In this episode of Varieties On Behind the Song, legendary producer and artist Alesso takes us inside his collaboration with Nate Smith on their new single, “I Like It.” Known for his high-energy songs that get the crowd pumping, Alesso teams up with rising country star Nate Smith on his latest project to fuse country and dance music.
The collaboration is a natural fit: Alesso, known for hits like “Heroes” and “If I Lose Myself,” is teaming up with Smith, whose song “Bulletproof” spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
The fusion of dance and country music is well established, with Alesso crediting the late Avicii as a pioneer of the genre’s crossover. “Avicii was definitely one of the first to do it and from then on, everyone realized, ‘Oh my God, this is a really good mix. [of genres]”.”
“Right now, on the radio, we feel like we need some great songs,” Alesso says. diverse“That particular song that has high energy, higher tempos, guitar…it combines country music and dance; it works.”
“The song seems to have some 2000s dance vibes to it,” Smith tells us. The powerful guitar and live vocals certainly harken back to those upbeat anthems of the early 2000s. Alesso agrees, saying, “I miss going to the club, hearing something a little more upbeat.”
Regarding the decision to feature Smith's guitar and vocals prominently at the beginning, Alesso explains, “You don't have to wait long to showcase one of the best parts of the song.”
Between the intricate production and the catchy vocals, the song “feels like an anthem,” Alesso says. “I Like It” was released on July 12, and the accompanying music video is out now. Watch Alesso and Nate Smith dive into the creation of the song Varieties Behind the song here.
