After starting life as a popular bootleg on YouTube, Claes Rosen’s Marvin Gaye remake ‘If This World Were Mine’ became so much more. Leading to contact from the family of Marvin Gaye and ultimately turning down to keep the track his own, the story is nothing short of interesting. We sat down with the man himself to talk about the track and more.
What initially drew you to Marvin Gaye’s “If This World Were Mine”? Why this song?
“What drew me in was the smoothness of the vocals and the message of the song, it’s such a beautiful combination of vulnerability and hope. And when I started playing around with the chords, I realized the vocals fit perfectly over the progression I had. It was like they were meant to be together. The flow of the song just felt so natural. That’s when I knew this was the one I wanted to reimagine.”
How did you approach preserving the emotional depth of the original while reimagining it in your own style?
“For me, it was all about preserving the chilled, emotional vibe of the original. I knew I didn’t want to do anything too aggressive or heavy, the beat had to serve the vocals, not compete with them. It was important to keep that softness and warmth, letting the emotion shine through while still giving it my own touch.”
Was there a specific mood or message you were aiming to enhance or reinterpret in your version?
“I wouldn’t say I set out with a specific mood or message in mind right away, it kind of revealed itself as I worked on it. I started with the chords, then added the drums and bass, which gave the track this bouncy, funky feel. The mood developed naturally from there. It wasn’t something I forced, it just came together in a way that felt right.”
Were there any specific challenges along the way whilst going through the creative process?
“Yes, definitely. The first version honestly sounded really bad, that was a tough moment. That’s when I decided to set it aside for a while and come back to it later with fresh ears. And that made all the difference. As soon as I started working on the new version, things just started to fall into place. When you hit that creative flow, it’s amazing how much you can get done in a short time. Everything just aligns, and you know you’re onto something.”
Are there elements in soul or Motown that you think naturally blend with electronic music?
“I’ve always had a soft spot for soulful-house, it’s been with me for a long time. There’s something about the way it blends the warmth and emotion of soul with modern electronic production that just works. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but the combination feels really natural to me. It’s that perfect mix of old and new, and it creates a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.”
Marvin Gaye’s music has such a strong emotional and soulful legacy. How has his work influenced your own musical journey?
“I think this specific song has definitely influenced other ideas and sketches I have sitting on my computer. I create across a lot of genres, everything from ambient and house to dubstep, and I love exploring new sounds. I wouldn’t say I have one single source of inspiration; sometimes it’s a trip, a moment, or just a feeling that sparks something. Even when I’m working on something as heavy as dubstep, I still try to bring that soft, emotional layer into it. I guess I’m a soft-hearted guy, and that naturally shows up in the music I make.”
What do you hope new listeners—who may not be familiar with the Marvin Gaye original—take away from your version?
“I hope new listeners feel the blend, how something classic can merge with something new, and that it opens them up to exploring both directions. Maybe my version can be a gateway for some to discover Marvin Gaye and other older records they might’ve missed. I’ve actually seen that happening in the comments, young and older listeners coming together to talk about the song. It’s like they’re meeting in the middle, and that’s something really special. “
Are there any other soul or classic tracks you’re interested in reworking in the future?
“I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet. Maybe that’s something my fans can help guide me on, I’m always open to suggestions. Who knows. if the right song comes along, I might just do it again.”
What’s next for you after this release? Can fans expect more Claes Rosen reworks, or are you focusing on original productions?
“Next up is my yearly DJ mix, which I usually release around midsummer—but it’s been postponed a bit because all my focus has been on this release. After that, I’ve got an original track coming that’s heavily inspired by the ‘80s lots of melodies and that nostalgic vibe.
I don’t have any new reworks planned at the moment, but who knows? Maybe this release will open some new doors. I do have a few older ideas tucked away on my computer… so we’ll see what happens!”
Listen to Claes Rosen’s incredible take on ‘If This World Were Mine’ here!
