When I reviewed the original release of Songbird by DataBass (real name Kathleen Arndt) in November 2025, I said she’d be “a force to be reckoned with as her career develops.” A new remix album may well prove me right.

By Graeme Smith

Songbird (Remixes) gives us six fresh and cinematic takes on the original ethereal tracks, augmenting Arndt’s soft compelling vocals with dramatic layers of percussion and electronica. The collaborations are inspired with remixes coming from Monochrome Media, TsugiEdgi, Ludosmo, tramp, Shawn Ely, and by DataBass herself. Each take a different approach, giving the collection a diverse and textured feel.

The result is a ramping up of the DataBass style. These Songbird tracks find an intriguing new form, and prove Arndt’s ear for stirring, life-affirming composition.

The early dreaminess of Underwater Grievances and Ballad of the Doves welcome you in before Arndt changes things up with the stimulating trance of Aviary, a remix that demands movement. Cloudburst takes things in a moodier direction, introducing elements of noir and feeling a bit like Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game if it were rearranged to fit a sci-fi soundtrack.

Arndt leaves the best for last with Time and title track Songbird. The former’s poetic storytelling is given a percussive overhaul while keeping its philosophical lyrics foregrounded. Closer Songbird is a beautifully growing piece, driven forward by strings and brought to life through beautiful imagery.

Based in Richmond, Indiana, USA, DataBass has quickly graduated from music student at Ball State to a fully-fledged artist with a foundation in classical piano and a passion for film and visual media. Songbird was written during her final year at university and these remixes act as a reflection of that time in her life, giving other artists a chance to redefine the moments.

The remixes have created stories of their own. Arndt refers to Underwater Grievances as a track that almost didn’t make the original Songbird. Monochrome Media gave it the atmosphere she always envisioned.

I simply adore what DataBass is doing and each new release has made me love her music a little more. Songbird (Remixes) is concise and easy to get lost in, a perfect listen for chilling with headphones on, feeling every note and sentiment.

If you want to keep up to date with all she’s doing, you can by heading to her website, and by following her on Facebook, X, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, and Instagram.

Songbird (Remixes) is out now, and you can listen to it below.

Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator