Love is Bigger: Jochen Simms Interview

Original Story by Aaron J. Sams (2018-06-28)

Jochen Simms is one of the producers who recently worked on a remix of U2’s “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way”, no wait, make that three remixes. The remixes titled the Jochen Simms Remix, the Jochen Simms Dub Remix and the Jochen Simms Deep Mix were all sent out for promotion in audio format on June 15, 2018. These three mixes are promotional only at this point, and a commercial release has not yet been announced, so you won’t find these on iTunes just yet, but luckily we can share the audio of his “Jochen Simms Remix” for a taste:


AUDIO: Jochen Simms Remix courtesy of Citrusonic

Jochen is a producer based out of London, and he was kind enough to take a few moments to answer our questions about the remix of “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way” and working with U2.

What can you tell us about yourself?

Jochen: I’m from South East London. I started learning about music production in 1987, I was taught by Double Trouble and the Rebel MC how to DJ. I soon bought an Akai s950 Atari 1040st and a Studio Master mixing desk and an Akai s7000 keyboard and I’ve been learning ever since.

Who are some of the artists you’ve worked with on remixes in the past?

Jochen: Beyonce, Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding, Basement Jaxx, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, The Wanted, Olly Murs, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and Robbie Williams.

Do you have a favorite song by U2? A favorite remix?

Jochen: I certainly do, the “Lemon” (Perfecto Remix).

Is this your first time working with U2?

Jochen: Yes and I’m really pleased to have the opportunity!

How does it feel to work with a band of U2’s size?

Jochen: Amazing! This was a very important remix to me, so I handled it with care 

How did you get involved in the remix for “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way”?

Jochen: Maria and Orlando from Citrusonic Promotion approached me.

Did you receive both vocals and instrument stems?

Jochen: Just the vocal.

Was there any guidance from the band as to what type of mix was wanted?

Jochen: No, just to do my thing, and that’s how I like to work. That way if they like it you know it came from your soul.

Was it a challenging mix to complete?

Jochen: Yes, it was. I think the song was originally 95 bpm so speeding it up and getting to sound cool was a challenge, but hey that’s what life’s all about.

What was the process after the mix was finished to get the track approved? Did you have to wait for long?

Jochen: Yes, Maria and Orlando had to make sure they were feeling it, then it goes off to the label, and everyone decides there — I think it took about 6 weeks.

We’ve seen that three versions of your mix have been released for promotion? How do each differ? 

Jochen: The deeper mix is just a bit slower and a bit more of a groove. The other two are more driving, a bit more tech house, they are the same, but one is more of a dub mix with less vocal 

At this point over 30 remixes have been released for “Love is Bigger”? Have you listened to the others? Do you have a favorite?

Jochen: I’ve checked a few they all sound good just all different styles which is cool. It’s very interesting to hear someone elses take on the song.

Why do songs today get so many remixes?

Jochen: I think some producers do it for free now, and are happy to play their version just for their own DJ sets. Record labels like to give people a good choice of mixes.

If you had a chance to go back and remix any U2 song is there any track you would choose?

Jochen: “Beautiful Day”

What projects do you have coming up?

Jochen: I’ve been working on changing my sound I’m using more disco influence vibes now, so more funky, and I’m loving it — watch this space! 

For those interested in more information on Jochen Simms, you can find his work on Spotify, Apple/iTunes UK, Beatport, and Shazam.

This is our seventh interview with the DJs and producers involved in remixing “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way.” For the other interviews please see the links below:

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