remixin

What is a Remix?
A remix is a type of derivative work in which the the original song is transformed in some way to create a variation of the original. These transformations lead to a new creative work that is noticeably different from the original. The changes may be subtle, but someone with a trained ear must be able to tell the remix apart from the original. If you can't tell the them apart then you haven't done anything meaningful to the original song.

According to wikipedia,
"A remix is an alternative version of a song, different from the original version. A remixer uses audio mixing to compose an alternate master recording of a song, adding or subtracting elements, or simply changing the equalization, dynamics, pitch, tempo, playing time, or almost any other aspect of the various musical components. Some remixes involve substantial changes to the arrangement of a recorded work, but many are subtle, such as creating a "vocal up" version of an album cut that emphasizes the lead singer's voice. A song may be remixed to give a song that was not popular a second chance at radio and club play, or to alter a song to suit a specific music genre or radio format. Remixes should not be confused with edits, which usually involve shortening a final stereo master for marketing purposes."

Remixes as we know them started in Jamaica with dub music. This was soon followed by disco remixes and then Hip Hop. The remix was a form created for the dance floor, but really it started before that with experimental composers and engineers. Today remixes are not just for the dance floor. You could say they have gone full circle. In terms of the remixin project, any type of remix along this spectrum of derivative works is acceptable.

How to Make a Remix
There are any number of ways to make a remix. Commonly what is done is you chop up audio from the source track(s), create loops, rearrange the clips, and add new elements to the existing composition. This is especially true for beat or dance oriented songs. Staying within this paradigm offers a great deal of options to the remixer. This however, is not the only way to create a remix. One could first process the original track using sound design tools and then use interesting parts of this version of the track to slice up and re order at will. One could also write some code to perform transforming operations on the source audio and create a derivative work algorithmically.

One thing that always happens in a remix is that some form of the original audio is sampled and reused in the subsequent track. There are infinite ways to do this and every genre of music has its own conventions for doing as such. The people picked for this project are versed in various methods of music creation. To make your own remix you may use any tools at your disposal. Any audio hardware and software combinations are valid. Below are some examples of useful free and commercial audio/composition tools. Some remixers may wish to program their own algorithms for the remix using their favorite programming language or audio specific packages such as [ SuperCollider ] or [ C-Sound ].

Basic Rules

All samples used by the remixer must be cleared. That means the remixer must have the right to use the given sample. There are many places to get royalty free samples, like [ free sounds ]. If you use a sample from a library you own, this is probably ok, but you should check the license agreement of the given sample.
Any and all styles of music are valid. Feel free to make your remix any style you wish.
Your version of the song must be noticeably different from the original. This means the remixer must add something to the remix that makes it special and different from the original. This does not mean the remix has to be completely transformative, however. How much of the original musical intent of the seed song is retained is up to the remixer. Use your judgment.
You may use any tool at your disposal
You may add new elements to the original song. This includes adding an accompanying part such as a melodic line, base line, or percussion.
It is up to the remixer which key elements of the original are preserved and which ones are transformed.
Have fun with it!

Software Tools (Free)
Audacity [ website ]
Ardour [ website ]
MEAPsoft [ website ]
Chuck [ website ]
Sound Hack [ website ]
Goldwave [ website ]
Garage Band [ website ] *

Software Tools (Commercial)
Ableton Live [ website ]
Peak [ website ]
Digital Performer [ website ]
Logic [ website ]
Pro Tools [ website ]

For More Information
Please contact us via the email info[at]remixin[dot]org
If you have any questions or wish to participate in these remixes please email us at the address above. Feedback is also always welcome!

* Garage Band is not free software but it does comes free with any new mac. If you own a mac but do not have it, it can be purchased via iLife for a reasonably low price.