Remix Madness

(This is a new Pop Production (Not a remix) of the Journey classic - release date 1/1/08 - Click the Play Button to hear a 30 second clip)

Okay. This is Blog #2, which is about music remixes. For those of you who aren't familiar with what a remix is, here's the quick 411. Essentially, a remix is a different version of the same song. What we do is use the same vocals from the original song and put another beat underneath it. Here's a couple of examples, I'll be using Rachel Panay's new single "Got To Be Love" for the comparison: Here's the original version.

It sounds a little like "Tequila", reminds me of the Pee Wee Herman song, (not exactly the sound we were going for.) So we hire a producer and/or DJ/remixer to do a remix of the song. This first version is Producer Lenny B's remix and is tailored towards radio (ie a more commercial sound), Remix #1. I hope you hear the difference, the song flows much better, and personally I like this version a lot. The next version is called a Tribal remix, and it's designed to be played in large dance clubs, Remix #2. This is generally an extended version (ie longer version like 6:00-8:00 minutes). Not my favorite (meaning the style-because the quality is high), but it definitely serves a market and a purpose. Think big speakers, big bass, sweating bodies and you get the picture.

Now it's time for my main point. I can understand doing maybe 2-3 remixes for a particular song. However, the current trend is to do anywhere from 12-20 remixes of one song. Why?!!! I guess the logic is the more types of mixes, the more people it will appeal to. That's crazy, because they only play one version on the radio. If you really need 12 remixes of a song, I truly believe you need a new song.

A lot of these remixes are done to gain favor with certain DJ's, (ie if the DJ does a remix he's more likely to support the project - to Billboard...) Don't forget, these guys get paid for doing remixes. And almost all of these remixes are only for promotional purposes, not commercial release. What's that tell you.

So what have we learned. I'm not sure. I think I confused myself. But I do know that I'm no longer producing one song with 12 remixes. It's just not practical and you can't please everyone. So from now on, it's one song and 3-4 remixes and that's it. My Billboard promoter just keeled over, but I guess he's just going to have to work a little harder.

By the way, you can listen to our releases at: Mp3 Music Store.

That's all for now.

I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season!

RAH

Ps, If you like this Blog or my previous one please feel free to forward to a friend, acquaintance, lover, gay lover, person you hate who keeps spamming you, the poor russian woman who needs money, and anyone else you can think of.