Felix Jaehn Is the Producer You Didn't Know You Love

“Oh, I think that I found myself a cheerleader.”

Right there. We don't have to say anything else. You're already singing the rest of that song on your own, aren't you? How could you not? Reggae artist Omi's “Cheerleader” was one of the most ubiquitous songs of 2015. It reached number one in 20 countries, including the United States and Germany.

That song was everywhere, and yet, most people have no idea it's a remix from young German producer Felix Jaehn. That's right. It's OK to admit you had no idea.

“Sometimes it would be great to get more credit,” Jaehn admits. “It was one of the biggest songs of the year and not many people even know about it, but on the other hand, [maybe it's better] because this way, the pressure isn't too high, and I can keep doing my thing, build a profile with multiple songs, and sooner or later, I will have my next big hit – hopefully.”

Even in that statement, Jaehn is being a bit humble. He's already got another hit on his hands with October's club jam “Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)” feat. Jasmine Thompson. That video had nearly three million plays on Youtube, which may not be the 523 million-plus his “Cheerleader” remix has garnered, but sure ain't nothing to sneeze at.


The success of each is due to Jaehn's feel-good tropical sound.

“I think about all the positive things in life, because I want my music to be positive and I want people to be happy when listening to my music,” he says. “It could be palm trees, but it could also be quality moments with the family that you keep in your mind, a general vibe of feeling at home and meeting up with good old friends, sitting around the fire and just having a chat.”

It's pop-ready and calming, more relaxing day at the beach than in-your-face Ultra Music Festival main stage big room – but don't think that means he's not ready for an Ultra audience. In fact, he made his Ultra debut at the Worldwide stage this year.

“Two or three years ago, I'd have been watching the Ultra Music Festival live stream while studying music and producing in my bedroom,” he says. “Being at that exact same stage and meeting all those people — it was really cool.”

One of those people was Steve Aoki, a giant in the game of music and beyond with whom the 21-year-old just released a collaboration featuring vocals from pop star Adam Lambert. Jaehn also opened for David Guetta at LIV that week, which is good, because it means he's had some practice for his upcoming headline gig at the world-renowned nightclub Thursday, May 5.


“It's really cool, and it is indeed the next step,” he says. “It's also going to affect my set in a way, which tracks I'm going to choose to play, because it's a different move for sure.”

He's determined to test out some of the new sounds and textures he's been playing with while putting together his debut album, which is still a work in progress, but coming soon he promises. He'll no doubt drop his Aoki collaboration and “Ain't Nobody,” and the crowd will go nuts, and when he drops “Cheerleader,” it might catch some people by surprise, but as his star keeps rising, it won't for long.

Felix Jaehn. 11 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at LIV, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-4680; livnightclub.com. Tickets cost $30 plus fees via flavorus.com.