Lady Decibel, the innovative electronic music duo, has made a striking entrance into the Electronic Music scene, channeling their passion into a unique blend of nostalgic dance music elements and contemporary production techniques. Their newest remix, a fresh take on Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj’s chart-topping hit, ‘Say So,’ showcases their distinctive sound, reinforcing their dedication to crafting high-energy tracks perfect for the dancefloor while delivering unique musical experiences for their audience.
In this exclusive interview, the duo reveals insights into their creative process, musical influences, and the inspiration behind this vibrant remix. Join us as we delve into the artistic journey of Lady Decibel.
Hi Lady Decibel, how are you both doing?
Hello! We’re doing fantastic, thank you for asking!
What made you choose ‘Say So’ as the track to remix? Were you fans of Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj prior to this?
We’ve been fans of both Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat for years, particularly appreciating their collaboration on “Say So.” The song’s immense popularity and frequent radio play in the U.S. initially caught our attention and inspired us to create our remix.
How did you maintain the iconic elements of ‘Say So’ while presenting a fresh interpretation?
For our remix, we constructed the entire instrumental from the ground up to infuse it with our signature high-energy, danceable vibe. While preserving the essence of “Say So,” we aimed to make it feel new and dancefloor-ready. We rearranged the vocal sections to synchronize seamlessly with the new instrumental, experimenting with placement and timing to elevate the energy. Our focus was on balancing fidelity to the original while introducing a completely fresh feel.
What emotions or moments did you aim to emphasize in your remix that differ from the original?
We noticed the original had a slower BPM and a laid-back disco vibe. For our remix, we ramped up the energy to create something irresistibly danceable that would captivate audiences on the dancefloor. We retained a portion of Nicki Minaj’s rap, crafting a new verse that fits seamlessly with our remix. This allowed us to introduce a lead synth section reminiscent of a guitar solo but infused with a rave-inspired, old-school aesthetic. We’re thrilled with the final product—the sounds, arrangement, and structure truly encapsulate the nostalgic rave energy we aimed for.
How did you create a groove and rhythm that feels punchier and more tailored for the dancefloor compared to the original?
We infused the track with a Euro-style twist, adopting a Eurodance-inspired structure and feel for the remix. We introduced a robust low end, a punchy kick, and an energetic, old-school lead sound. Increasing the BPM to 142 provided an extra boost of speed and liveliness. The faster acapella added to this high-energy vibe, and we layered numerous drums to achieve that classic old-school rave feel. This combination resulted in a punchy track perfectly suited for the dancefloor.
What specific tools or techniques were crucial in shaping the overall sound of the remix?
Absolutely! We set the BPM to 142 to establish an energetic feel from the outset. We layered multiple drums, focusing on rave-style top loops to drive that classic energy. Incorporating Euro-style transitional cymbal crashes was essential to capture that traditional Euro sound. Our signature synth lead added a distinct “Lady Decibel flair.” The primary synth melody throughout the remix is created with the VPS Avenger virtual synth by Vengeance, utilizing a Trance Gate patch from one of their Trance packs to achieve that nostalgic Eurotrance essence.
How did you utilize layering in your production to create tension and release, keeping listeners engaged?
We employed layering to build tension and release by progressively stacking elements throughout the track. Starting with subtle pads and a simple drum loop, we gradually introduced rave-style top loops, energetic basslines, and opened the filters on the main synth to generate anticipation. To enhance tension, we incorporated risers, transitional cymbal crashes, and automation on filters to sweep frequencies, intensifying the build-ups. During drops, we opened up the filters on the main synth, increasing its prominence in the mix for maximum impact. By continually adding or adjusting layers, we kept the energy dynamic and ensured the track remained engaging from start to finish.
How does your influence from 90s and 2000s Dance music resonate in your interpretation of ‘Say So’?
Our passion for 90s and 2000s Dance music deeply influenced this remix. We aimed to infuse ‘Say So’ with that classic Eurodance and Eurotrance vibe by incorporating signature elements such as a punchy kick, driving basslines, and high-energy synth leads. Additionally, we included rave-style top loops, gated synth melodies, and transitional cymbal crashes that define the era. By elevating the BPM and layering these nostalgic sounds, we created a track that captures old-school energy while maintaining a modern flair. It’s a fresh perspective that pays homage to the golden age of Dance music while aligning with Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj’s aesthetic.
Did you have a specific audience or vibe in mind while crafting the energy of this remix?
Our music is designed for the modern raver. When conceptualizing the mood for this remix, we aimed to revive the PLUR spirit from the 90s and 2000s rave scene. We sought to capture that positive, uplifting energy where individuals come together to have a great time, dance, and connect. With punchy kicks, rave-style drums, and those euphoric synths, we intended to evoke the sense of freedom and joy reminiscent of those classic raves. Our mission is to embody that feeling of unity and fun while keeping the sound fresh and exciting.
How does remixing tracks like ‘Say So’ help you expand your skills as producers and refine your sound?
Remixing tracks like ‘Say So’ pushes us to expand our creative boundaries by taking a popular mainstream hit and infusing it with our unique twist. It challenges us to merge various genres and influences, combining modern pop elements with the energy and aesthetics of 90s and 2000s rave and Eurodance. By reinterpreting a well-known song, we’re prompted to think innovatively and find ways to keep it fresh while remaining true to our distinctive sound. It’s an excellent opportunity to refine our style and experiment with new techniques, all while maintaining an element of fun.
Finally, what can fans expect from Lady Decibel in the near future?
Lady Decibel is poised to elevate their game in 2025. Early in the year, we’ll be collaborating with Babe Records on a compilation release that we’re genuinely excited about. Later in the year, we eagerly anticipate our first visit to Amsterdam Dance Event! We’re also experimenting with a new sound that complements our current Euro style, diving into Hard Dance and Hard House. A primary goal this year is to secure a signing with Tidy Trax, a legendary Hard House label from the UK that emerged in the 90s. We’re also eyeing a release on Hannah Laing’s newly launched label, Doof. Securing a release there would be a dream come true! It’s shaping up to be an exciting year filled with new music, collaborations, and significant milestones!
Having shared their journey behind this latest remix, Lady Decibel has once again demonstrated their commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new ideas. As they promise more music and ambitious plans ahead, we thank the duo for their time and eagerly await what lies ahead in their musical journey as 2025 approaches. Keep an eye on Lady Decibel, a talented force that’s only just getting started, by following them on social media today.
Listen and Download ‘Say So (Lady Decibel RMX)’ Now:
Lady Decibel Online
