Kygo succeeds in keeping the original version intact, while adding EDM elements. He allows Whitney Houston’s vocals to be the focus of the song, but enhances it to bring it into the EDM genre. In his own words, Kygo says, “I wanted to be respectful of the original song while still adding my touches and letting her vocals shine” (LeDonne). Kygo uses vocal chopping to “chop” up a portion of Houston’s vocal and make it a ‘sample instrument on his production program. In this way, he uses her vocals, along with piano, drums, and synths, to create a more prominent climactic drop in the song, which is a common element in EDM tracks. A drop is a point in the song that consists of a sudden change in rhythm in which the harmonies find cadence. This element of the song would not be possible if it weren’t for new programs and vocal chopping technologies.
Kygo explaining his creative process for creating “Higher Love”