Image: Supplied.
Steve Aoki, Yves V and Ryan Caraveo have teamed up to bring you a stellar reimagining of Avril Lavigne’s classic hit single Complicated. The track continues the producers recent run of pop collaborations, having worked with Backstreet Boys, BTS, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui, Migos, blink-182, and Daddy Yankee.
Bringing the track all the way from 2002 to a 2021 soundscape, the track utilises Lavigne's classic angsty lyrics, with a fresh set of introspective verses. The modern approach to the track is set atop electro-pop sonics, bringing a more dark-pop approach to the track.
Speaking of the track, Aoki shares: “My roots are in the punk scene, and that kind of music has always had a special place in my heart. So when Yves brought the idea to me to rework ‘Complicated’ by the ultimate pop punk queen, Avril Lavigne, I jumped on the opportunity. And the lyricism Ryan brought with his new verses only expands upon the truly classic hook.”
Yves V adds, “I was so excited to link up with Steve Aoki on this single. I’m a huge fan of pop music, and Avril as an artist, so to add our electronic spin alongside one of my favourite peers onto a track as classic as ‘Complicated,’ and bring it to audiences in 2021, felt amazing. I hope the fans enjoy it just as much as we did creating our production!”
And Ryan Caraveo adds, “Man, working with Steve Aoki is really a full circle moment for me. Back in 2013 I was just a kid at one of his shows - fast forward many years to a completely different life and all the sudden we're working together and covering one of the biggest songs ever from the queen herself Avril Lavigne and it's pretty surreal to be honest. I've always loved and been influenced by electronic music and cannot wait to hear this at the festival with the homies.”
Complicated topped the ARIA Chart in2002 for 6 weeks, and the New Zealand Top 40 singles chart for 9 weeks. It is certified double platinum in Australia, and platinum in New Zealand. ‘Complicated’ was nominated for Song Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Complicated is out now! Watch the visual below.