Few tracks manage to live long enough to become both a personal milestone and a club classic. For Tao Andra, the new single Born Again (Babylonia) is exactly that kind of moment. A reinterpretation of the early-2000s cult favorite originally created by Ricky L and Adam Clay, the release reconnects past and present through newly recorded vocals and a darker, hypnotic techno lens.

What began as the track that pulled Tao into electronic music back in 2009 has now become a milestone in her own artistic journey. Reimagined for modern dancefloors while preserving the emotional core that made the original resonate, the new version bridges nostalgia with forward-facing club energy. In this interview, Tao Andra opens up about the personal connection behind the record, the delicate balance between homage and transformation, and why this long-awaited project feels like a defining creative chapter.

“Born Again (Babylonia)” revisits a cult early-2000s track, what made this record the right one for you to reinterpret now?

I have a special connection to this song because it’s the track that got me into electronic music back in 2009. I always wanted to do reimagine this song. I think I waited until I felt confident enough as a music producer. We all have that special song in our life and for me was ‘Born Again’.

When working with such a recognizable original, where do you draw the line between homage and transformation?

Good question. The way I approached was to ask myself how I can tell the same story through a 2026 lens. I reworked all the main elements of the original into a sound that can fit in my sets nowadays. I think the challenge is always the play between homage and transformation. For me, the most important thing for me was to maintain the essence of the track.

Your version leans into a darker, more hypnotic space, what was your vision for reshaping the track for today’s dancefloors?

My vision was to give new life to an iconic classic using my signature sound. It’s got a lot of energy, and it feels like a journey. It’s a track that works great for clubs but also for big moments at festivals. I really wanted to give the opportunity for new people to discover this amazing song.

The groove feels very driving yet emotional at the same time, what elements were key in achieving that balance?

I really went for my signature sound. The rolling bassline makes the track driving while the groovy chords bring the emotion. I also looped Adam’s vocal bringing it in and out to build special moments. The original was a big inspiration.

Adam Clay returns with newly recorded vocals, how did that collaboration evolve, and how did his performance influence your production decisions?

It was very emotional to receive Adam’s vocals. It’s almost 20 years after the original was recorded and his vocals still sound very powerful. Without Adam’s help this record wouldn’t have happen. He was such a big part in making this collaboration happen and being a bridge between me and the label. In terms of production, I wanted to keep his vocals very clean. It’s the element that listeners connect with the most so the only thing I did was to make them sound even bigger.

Did you reference the original throughout the process, or did you deliberately distance yourself from it while producing?

Something in the middle. I used the main melodies and the vocals from original. Also, I went for a completely different arrangement and very different energy from the original. I made it my sound.

This track sits somewhere between nostalgia and forward-facing techno, how important was it for you to bridge those two worlds?

This is something I try to do in most of my productions. I love to incorporate a timeless sound but make it feel modern at the same time.

How has the track been translating in your recent sets, are you already testing different versions or edits live?

The first version I created ended up as the final version. This rarely happens so I knew I had something special. It’s a version that fits perfectly in my sets no matter if it’s clubs or festivals. ‘Born Again’ is always one of the highlights.

What does this release represent for you creatively at this stage, is it a turning point, or a continuation of your current direction?

I am exploring different directions creatively. This release feels like a milestone because it’s a project I wanted to do for a long time.