Fedde Le Grand on Reworking "1, 2 Step" & "One of the Most Creative Periods" He's Had in Years [Q&A]
The house titan brings Beatportal inside his creative process to celebrate the release of his spin on Ciara and Missy Elliott's 2004 hit.
Cameron Holbrook
Fedde Le Grand knows what makes crowds move. Few artists sustain decades in dance music without developing a sharp ear for the sounds that galvanize dance floors, and the Dutch house titan is no exception. His spry, club-forward flip of Ciara and Missy Elliott’s 2004 classic, “1, 2 Step,” is the latest example, adding yet another candidate for heavy rotation to his house-savvy repertoire.
Born from what Le Grand calls “one of the most creative periods I’ve had in years,” the spin is out now via Reliant Records and available exclusively on Beatport.
“As DJs and producers, we’re always listening for those hidden gems that could work with a house treatment. When I came across this one, the vocal immediately stood out. It’s so recognizable and has a lot of character,” he tells Beatportal.
It’s proof that, sonically, one doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to craft a club weapon. This creative principle permeates his catalog, spanning official remixes for Shakira and Rihanna (“Can’t Remember to Forget You”), Madonna (“Bitch I’m Madonna), and Coldplay ("Paradise"). For more than two decades, Le Grand has flexed his muscle for fashioning memorable, high-energy records that reach far and wide – from high-profile reworks to era-defining original productions like his breakout chart-topper “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” (2006).
While his sound has grown and evolved in step with the house scene, his presence in its circles – and beyond them – has remained constant. Throughout 2024 and early 2025, Le Grand’s 2013 collaboration with Ida Corr, “Let Me Think About It,” surged on TikTok, soundtracking more than 200,000 videos and exposing a new generation to the club anthem while he continued to release a steady stream of new singles.
With Le Grand in the midst of a relentlessly “productive” year, there’s a lot more where that came from. In a Q&A with Beatportal, he takes us inside his creative headspace, both in the studio and behind the decks.
Hey Fedde! Thanks for joining us. We’re a few months into the year now. How has 2026 been treating you so far, and what have been some standout moments already?
2026 has been amazing so far. The shows have been nonstop, and the energy on the dance floors has been incredible, even this early in the year. What really stands out, though, is how productive I’ve been in the studio. It honestly feels like one of the most creative periods I’ve had in years. There are so many ideas and projects happening that sometimes I almost must slow myself down. It’s a great feeling, and I’m excited to start sharing a lot of new music throughout the year.
“1, 2 Step” is such a recognizable record. What made you want to revisit this particular track and flip it for today’s dance floors?
As DJs and producers, we’re always listening for those hidden gems that could work with a house treatment. When I came across this one, the vocal immediately stood out. It’s so recognizable and has a lot of character. Luckily, I was able to get everything sorted with the label, and the pieces just came together. I’m happy with how it turned out because it keeps the vibe of the original but adds the energy that really works in today’s clubs.
When you’re reworking a classic like this, how do you strike the balance between honoring the original and making it hit properly in a modern club setting?
For me, it always starts with the dance floor. While producing, I constantly ask myself how I’d want the track to behave in my own set. If it creates the right moment and feels great to play out, then I know I’m getting close. That usually leads to a version that respects the original but still feels fresh and powerful in a modern club environment.
What is one modern track you’re rinsing in your sets right now?
“neck” by Mau P is one I’ve been playing a lot lately. It’s got that raw energy that just works on the dance floor. Big respect to my fellow Dutch guys, they’re still absolutely on fire.
Tell us a classic house record every DJ should own?
That’s a tough one because there are so many classics, but “Big Love” by Pete Heller is definitely one that every DJ should have. It’s timeless and still sounds incredible today.
You’ve been shaping house music for nearly two decades now. When you’re in the studio today, what still excites you about making club records?
Right now, the tools we have available make the creative process really exciting. AI is obviously a controversial topic, but if you use it as a creative tool rather than letting it do the work for you, it opens up a lot of possibilities. Generating sounds, sample ideas, experimenting with textures – combined with the new generation of smart plugins, there’s a lot of room to explore and push things further.
What goals have you set for yourself this year, both musically and personally?
Honestly, the goal is simple: follow my instincts. Make the music I love and that I’m excited to play in my sets. When you stay true to that, everything else usually falls into place.
