Producer R3HAB has teamed up with Amy Shark for “Sway My Way”, a reworking of Bic Runga’s classic New Zealand song, “Sway”.
The pair dovetail well on the collaboration, with Shark’s emotive vocals paying homage to the original over R3HAb’s laidback electronic instrumental.
“Every record reveals a new facet of the artist behind it,” the Dutch-Moroccan musician explains. “”Sway My Way” might surprise some listeners, as it’s got a more organic and stripped-back feel than many of my singles, but I love the dynamic it brings. Amy is an incredible artist and a pleasure to work with, and I’m so glad she helped me bring this song to life.”
With Shark having a lot of family from New Zealand, the singer-songwriter was happy to appear on the single. “I grew up loving Bic Runga, and her song “Sway” was one that I loved so much. When R3HAB asked me to join him and put my spin on the song, I jumped at it.”
Runga’s original only peaked at number seven on the New Zealand charts but its legacy was huge: in a 2001 poll conduced of members of APRA, the song was voted the sixth best New Zealand song of all time.
R3HAB and Shark’s reworking isn’t the only time it’s been covered. In 2019, Runga re-recorded the song for Waiata/Anthems, a collection of re-recorded New Zealand pop songs, done to promote te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).
Currently ranked 12th on the prestigious DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs chart, R3HAb, real name Fadil El Ghoul, has established himself as a go-to producer. After breakthrough remixes for artists including Rihanna, Drake, and Calvin Harris, he’s collaborated with the likes of Sean Paul, Ava Max, ZAYN, and many more.
Shark might be one of Australia’s most feted songwriters, with almost 30 ARIA Awards nominations to her name, but this month has also seen her appear on television screens as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice Australia.
On last weekend’s episode, she guided her team to a win as project manager, earning $20,000 for her chosen charity, Support Act.
