I know before I post this one that not everyone is going to like this version of “Great Southern Land.” But it’s so fantastic I had to share it anyway. And since it gets Iva’s seal of approval, shouldn’t you at least give it a listen?
This reimagining is the brainchild of Cassian, a Grammy award-winning DJ and producer who emerged from the dance scene of Eora/Sydney. He was the first artist signed to RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue label way back in 2018, and he’s gone on to play seats at Coachella, Superior Ingredients in New York and Sound Nightclub in Los Angeles. This take on the ICEHOUSE classic might make my parents cringe, but it’s a stone cold banger.
“As an Australian, I was born with this song in my blood,” Cassian enthused. “I dreamed about making my own version for 10 years before reaching out to see if it was possible. Having full approval from Iva Davies/ICEHOUSE and being involved with the legacy of this song is probably the greatest honor of my career thus far, one that I don’t take lightly. After I was given the stems I spent the past year slowly, carefully & respectfully piecing it together. Around 100 versions later I’m proud to present the final, which I even mastered myself. Huge thank you to management, to Simon Moor and of course to Iva and his team for making the impossible possible.”
When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. ICEHOUSE were originally a pub rock band and I’m sure they lost a few fans when they started playing new wave and synth pop. This kind of floor-filling electro-dance music isn’t a million miles away from those genres. Listen with an open mind and this cover might just surprise you.
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia