“Classic Timbaland”: Dean Lewis talks new ‘Waves Remix EP’

It’s been another unforgettable week for Aussie export Dean Lewis.

It began with an epic set at Splendour on Saturday, then a coveted position in APRA AMCOS’ Billionaires Club on Tuesday, and now a re-release of his breakthrough smash ‘Waves’, featuring a remix by legendary US producer Timbaland.

“Timbaland is the one person who can make a song come back,” Lewis tells TMN, referring to the producer’s 2007 remix of OneRepublic hit ‘Apologise’.

“He’s done it before, and he has really good taste.”

Lewis has labelled the remix “classic Timbaland”, which Island Records released on Friday.

“It’s more in line with the production of ‘Be Alright’,” explains Lewis. “He got the mix right pretty much on the first go.

“It’s a little less epic, a little more chill, the drums are much bigger,” says Lewis. “It’s classic Timbaland.”

The five-track Waves Remix EP includes the original recording, a live version tracked at The Forum Theatre in Melbourne, two acoustic versions and Timbaland’s take.

“I have been a huge fan of Dean for a while now, and was always playing his music,” said Timbaland.

“When the opportunity came to collaborate, it was a no brainer.

“Have you heard this man’s lyrics? He brings the writing game to a whole new level – he is the future!”

The now 5x Platinum ‘Waves’ – which is now edging closer to 6x Platinum – is responsible for breaking Lewis in Australia and opening doors internationally.

But the song never made it to the frontline and radio teams in North America and other key markets.

It was first released in Australia in September 2016, peaking at #12 on the ARIA Singles Chart in May the following year.

Australian radio went gaga for ‘Waves’. It hit #16 on the THM Hot 100.

“From the moment we saw Dean singing Waves we were quick to realise what an extraordinary singer-songwriter he is,” Hit Network head of music Irene Hulme told TMN after Lewis’ rooftop performance in April.

‘Waves’ got its first breakthrough with a sync on US cult show Riverdale, then again on the season finale of Suits and Grey’s Anatomy.

Since its release it has now been streamed over 400 million times globally and achieved Platinum sales in Switzerland, Gold in Sweden and Belgium and 5 x Platinum in his home country.

At the 2017 ARIA Music Awards ‘Waves’ was nominated for five gongs, including Best Pop Release, Breakthrough Artist and Song of the Year.

At the APRA Music Awards that same year, the record was nominated for Pop Work of the Year and Most Played Australian Work.

The official video has clocked over 57 million views.

Listen to Timbaland remix of ‘Waves’