Over the past few months, you may have heard your favorite song pop up on the Internet – just slightly faster. You’re not alone: the phenomenon of the “sped-up” remix has taken over social media, with everyone from Lady Gaga to Thundercat getting the tempo treatment. The popularity of the craze has led to millions of TikTok videos, Billboard number ones, and songs becoming relevant again, decades after release. Ever since the proliferation of these “remixes,” the big questions remain: where did these songs come from and why are they here? 

On this episode of Switched on Pop, we explore this exact phenomenon, tracing its roots from Thomas Edison to Cam’ron to vaporwave to nightcore.

Songs Discussed:


“Dream On” – Aerosmith (sped up)

“Escapism” – RAYE, 070 Shake (sped up)

“Bad Habit” – Steve Lacy (sped up)

“Miss You” – Oliver Tree (sped up)

“Say It Right” – Nelly Furtado (sped up)

“Bloody Mary” – Lady Gaga (sped up)

“Heat Waves” – Glass Animals (slowed down)

“Juicy” – Notorious B.I.G. 

“Juicy” – DJ Screw

“Jolene” – Dolly Parton (slowed down)

“リサフランク420 / 現代のコンピュー |” – Macintosh Plus

“In Da Club Before Eleven O’ Clock” – DJ Rashad

“Monster [Nightcore]” – Meg & Dia, remixed by Barren Gates 

“Concrete Angel” – Hannah Diamond

“Witch Doctor” – David Seville

“Oh Boy” – Cam’ron, Juelz Santana

“Cool for the Summer” – Demi Lovato (sped up)

“Them Changes” – Thundercat (sped up & Chopnotslop remix)

“That’s All” – Genesis


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