In the vast world of electronic music, it’s always a joy to find tracks that blend emotional depth with danceable energy. OKAYDEN’s latest release, Sugar Water (Polybit Remix), does exactly that—merging heartfelt storytelling with club-ready production in a remix that feels both intimate and expansive.
At its core, Sugar Water is a song about queer love—specifically, the delicate, confusing emotions that come with experiencing it for the first time. The original version of the track, a collaboration between OKAYDEN and Sydney-based artist VRDA, captured those tender moments through an alternative pop lens. Now, with the addition of UK producer Polybit, the remix transforms this vulnerability into something kinetic, urgent, and exhilarating.
The remix doesn’t just build on the original—it reshapes it entirely. Where the original leaned into vocal textures and moody ambiance, Polybit’s touch infuses it with high-tempo drum and bass rhythms, chopped and warped vocals, and a pulsing energy that invites movement. It’s a reinvention that respects the soul of the original while amplifying its emotional power for the dance floor.
What makes this track especially unique is the international web of collaboration behind it. OKAYDEN, based in Melbourne, first connected with VRDA through a blog post. That digital meeting turned into creative synergy, leading to the original version of Sugar Water. Polybit came into the picture via a mutual friend—fellow musician Superchromatic. OKAYDEN was already a fan of Polybit’s sound, and their eventual link-up felt inevitable.
Originally, Polybit had been tapped to remix a track from OKAYDEN’s previous EP, but after diving deeper into his catalogue, he was drawn to Sugar Water. The result? A remix born from mutual artistic admiration and global cooperation. The final version of the track was crafted across at least three cities, with Polybit even traveling for work during production—adding a true intercontinental flair to the sound.
What really sets Sugar Water (Polybit Remix) apart is the approach to vocal manipulation. OKAYDEN has always leaned into vocal editing, and for this song, that interest reached a creative peak. VRDA’s vocals were chopped, reversed, and re-sampled into the fabric of the original track—essentially deconstructing her performance to create something new. Polybit took that even further, layering his signature drum and bass textures over the top and transforming the emotional tone of the track while preserving its core message.
This experimental energy is part of a larger evolution in OKAYDEN’s sound. With the remix marking the end of the remix project for his third EP, this release serves as a kind of final chapter in a creative era—one that has clearly been about growth, collaboration, and reinvention.
Alongside the release, OKAYDEN recently hit another major milestone: an hour-long DJ set on Electronic Music Australia, broadcast to listeners in both Australia and the UK. The performance showcased his current influences and marked a high-profile moment in his career, bringing his music—and musical taste—to a wider audience than ever before.
Reflecting on this release and the journey so far, OKAYDEN shares:
“Working with so many artists recently on remixes has really opened my eyes up to what I’ve been producing. It’s highlighted things in my own production I didn’t realise were good, but also the areas that I want to experiment with more in future releases.”
That spirit of exploration and self-awareness is exactly what makes Sugar Water (Polybit Remix) so compelling. It’s a song that honors vulnerability while pushing sonic boundaries—a love letter to queer firsts, wrapped in a beat that makes you want to dance your way through the emotion.
Whether you’re a fan of experimental pop, drum and bass, or just love music that makes you feel something deeply while moving your body, this remix deserves your attention. OKAYDEN, VRDA, and Polybit have crafted something special—bold, emotional, and undeniably alive.
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