We’re delighted to bring you an exclusive from the talented Robert O’Connor in the form of his dazzling new synthpop anthem What a Time to Be Alive, remixed by Luke Kondak. Officially released this Friday, you can hear the new single early on Culture Fix via the link above.
What a Time to Be Alive is lifted from Robert’s most recent studio album Swimming Against the Tide, an electronic pop tour de force. The track gets a fresh rework by US producer Luke Kondak, who has previously put his distinctive spin on hits from the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa. Robert first encountered Luke’s work after hearing a reimagining of Dua Lipa’s Houdini, which transformed the track into an ‘80s-style Phil Collins anthem. Robert shares: “I reached out to Luke and told him I wanted to make one of the tracks from my album as ‘80s as possible, following the rapturous response to my own single Everything You Wanted, which was influenced by the Sophistipop of that decade.”
With virtual sessions taking place between Dublin and Pennsylvania, the pair crafted the 4-minute 48-second pop anthem, which soars thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and Kondak’s intoxicating electropop production. Lyrically, the song reminisces about a time of more meaningful social interaction – a striking contrast to the detachment caused by today’s social media landscape – as Robert confidently sings: “Do you remember the days in 1995, do you remember when you were in the room, and so was I?”
These affecting lyrics resonate deeply, as Robert reflects on what’s been lost at the start of each verse – from the people he never met, to the opportunities he didn’t take, and, in the final verse, the friendships that no longer feel the same.
What A Time To Be Alive will be released on July 4, featuring the brand new Luke Kondak Remix, a chillout version, plus the original album production by Gareth Shortland.
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Now listen to “What a Time To Be Alive”! Kondak’s work is sensational! The music took me back to the 1980s, with just the right instruments and melody! Nostalgic and modern at the same time! I will definitely hear it many times, now that winter begins in the southern hemisphere and the mild climate begins in Brazil, great for walks on the beach! I really liked!