Find out more about FR3ADY, the winner of Pete Tong’s Release Me remix competition and listen to an exclusive mix from him on The Night Bazaar Sessions Read our exclusive interview with FR3ADY and listen to his exclusive mix for The Night Bazaar Sessions

PETE Tong has found the next big dance music talent, FR3ADY, the winner of his remix competition.

German DJ and producer FR3ADY real name — Frederic Rappenecker — pipped over 1,000 hopefuls to the accolade with his remix of Pete’s new track, Release Me.

It’s a collaboration with Paul Harris, The Essential Orchestra’s Jules Buckley and has Poppy Baskomb on vocals.

FR3ADY’s fabulous remix is out now on Ministry Of Sound Recordings. And next week he will take to the stage alongside Pete at London’s O2 to open his Ibiza Classics show.

Frederic, 26, says it’s a dream come true – Listen to his winning remix below.

We caught up with FR3ADY to find out more about what this game changing win means to him, his background in music so far and where he goes from here. Read our interview with him in full below and listen to an exclusive mix he’s recorded for The Night Bazaar Sessions which kicks off with his winning remix and demonstrates why we will definitely be hearing a lot more from Pete’s new prodigy in the future.

How did it feel when you were told you had won Pete Tong’s remix competition?

Winning Pete Tong’s remix competition was an unbelievable moment. I was actually on vacation with my family, and it came as a total surprise. I was in the restroom when I received the confirmation email, and it hit me like a wave of excitement! It’s not every day you get such news, so I was absolutely thrilled!

 

How long have you been making electronic music, what’s your background, where did it all start?

I’ve been making electronic music for about 7-8 years now, but my musical journey started much earlier. I began playing the drums when I was six years old, followed by the piano, which laid the foundation for my passion for music. Six years ago, I moved to Amsterdam, fully aware that if I wanted to pursue a serious career in music, this was the place to be. I studied at the Abbey Road Music Institute for a year, and since then, I’ve been immersed in the music scene, constantly working on new tracks and building connections to secure gigs. Over the years, I’ve also worked for music agencies and composed music for brands, alongside producing for other artists. In 2022, I released a DJ mixtape recorded on my rooftop in Amsterdam, and that marked the point when my career really began to take off and my own event concept ‘Rooftop Tapes’ came to live.

 

How did you approach the remix?
When I first heard “Release Me,” I immediately felt inspired by the powerful vocals and knew I could create something special with them. The melody almost came to me right away. I dedicated two focused sessions on my laptop, and before I knew it, the remix was finished. It didn’t require much more, sometimes the best ideas flow naturally without overthinking. This remix is also the first release that aligns with the musical direction I envision for myself as an artist moving forward.

 

You will be opening Ibiza Classics at the O2’s London arena on December 13th, your first gig in the UK and your first arena show. How are preparations going? And are you feeling nervous?

The preparations are going really well! I’m determined to make this my best set yet, a true reflection of who I am and what FR3ADY is all about. I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves — it’s a huge moment for me to play in front of 16,000 people. I’ve always dreamed of performing at an arena like this, and it’s surreal to see it coming true. I remember attending big festivals and events, thinking, “One day, I’ll be up there.” I can’t wait to share some of my unreleased tracks and take the audience on a musical journey full of surprises. It’s going to be a special night!

 

As an alumni of Pete’s DJ Academy, how important has the Academy been in your development as an artist?

Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without Pete’s DJ Academy. The support from the entire team has been invaluable, and I’m so grateful to have met them earlier this year when I won the Future Talent Award. The music industry can be tough, and having the right people who believe in you can make all the difference. I’ve seen significant growth thanks to their guidance, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. 2025 is just around the corner, and this is only the beginning!

For tickets to Ibiza Classics at O2, London on 13^th and 14^th December, please visit https://petetong-ibizaclassics.com/

Listen to FR3ADY’s exclusive mix for The Night Bazaar Sessions HERE.