Where do you get stems? How do you arrange a remix? Is it even legal to put out a remix you’ve done? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to remix a song – and much more!
The article on EDMProd provides a comprehensive guide on how to remix a song effectively, breaking it down into three main sections:
- Different Approaches to Remixing:
- Rewrite Chords and Melodies: Create a unique remix by changing the chord progression and melody around the original vocal or key element.
- Change Genres: Transform the track into a different genre to appeal to new audiences.
- Take Elements Away: Simplify by stripping down elements to make the remix more impactful.
- Work Around the Key Element: Focus on the track’s defining feature, such as vocals or a lead melody, and build around it.
- Reverse the Structure: Alter the track’s structure creatively by contrasting it with the original.
- Change Energy Levels: Adjust the remix’s energy to make it significantly different from the original.
- 15 Practical Tips for Remixing:
- Pick the Right Song: Choose a track that you enjoy and feel would benefit from a remix.
- Listen for Gaps: Identify areas in the original that could be enhanced or modified.
- Form a Game Plan: Develop a clear plan and set objectives before starting.
- Cut and Choose Your Material: Select parts of the track that work well for your remix, especially when creating bootlegs without access to stems.
- Arrange Quickly: Lay out the arrangement early to avoid getting stuck in the production process.
- Keep it Similar: Sometimes small changes to the original are enough.
- Manipulate Stems: Get creative by chopping and processing stems to make them your own.
- Collaborate: Working with others can bring new perspectives and ideas to the remix.
- Add a Second Hook: Enhance the track by adding a new hook or focal point.
- Warp Stems and Acapella: Use DAW features to adjust the tempo and pitch of vocals or stems.
- Deep House Vocal Technique: Use pitch shifting and EQ to create interesting vocal effects.
- Find MIDI Notes: Utilize DAW features to extract MIDI notes from audio clips.
- Traditional Stem Manipulation: Treat stems as raw material to sample, chop, and manipulate.
- Chop Up Stems: Re-arrange and chop stems to transform the original sound.
- Wash Out and LoFi Techniques: Add atmospheric effects or vintage tones to create a distinctive remix.
- Remixes vs. Bootlegs:
- The article explains the difference between remixes and bootlegs. Bootlegs are unauthorized remixes distributed without permission, while remixes typically have legal clearance.
- It also touches on copyright issues and fair use, suggesting that bootlegs are generally acceptable on platforms like SoundCloud but can lead to copyright strikes on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
The guide concludes by encouraging readers to practice and experiment with the tips provided to create unique remixes.
Source: How to Remix a Song: 21 Helpful Tips for Making Remixes
