Few tracks in trance history carry the enduring emotional weight of Southern Sun. Originally released in 2002, Paul Oakenfold’s collaboration with vocalist Carla Werner became an instant classic — a soaring, melancholic anthem that bridged the worlds of progressive house and vocal trance. Over two decades later, this timeless gem gets a powerful new interpretation from Scottish producer and DJ Will Atkinson, a master of injecting peak-time adrenaline into beloved dancefloor staples.
Atkinson’s 2025 remix doesn’t just polish the original — it reimagines it. While Carla Werner’s ethereal vocals remain the emotional core, the surrounding production trades the deep, sun-soaked atmosphere of the original for a high-octane fusion of peak-time techno drive and trance euphoria. Relentless kicks, dark rolling basslines, and shimmering synth leads push the track into modern mainstage territory, without losing its emotional pull. The breakdown swells with cinematic tension before erupting into a thunderous drop designed to ignite festival crowds.
Paul Oakenfold, a true pioneer of electronic music, has been a defining force in trance since the ’90s, with a career spanning legendary sets at Ibiza’s Cream, the creation of Perfecto Records, and soundtracks for film and television. His influence is immeasurable, and Southern Sun stands as one of his signature works. Will Atkinson, hailing from Glasgow, has carved his path as a headline DJ and producer, releasing on labels such as Armada, Black Hole, VANDIT, and Nukleuz. Known for blending the raw energy of techno with the emotive sweep of trance, Atkinson has built a reputation for transforming dance floors into pure chaos, in the best possible way.
⭐️ Rating: 9/10
🎧Perfect for:
- Peak-time festival sets
- Open-air mainstage moments
- Fans craving a classic vocal trance hit with a turbocharged modern edge
With this remix, Atkinson pays homage to Oakenfold’s legacy while stamping the track with his own high-voltage identity. It’s a bridge between eras, built for the biggest moments of the night.
Artist: Paul Oakenfold, Carla Werner, Will Atkinson
Track: Southern Sun (Will Atkinson Remix)
Label: New State Music
Release Date: August 08th, 2025
Get your copy here: https://lnk.to/SSWillAtkinson
Connect with Paul Oakenfold:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauloakenfold
X: https://www.twitter.com/pauloakenfold
Connect with Will Atkinson:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djwillatkinson
X: https://www.twitter.com/willatkinsonyes
Connect with New State Music:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newstatemusic
X: https://www.twitter.com/newstatemusic
Take a listen to Paul Oakenfold feat. Carla Werner – Southern Sun (Will Atkinson Remix) here:
