Delerium ft. Sarah McLachlan — "Silence" (John Summit Remix) Brings a Trance Classic Into 2025

Remixing dance classics requires both reverence and audacity, qualities John Summit wields with finesse in his new remix of Delerium and Sarah McLachlan's turn-of-the-century trance masterpiece, "Silence."

The Original Legacy

Consistently hailed as one of the greatest trance records of all time, Delerium's "Silence" defined a generation when it dropped in 1999. Sarah McLachlan's ethereal, crystalline vocals paired with the duo's atmospheric production created a spiritual moment that transcended genre and became a touchstone for electronic music.

The track's existential weight—questions about identity, connection, and the void—resonated deeply with ravers and bedroom listeners alike. It wasn't just a club track; it was an experience.

Summit's Approach

Originally created as an edit for John Summit's first-ever arena show at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the remix quickly became a fan-favorite and a highlight of his sets worldwide. Summit's official version is out now via Tomorrowland Music, bringing the classic into the modern era.

"As a longtime raver and trance fan, it's an absolute honor to remix 'Silence,'" Summit said. "It's hard to give justice to such a classic, but I think Sarah McLachlan's powerful vocals along with my trance-infused modern tech house production helps bring this song to life in this current era."

The Sound

McLachlan's timeless vocals serve as the bedrock of Summit's reimagining, their existential weight magnified by his contemporary production approach. He doesn't mimic the original—he builds on it, layering hypnotic grooves and crisp percussion to honor its legacy while bringing it firmly into 2025.

The remix opens with a trance-tinged build that nods to the original's DNA before Summit injects his signature pulsing tech house energy. It's reverent without being precious, modern without being disrespectful. The drop hits with festival-ready impact while preserving the spiritual quality that made "Silence" a genre-defining moment.

The Live Impact

Since debuting the remix at Madison Square Garden, Summit has made it a staple of his live shows. The track has captivated audiences worldwide, from intimate club settings to massive festival stages. It works equally well at 2 AM in a sweaty basement or in front of 50,000 people under the stars.

The remix represents Summit's ability to bridge eras—bringing trance purists and tech house heads together on the same dancefloor.

Why It Works

This remix succeeds because Summit understands what made the original special. He doesn't try to reinvent it completely or strip away its soul. Instead, he updates the production while keeping McLachlan's vocals front and center, treating them with the respect they deserve.

It's a masterclass in how to remix a classic: honor the source material, bring your own identity, and create something that works for today's dancefloors without erasing yesterday's magic.

The Verdict

John Summit's remix of "Silence" is exactly what a great remix should be—a bridge between past and present, respecting history while pushing forward. It proves that classics don't need to stay frozen in time; in the right hands, they can evolve and find new life on modern dancefloors.

This is how you remix a legend.