Indeed; alternative versions & bonus tracks can often be a mixed bag (get it?), but in this case it's a fully-realized, comprehensively-retooled vision of the sister/original mix that very much has a life of its own. Jorrith writes:

"Uhh... oops, I did something weird? I ended up remixing one of my own remixes. I was working on a remix of Chrono Cross's track "Reminiscence" for the Chronopolis remix album, and waiting for some recordings to come in so I could finish the track. During some random YouTube watching, I stumbled upon a synthwave track in the style of The Midnight, suddenly got very inspired, and was wondering if I could do something similar. Fortunately, I already had some vocals that Joy recorded for my original remix, so it was a great time to see if these vocals would work in this alternative version too. Turns out it did work pretty well, even though I did have to ask Joy to re-record due to the slower tempo. To me, this alternative remix goes hand in hand with the other version, each using the same source and the same lyrics, but each with their own feeling and mood. All in all, this was a really interesting experiment, and I love what came out of it. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!"

Very cool; the lyrics/vocals lend themselves to both styles, and synthwave is just plain FUN to listen to AND to make, so I understand why Jorrith... mixed himself. Vocalist JoyDreamer writes:

"It's been lovely working with Jorrith on the different tracks during this short period. He's always so full of ideas and creative talent that it's impossible to dislike his work. Or maybe that's just my personal taste? Whatever it is, I'm very satisfied with what we've put together for the album. As a fan of the old Chrono Cross games, it felt so natural working on the tracks, both melody and lyric-wise. As for the lyrics, Jorrith also had a great impact on the final outcome as we're fortunate enough to live in the same time-zone, enabling us to work on the writing on a more focused level. It was a fun experience, finishing a set of lyrics real-time. I think that the two compositions we've managed to put together are special because they are so different yet the same. The same set of lyrics where used but the feeling for each weigh differently and bring a different feeling forth. While the ballad version of the song is very lighthearted and holds onto a fragment of hope, the synthwave piece puts weight on the words and lets the listener soar -- almost meditate-like. I hope whoever listens will enjoy what we've put together."

If there's one thing the Internet has proven, it's that anyone can hate anything, for any reason, but I tend to agree - Jorrith's creativity & fearlessness make his music both enjoyable and exciting. JoyDreamer's vocals are pretty damn hard to dislike as well, as every breath/word infuses the lyrics and the music with meaning; beautiful. Gario evaluates:

"Oh, this is some tasty stuff. Great soundscape, excellent singer, solid production, and just gorgeous synthwave overall. You made a great choice to make a remix of a remix; they're both excellent, and bring out different elements of the source.

People should do this more often, in my humble opinion. ;)

The harmony work is particularly sublime, which sounds simultaneously harsh and smooth with the synths you chose (if that makes any sense...).

Great track for an upstanding album. Great work!"

What he said - wonderful work from J & J, whose collaboration not only survived but thrived with the two takes; love both versions!