A timeless Grand Central Records classic is given an elegant modern update as 16-year-old French producer Yves Schopin reimagines Rae & Christian’s much-loved “Spellbound”.
Originally released in 1998 on the legendary “Northern Sulphuric Soul” album, “Spellbound” remains one of Rae & Christian’s defining productions. Wrapped around Veba’s beautifully understated vocal, the original became a cornerstone of the soulful downtempo movement that helped establish Grand Central Records as one of Britain’s most influential independent labels.
Rather than trying to reinvent a classic, Yves Schopin approaches “Spellbound” with remarkable restraint. At just sixteen years old, the young French producer strips back the arrangement before rebuilding it with warm live-sounding percussion, crisp drums, rich basslines and tasteful modern production touches that allow Veba’s haunting vocal to remain firmly at the heart of the record.
The result sits comfortably between contemporary soul, nu-disco and laid-back house. There’s enough groove for late-night dancefloors, yet the remix never loses the emotional intimacy that made the original so memorable nearly three decades ago. It’s the sort of record equally at home poolside, during a sunset set or warming up a sophisticated club crowd before things move deeper into the night.
The accompanying instrumental is equally rewarding, allowing Schopin’s understated musicianship and arrangement to breathe without distraction. Every subtle chord change, guitar flourish and rhythmic detail reveals just how carefully this remix has been assembled.
For longtime fans of Rae & Christian, “Spellbound” remains untouchable, but Schopin deserves enormous credit for understanding that the song’s greatest strength has always been its atmosphere rather than simply its melody. Instead of chasing a dancefloor overhaul, he gently modernises the production while preserving the warmth and soul that made the original such an enduring favourite.
It’s a bold assignment for a producer still in his teens, but on this evidence Yves Schopin is a name well worth keeping an eye on.
Release Date: 28th August 2026
Label: Mark’s Music
Format: Digital