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Remixes aren't Creative, they're Botox
StoreTags: fast computers, remix, monkey bites
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Well, that seems to be the popular majority's outlook on it.
I've always viewed remixes as a new work created out of or based upon the original. A chance to give those 'loyal listeners' of the original work a new perspective on the piece. It messes with our heads, and sometimes at first we don't get it and discard it for "different". But what's wrong with different?
Should we keep nodding along to remixes with the original blasting behind a D'n'B track like all of the Jammin' 95.5 kids (Which, might I add that the station's being pulled off the air on the 12th (MEGA YAY!))? Yes, it might be easier to digest with minimal manipulation, but is that really the best you can do? Sometimes D'n'B just works. Hell, my Huey Lewis & The News remix is almost just that. *I throw in 'almost' for self-justification. (^-^)
The reason for such a topic is this: I got the pleasure of playing a rad show at Holocene a couple months back with Fast Computers & Gil Mantera's Party Dream (SUPER RAD GROUP!!!! CHECK THEM OUT!!!). After the show, FC singer Peter said he liked my set and was wanting to see if I'd do a remix for them. I said I'd love to give his music some more time and see if there was a track that'd stick out to me. I heard Gravity/Love and liked it instantly. He suggested it and then I began working on it.
After putting it off for a month, I finally completed it this weekend and the result can be heard on my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/gejius). I was super stoked with how well the remix turned out and just knew they would share my love of it. And then I was super slapped in the face with an unexpected response from Peter regarding the remix. It was "different" than he expected, and reminded him of "Roger Moore in James Bond". He thanked me "a billion" for doing it and that was that. I spent at least 30 hours on this thing and I get a thanks-a-billion? What were they expecting? What does anyone expect from a remix?
Honestly, I think he didn't like the fact that I used Auto Tune on his vocals to change the melody. Period.
If you got a minute, I'd love to hear some feedback, not just on the remix, but what anyone else on here thinks a remix should be.
Here's the song links:
Fast Computers-Gravity/Love (www.myspace.com/thefastcomputers)
Gejius-So Sad (Gravity/Love Remix) (www.myspace.com/gejius)
Paz y Pesos,
Gejius | |
Comments
05/06/08
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madeofoak
there are a lot of ways to go about remixing someone's song, and that's what makes it so fun to produce and listen to. i think remixes are the best when they create an entirely new song out of used parts.
05/07/08
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Roshi
It's tough. I guess in some respect you should honor the intentions of the original artist.
But then again, if someone asks me to do a remix, they should realize that they are going to get my interpretation and sound and it's not necessarily going to be dancefloor friendly.
I try to learn something new (technique wise, music theory wise) from doing a remix. That way, it's rewarding for me and I don't necessarily need the ego boost/drop when the artist hears my work. 
05/07/08
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cbit
I'm also working on a (unpaid) remix right now. Put a lot of time in, and think its pretty good, and also would be pretty disappointed if it doesn't end up getting used. Always tricky. Sorry, i don't have a useful answer.
05/07/08
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quip
i always have the problem that i don't actually like any of the band's songs.
did i say that out loud?
05/07/08
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mikooshka
i think it was right to be playful and creative and change the song. for sure.
it is a good question: would you feel differently if you were paid?
at least that would recognize your hard work and time
recently i posted audio for a 'remix'. we'll see if anyone likes the song and wants to work with it.
05/07/08
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mlbot
When I write music, I try my best to not think about releasing it.
With a remix, the control you have over getting is released is even less than your "own" work.
Plus, you get all sorts of BS promises from people. "i totally have a record deal lined up". "i loved it, but the label didn't like it". "do whatever you want!"
But the bottom line: Artists that are self-centered and narrow minded? NO WAY! ;)
Welcome to remixing.
05/07/08
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strategy
Remixes for fun/props are just that. Remixes for work are remixes for *work* and you have to keep the needs/expectations of your customer in mind. If spending 30 hours on something is a concern, you can predict that and not start any work without having negotiated a fee. Discussing sonic expectations ahead of time helps. I've done ambient remixes for people who were like, oh I thought you were going to do techno. Whooops. As for fee, for me this is everything from free merch forever (yes, I will remix for labels on a everythign-you-ever-released-and-will-release forever contract- worth more than money often) to actual money but unless it is a situation where I volunteer (personal friend artist X is releasing totally interesting killer self released music Y on the tiny CDR label Z) I wont' do anything without discussion and expectations laid out in advance.
I won't name any names, but I've been majorly burned doing a minor club hit for a band that could give a fuck, did not give any feedback, for labels who did not pay me. The track has been re released several times and I still have not made a royalty.
Remixes are business more than art and should be treated as such. Much as DJing for money is like mixing drinks for bartenders, Remixing isn't like botox I'd say, but it is definitely like making a drink- the person hopefully should not get it for free unless they are close with you, and you should make it yummy so you get a good tip.
Strategy
05/07/08
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ignatius
that vocal sounds real slippery. kind of alive or something. in a good way. it's a little demented or something.
remixes: i tend to make sure people know that i'm gonna do whatever i want to it and that's that. sometimes though if they say they are looking for a certain something then i try and go that route and that's cool so long as they express that from the get go. but then you just have to do your thing and they'll either like it or not. you never know though.. they may hate it but everyone else may love it. i've had that happen.. make an album and the one track that you think is the weakest is the one people like the most.
anyway- i think your remix is a nice pop 80's style version of their song and a nice contrast though not a super extreme contrast. it sounds pretty much like it kept to the original tone or fingerprint. so, maybe it is just the vocal thing? i think the vocal is kind of cool in your version as it sounds sort of underwater or drunk or just a little off. in a good way.
05/07/08
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nagrom
Huh, that's really quite nice.
05/07/08
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jef
strategy said: "I won't name any names, but I've been majorly burned doing a minor club hit for a band that could give a fuck, did not give any feedback, for labels who did not pay me. The track has been re released several times and I still have not made a royalty.Strategy"
and if it's the one i'm thinking of...it's the JAM!!
05/07/08
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tunalicker
i like remix parodies. they are free from royalties and parodies provide creative outlet for the humorous musicians. i'm not talking about weird al but he's the example most people jump to first.
05/07/08
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Gejius
Thanks for the quick-tips and two cents everybody!
It honestly never crossed my mind to negotiate a trade off for services (be it monetary or... well... y'know... ...), thanks Strategy. And I'd love to hear your unmentionable burn, if you're okay with that. I'd still be sour.
I think I'm just confused with it all. I'm not going to stop making remixes, although it's something I don't do all the time, but I think sticking with close friends and music that I really like will help in the future.
And thanks for the kind words Iggy! I went into the remix wanting to destroy his vocals in some way. Not that I hated them or anything. Hate is a strong word.
05/08/08
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nightowl
re-mixes are collaborations between the original artist and the remixer, so i feel they're legit as art.
however i find most of them boring & they just make me want to hear the orginal.
doing a good one is quite a challenge, but occasionally they are brilliant.
i have a remix of "love is the drug" by roxy music that is my favorite.
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