Music
Tune Tales
Tune Tales: Kygo’s top team-ups
From international popstars to Australian favourites, tropical house king Kygo has worked with a slew of incredible artists. As we prepare for his trip Down Under we handpick some of his best team-ups so far.
Norwegian superstar Kygo is a force in the EDM world.
While we all know he is a master of dance music – just check out his long list of fire remixes – it’s his knack for hand-selecting the best artists to team up with that has seen him crossover into the mainstream, amassing billions of online streams and regularly selling out arenas.
Before Kygo makes his way to Melbourne to take over Sidney Myer Music Bowl this weekend, we decided to deep dive into his catalogue and pick out our favourite Kygo collabs.
Let us know which team-ups are your top picks.
Selena Gomez – It Ain’t Me
When this tune dropped early last year it was hard to escape. With its lazy, beach-ready acoustic guitar melody and pop flair that kicks up in the chorus, Selena’s vocal reigns supreme. Thanks to the pairing, It Ain’t Me is one of Kygo’s biggest tracks to date.
Conrad Sewell – Firestone
Firestone is one of the first songs that comes to mind when you think of that special feeling Kygo builds through his music. Conrad Sewell’s falsetto is brilliant and perfectly made for setting up your best singalong. This one could be an absolute heartbreaker if it wasn’t for that sunshine-filled hook.
Sasha Sloan – This Town
American singer-songwriter Sasha Sloan may not be one of the best-known names on Kygo’s collab list, but their pairing on This Town is one of his standout deep cuts. Stripped back and shimmering, the subtle production carries Sasha’s vocals to perfection.
Kodaline – Raging
Kygo is the king of tropical house for a reason, and the island-dance party meets emotional-folk-ballad vibe of Raging brings together all his best bits. Irish rockers Kodaline provide the incredible vocals that lead the track, while superstar James Bay holds co-write credits here – clearly a match made in musical heaven.
Matt Corby – Serious
We probably don’t need to use too many words for this one. The production is pure genius, sitting back in the verses and allowing Matt Corby’s gorgeous honey-like vocal to shine, before kicking things up a notch in the chorus ensuring you still get your dance fix.
Tom Odell – Fiction
Chugging guitar riffs meet glistening beats on Fiction, while English singer-songwriter Tom Odell provides some bright (and a slightly left of centre) falsetto.
Ellie Goulding – First Time
Kygo’s island-tinged melodies paired with Ellie Goulding’s husky vocal creates the perfect sense of nostalgia. The production alone is breathtaking, but add in the vocal performance and it’s no wonder this was a huge hit.
The Night Game – Kids In Love
Maybe one of the least typically-Kygo tracks in Kygo’s catalogue, Kids In Love rests on a timeless melody that’s more classic rock than island dance party, but we aren’t complaining. Vocals from The Night Game match the vibe perfectly, making this one readymade for a summer drive down the highway.
Foxes – Oasis
This is a huge pop moment –probably one of the most characteristically ‘pop’ moments in Kygo’s career – but with the help of Foxes he pulls it off. If you’re going to write a pop tune you can’t go wrong teaming up with Sia – and on Oasis the trio hit all the right notes.
Kygo will take over Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday October 20. Get your tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au
