21 Useful Suggestions for Making Remixes

You’re not the primary individual searching for methods to remix a music. Nearly each producer began their journey with remixes and bootleg.

However should you’ve by no means executed a remix of a music earlier than, it may well all appear very complicated.

The place do you get stems? How do you prepare a remix? Is it even authorized to place out a remix you’ve executed?

On this information, we’ll cowl every part you might want to learn about methods to remix a music – and far more! So let’s dive in 👇 on every part you might want to learn about remixing. This factor will get you arrange with making remixes very quickly.

Earlier than We Get Began on The right way to Remix a Tune

You’ve come to this text for one factor, and one factor solely: learn to remix a music. So we gained’t waste your time. We’ve damaged up this information into 3 separate sections:

• other ways to strategy a remix;
• sensible ideas you need to use in your DAW when remixing a music;
• remixes and bootlegs, and what units them aside.

The right way to Remix a Tune: 6 Completely different Approaches

#1: Rewrite Chords and Melodies

Most producers strategy a remix fascinated about what they may maintain the identical.

Nonetheless, why not consider your remixing by way of what you’ll change?

Let’s say the vocal is the central focus of the unique observe. You might fully rewrite the chord development and melody round that vocal. This could make your remix really distinctive and stand out.

Take a look at the observe “It’s That Time” by Marlon Hoffstadt, and the remix by FISHER:

The observe actually facilities across the vocals. All the opposite components are solely there to assist that principal vocal.

Nonetheless, FISHER introduced in a model new melody in his remix.

He additionally modified the style from Eurodance to Tech Home (which we’ll discover in our subsequent part). However extra importantly, within the first few seconds of the observe, you’ll be able to instantly hear a model new melody (which is definitely additionally the bassline) in his remix. This offers a totally new taste to his remix.

#2: Change Genres

This is among the most typical approaches to remixing a music.

Altering genres forces you to be inventive since you usually have to resolve just a few issues.

As an illustration, when you’ve got an acapella sitting at 130BPM that you just wish to use at 120BPM, you’ll be able to warp it, however it would possibly sound a bit unusual. One technique individuals use, particularly Drum and Bass producers is to chop up the acapella with out altering the tempo in order that it performs on the beat.

Nonetheless, you can too merely decelerate or velocity up the acapella – which is strictly what FISHER did within the remix he noticed beforehand.

Let’s have a look at one other wildly profitable instance: Misplaced Frequencies and his observe “The Feeling”:

This music has 174 million streams on Spotify as of September 2024 – not dangerous. However let’s have a look at one of many remixes for this observe:

This Drum and Bass remix has a comfy 28 million streams on Spotify alone – and one other 5 million on YouTube.

What’s genius about this remix is that it took the unique observe (which is kind of Pop Home), and turned it into one thing utterly new.

By doing this, Misplaced Frequencies opened up his observe to a complete new viewers. Certainly, most DnB listeners would in all probability not hearken to his model of Home music. However a DnB remix with touches of Bounce Up? Depend me in!

By remixing a music in a model new style, you’ll be able to entice new individuals to it. We truly speak about this in our article on methods to get extra performs on SoundCloud. Let’s take a preferred observe at present: Charli XCX ft. Billie Eilish – GUESS. A Dubstep DJ would possibly desire a Dubstep remix of that observe for his units. By remixing common tracks in your individual style, you’ll be able to due to this fact entice DJs (or simply followers of that style!).

#3: Take Components Away

Generally, the perfect factor to do is strip the weather of the unique again and begin with much less.

Let’s say you have got a remix pack with 10 completely different stems and 15 MIDI information. Why not choose just a few as an alternative of making an attempt to incorporate every part?

This goes for acapellas too. If the unique options your entire vocal, why not function simply the refrain part of the vocal? Or chop up sure bits to recreate a brand new vocal hook?

#4: Work Across the Key Ingredient

All good tracks may have a key aspect.

Typically, it is a vocal. But when it’s not the vocal, it’s both the bassline or the lead melody.

Usually once you’re remixing, you wish to maintain this key aspect current. It’s what defines the observe, and should you eliminate it your remix would possibly sound an excessive amount of like an authentic observe. In different phrases, it gained’t include sufficient of the unique observe for individuals to determine it.

So, should you’re given an acapella or sturdy melody, use that as a foundation for the observe. Work round it as an alternative of making an attempt to suit it into an current template.

Take this remix of Sean Paul’s Get Busy:

If the remix didn’t embrace Sean Paul’s signature vocals, it wouldn’t sound like a remix. It could simply be an authentic observe. The right way to remix a music is all about balancing the familiarity individuals have with the observe, whereas additionally introducing them to one thing new.

#5: Reverse the Construction

Don’t actually reverse the construction, however attempt to do the alternative. If the unique observe includes a breakdown at bar 16, make your remix have a drop at bar 16. Possibly the unique has a drop at bar 32, however your remix has a breakdown at bar 32.

If the unique has a 32-bar refrain and 16-bar breakdown, make a remix that has a 16-bar drop and 32-bar breakdown.

You get the thought. That is one other option to cut back the chance of constructing one thing related.

#6: Make One thing that Contrasts in Power

This tip considerably overlaps with the one about altering genres. The thought right here is to utterly change the vibe of the observe.

It’s straightforward to make a progressive home banger remix of a progressive home banger.

What’s tougher and requires extra creativity is popping a progressive home banger right into a mellow deep home observe.

One observe I’ve been digging lately is the ambient remix of “Glad” by Catching Flies:

Distinction this remix with the unique model, which is far more energetic:

Attempt to make one thing that contrasts in vitality with the unique. Labels sometimes love this because it permits them to cater to multiple viewers or listening platform. If an authentic has excessive vitality, make a low-energy remix, and vice versa.

One other instance I’ve come throughout is heavy metallic bands doing LoFi remixes of their tracks:

15 Sensible Suggestions once you Remix a Tune

Now that we’ve coated other ways you’ll be able to strategy a remix of a music, let’s dive into sensible ideas you need to use.

#1: Choose the Proper Tune to Remix

Choose a music that you just suppose would profit from a remix. You’re extra more likely to observe by way of with the remix should you like the unique music.

That is much more vital should you’re making a bootleg and don’t have entry to any stems; you might want to choose a music that leaves room for work to be executed. 

Right here’s an important instance:

Acoustic/minimal songs are nice to remix. Petit Biscuit’s ‘Sundown Lover’ has such a robust hook however numerous inventive potential, which is why there have been just a few remixes of it.

#2: Hear for the Gaps

After selecting a music to remix, take a great hearken to the unique and write down any concepts that come to thoughts.

• Possibly you just like the refrain however really feel it wants stronger drums or a heavier bassline. 
• Maybe the verse is simply too lengthy in your liking.
• You might even substitute the present melody with a extra distinctive one.

No matter involves thoughts, write it down and take notes. You’ll use them once you begin working in your remix. 

#3: Kind a Sport Plan

Having a common plan you could refer again to when caught in a rut is invaluable. It helps you keep on process and work on the vital. And regardless of what many argue, planning doesn’t inhibit creativity!

Earlier than beginning a remix, why not do a little bit of brainstorming? In the event you’ve bought concepts from tip #2, then that is the time to jot down them down.

The end result? You’ll sit down to supply your remix with clear intentions and aims as an alternative of blankly staring on the display screen.

Tip: Think about the viewers. In the event you’re making an attempt to win a remix contest or achieve consideration from the unique artist, take into consideration how that ought to affect the remix. Are they searching for a membership pleasant remix, or one thing extra radio pleasant? Protecting these in thoughts will improve your probability of success.

#4: Lower and Select Your Materials (Bootlegs)

In the event you don’t have entry to an acapella or another stems, you’re going to want to determine which components of the unique observe you wish to, and may, use.

You’ll discover that sure sections can’t be used in any respect, just because there’s an excessive amount of happening. I’d, for instance, take out the intro, outro, and choruses of an authentic observe and solely use the breakdown which accommodates a vocal, then construct upon that.

#5: Prepare your remix ASAP

One of many principal causes individuals don’t end remixes is as a result of they don’t get the association down quickly sufficient.

As quickly as you have got concepts down, sketch out a primary association.

You must have it down faster than you’d usually when engaged on an authentic, as a result of you have already got just a few concepts handed to you.

Word: I discover it useful to pull the unique observe/vocal into my DAW, marking every part of the music. This fashion, I’ve the association in place from the beginning. I’ll change the association in a while within the manufacturing course of, however I profit from constructing on a strong basis.

#6: Hold it Comparable

A remix doesn’t need to be extremely contrasted to the unique. Generally you would possibly simply wish to add slightly further to the unique, or broaden on concepts.

For instance, you’ll typically hear remixes the place the artist has modified simply the bassline and drums, however saved the general vibe of the music. That is the case in What So Not’s remix of ‘Main Lazer – Get Free’:

This doesn’t work for each remix, however typically it’s precisely what’s wanted.

#7: Course of and Mangle Stems

Need to impress the listener? Get inventive with stems! You can also make stems your individual with sufficient processing. Reverse and chop up acapellas, apply heavy distortion to bass sounds, the chances are limitless.

A couple of concepts to get you began…

• Use components of the bass stem(s) to fill in your bassline groove.
• Chop, loop and reverse slices of the unique vocal to create your individual melodies and results
• Chop one notice from an instrument stem, put it right into a sampler, then course of it to create one thing that’s new but acquainted.
• Add phasing, reverb, and filtering to the principle melody stem in components of your music to tease the listener.
• Apply reverb, delay, and distortion to FX stems to considerably change their sound.

In the event you’re in Ableton Reside, try a few of these inventive ideas which will be utilized to processing and mangling.

#8: Collaborate

I can’t overemphasize the significance of collaboration. Not solely is it extremely enjoyable, however you be taught so much about how different individuals work and infrequently find yourself in a extra motivated and artistic state than you’d working by your self.

Collaborating on a remix is simply as enjoyable, if no more enjoyable than collaborating on an authentic. You’ll each have completely different opinions on the unique observe, and also you’ll each give you completely different concepts.

#9: Add a Second Hook to Your Remix

Does the principle concept within the authentic observe not do it for you? Too weak? Too boring?

Why not add a second hook?

Jaytech’s remix of Blood Groove and Kiki’s progressive masterpiece often called Mirage includes a memorable vocal chop along with the serene chord development from the unique.

The unique:

Jaytech’s remix with the vocal hook:

#10: Warping stems and acapella

So, let’s say you’ve downloaded an acapella that’s at 105 BPM, and also you wish to convey it all the way down to 90 BPM. How do you do this in Ableton Reside?

If the acapella doesn’t have any timing points, then it’s a fairly easy course of.

What we wish to deal with is the Warp part.

My acapella is at present at 105 BPM, and I do know this for a truth. In the event you don’t know the tempo of your acapella, a fast Google search will suffice (simply sort “music key bpm”).

I’ll allow warp and alter the Seg. BPM to 90:

Word: I like to make use of the Complicated Professional warping algorithm. It’s price taking part in round with every and listening to the distinction. Most individuals go for Complicated or Complicated Professional when remixing.

It’s price double-checking that it’s in time, so I’ll click on play and have the metronome enabled. In the event you do that, guarantee that the acapella is definitely in time with the metronome to begin with.

Possibly you’ve warped the vocal to the right BPM, however it nonetheless feels out of time. What are you able to do?

The most effective strategy to repair timing points is so as to add warp markers to factors the place the vocal strikes off the beat.

Merely right-click above a transient and click on on Insert Warp Marker(s). You’ll then have the ability to transfer this round to regulate:

Warning: this may have an effect on the acapella as a complete. It’s typically a greater concept to cut the acapella up individually if it’s a one-off drawback. Guide warping ought to be used if the acapella is ridden with timing points that handbook *chopping* within the playlist can’t actually repair.

#11: The Deep Home vocal approach

The Deep Home vocal trick refers to pitching a vocal down 12 semitones. You then apply some EQ (often eradicating the lows and highs) to create a cool impact.

This may also be utilized in mixture with formant shifting, a way we discover on this video:

This method works very well proper earlier than a drop. You too can chop up the vocal within the drop to make it slightly extra groovy.

#12: Discovering the MIDI notes

When studying methods to remix a music, you’ll not often have the MIDI information for every melody and chord development.

So how do you truly discover the notes? If in case you have an important musical ear, you would possibly have the ability to discover them by your self.

However for the remainder of us, there’s fashionable expertise 😅

Many fashionable DAWs may have an audio-to-MIDI operate. In FL Studio, double-click in your pattern to open up the pattern settings. Subsequent, right-clip on the waveform and choose “Edit in audio editor” to open up Edison.

Right here, right-click on the waveform and choose Instruments > Convert to attain and dump to piano roll:

You now have the notes in your piano roll!

To do the identical in Ableton Reside, right-click on the audio clip:

Then, select “Convert Concord to New MIDI observe” when working with a polyphonic instrument. Or choose “Convert Melody to New MIDI observe” if working with a monophonic instrument. Ableton Reside will then extract the MIDI notes, and cargo up a piano instrument by default to play them.

Word: audio to MIDI expertise will not be good but, so you’ll have to clear the MIDI notes up a bit, however it offers you one thing to begin with.

If that also doesn’t work, you’ll be able to at all times lookup guitar tabs. They gained’t at all times provide the actual notes of a melody, however no less than you should have the chords:

You’ll be able to then plug these chords into the piano roll, adjusting the place wanted.

#13: Manipulating Stems (the standard manner)

There are a whole bunch of various methods to make use of and manipulate stems. We’ve truly devoted a number of guides on the subject, which you’ll be able to try right here:

A inventive manner to make use of stems is to view them as one thing to pattern.

Let’s say you have got a bassline stem from the unique observe. Why not take one or two hits from that bassline and use them as a place to begin for a extra distinctive bassline?

Or you can manipulate the pattern and switch it into one thing utterly completely different, like a percussive sound.

Creating vocal chops from an acapella is similar factor. You’re searching for particular person components within the stem that stick out and could possibly be used for a unique goal.

Listed here are some concepts:

• Bass/lead/pluck stems:
  • Pattern a single hit and layer it over your individual lead/bassline/pluck
  • Double or halve its velocity
  • Rearrange hits so it performs a unique sequence
  • Time-stretch a single hit to make use of as a grain FX sound
• Vocal/acapella:
  • Lower up particular person items to make use of as vocal chop
  • Re-arrange phrases and phrases to create a singular sequence
  • Transpose and time-stretch for fascinating FX sounds (just like the deep home approach proven above)

#14: Chopping up stems

Stems exist to be mangled. You’ll be able to utterly change the vibe of a bassline stem or melody by chopping components out.

We cowl the artwork of chopping and re-arranging extra intimately in these two guides:

And with a few fast cuts, flip it into one thing utterly completely different…

Appear primary? That’s as a result of it’s!

#15: Wash Out and LoFi Method

If you might want to fill in your remix with a little bit of atmospheric FX, one approach is to take a stem from the remix pack and chuck a ton of reverb on it to clean it out, after which place it within the background.

You are able to do this with vocals, synths, nearly something.

In FL Studio, you need to use Edison’s Blur software for this:

Or simply choose your favourite reverb plugin and go loopy on the decay 😁

One other favourite trick of mine is the LoFi approach.

Need to add a classic really feel, or just make a stem extra distinctive? Apply some EQ and slight bitcrushing and you may have one thing distinctive very quickly.

Remix a Tune vs. Bootlegs: What’s the Distinction?

Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer. Any recommendation on this put up is topic to critique. If you wish to know extra about copyright regulation, please do analysis your self or seek the advice of a lawyer.

A bootleg is any type of unlawful or unauthorized remix or edit. In the event you edit a music and distribute it on-line or anyplace else with out permission, it’s a bootleg.

In the event you get your palms on a studio acapella given out by the artist, make a remix with it, and put it up on Soundcloud with out clearing it – it’s a bootleg.

If in case you have stems mendacity round from a remix competitors 3 months in the past and also you resolve to lastly make a remix, though the competitors has ended, it’s a bootleg.

However what’s fallacious with bootlegs?

As I used to be doing analysis for this part, I used to be greatly surprised by how ambiguous copyright, and honest use regulation, actually is. These things is difficult, and I don’t anticipate to do an important job of laying it out right here, so if you’re focused on studying extra about this then I encourage you to do your individual analysis.

Honest use

Earlier than understanding fair use, it’s vital to comprehend that it’s unlawful to promote, and even freely distribute music that has sampled different works except you’ve acquired the required permission to make use of content material from such works.

Unofficial remixes or “bootlegs” fall beneath this, as do mashups, edits, and something utilizing the present recording.

Honest use permits artists and creatives to make use of components of current works with out permission and never violate the regulation. A good use is perhaps criticism (reviewing one thing), commentary, reporting, instructing, or analysis–however the checklist extends past this.

It’s tough to determine whether or not your unofficial remix falls beneath honest use except you’re taken to courtroom, and also you don’t need that occuring.

Now, it’s apparent that almost all of artists don’t get taken to courtroom over bootlegs. Digital music producers have been making bootleg remixes for many years and little or no has occurred in the way in which of authorized motion.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll be able to anticipate that:

• placing out a bootleg on Soundcloud is okay (99% of the time nothing will occur);
• placing out a bootleg on Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music would possibly get you a copyright strike, placing your channel or artists profile in danger.

Need a one-phrase abstract for this complete part? If you wish to share your bootleg, keep on with Soundcloud 😊

That’s a Wrap for this Information on The right way to Remix a Tune! 🙏

Hopefully having learn this you are feeling impressed to go off and work by yourself remixes. Keep in mind, all the guidelines and recommendation on this planet imply nothing except you’re prepared to place within the time to experiment and follow, so be sure you truly work on remixes as an alternative of making an attempt to be taught purely by way of articles and principle.

Any questions or feedback? Be happy to succeed in out to us by way of our contact web page.