Władek Sheen’s “Goodbye (Remix by 19:34)” — A Synth-Soaked Farewell Reimagined

Władek Sheen’s solo catalogue continues to expand in exciting and unexpected directions, with the release of Goodbye (Remix by 19:34) standing as a bold reimagination of his emotionally raw single from late 2024. The track, originally steeped in overdriven Britpop guitars and tinged with shoegaze melancholia, now emerges in shimmering retro-futurist form thanks to the deft production of fellow Uzbekistani artist 19:34.

Sheen, a Korean-Uzbekistani independent musician based in Tashkent, is no stranger to sonic exploration. Known for his work with the alternative rock band Cruel Tie - with whom he has shared stages since 2011, including a memorable support slot for The Jesus and Mary Chain in 2018 - he began his solo venture in 2023. Though his output is largely grounded in guitar-centric genres like noise rock, dream pop, and punk, Sheen has never shied away from genre-hopping experiments. Goodbye, in both its original and remixed forms, stands as a testament to this eclectic sensibility.

The remix, crafted by multigenre producer Alexey Polyakov - better known by his electronic alias 19:34 - transforms Goodbye into a pulsing, synth-laden anthem. Gone are the fuzzed-out guitar lines, replaced by cinematic synth textures and an unmistakable ’80s groove. The tempo is pushed forward, the arrangement restructured, and even the harmony sees subtle shifts. These choices not only give the track a fresh aesthetic but alter the emotional landscape entirely: what was once an intimate farewell bathed in shoegaze haze now feels like a late-night drive through neon-lit streets, contemplative and cinematic.

The creative partnership behind the remix runs deeper than mere musical compatibility. Sheen and Polyakov share over a decade of friendship and collaboration. Back in 2013, Polyakov produced the first demos for All Tomorrow’s Parties, the early incarnation of Sheen’s band Cruel Tie. In a full-circle moment, Sheen joined Polyakov’s post-punk outfit Esli Mozhno on bass in 2023. This enduring camaraderie infuses the remix with an almost telepathic understanding of artistic intent.

The emotional core of Goodbye, however, remains intact. Written as a form of closure after a deeply personal breakup, the track sees Sheen navigating the murky aftermath of love lost. The chorus, penned before the relationship ended, captures the ambivalence of affection teetering on the edge. The verses, shaped in the wake of separation, are frank and bruised - “it makes him want to die,” he confesses, while admitting he never quite managed to “replace that guy.” In the hands of 19:34, these lyrics acquire a new poignancy, floating above retro synths and echoing drum machines, as if viewed through the gauzy lens of memory.

Currently spinning on DKFM - a respected California-based shoegaze station - and receiving international radio play, Goodbye continues to resonate with listeners across continents. This remix further amplifies its reach, bridging emotional intensity with electronic allure.

For fans of Sheen’s genre-defying trajectory and 19:34’s cinematic electronica, Goodbye (Remix by 19:34) offers a compelling intersection. It’s a track that manages to honour its origins while stepping boldly into new territory - proof, perhaps, that sometimes goodbye can sound like a beginning.