SWITCHBACK REMIX TIPS:
So… you’ve grabbed the massive 290 MB “Switchback” Remix file package, and unzipped/unstuffed it. Now what?
Well, there's a multitude of directions you can go, depending on what software you have available to perform your remix.
So what is included in the Download?
Loops. And tons of them. 116 files, featuring elements from various versions of “Switchback” (some previously unreleased) – ranging from the years 1999 – 2006. They are all organized first by year/revision segment, then by instrument type. (Beat, FX, Gtr, Synth, and Vox)
What Style of Remix Should I Make?
We are interested in hearing remixes that contain new and original elements. Try to avoid simply rearranging existing parts of the song. Add new elements to or change the presentation of the raw tracks provided. Do not feel limited to any particular genre. Variety is our friend.
What About Using Samples?
This is a huge consideration. We can’t stress this enough. The use of additional copyrighted material within your mix is not acceptable. There are many reputable software companies out there that offer a wide range of loops and sample libraries that all bear the “Royalty-free” status. So in other words, it’s generally not a good idea to download random files off the internet and plug them into your timeline. If the original source of the sample can’t be verified, it’s probably not in your best interest to use it. All additional material you bring to the remix files should be original and/or royalty free.
What Software Should I use? Can I edit the Remix Files?
This is totally up to your preference, really, as it depends on how customized you want your mix to sound. There are multiple tools you can use to get into the waveform and chop, fade and edit. Some examples are Audacity, Sony Sound Forge and BIAS Peak, which allow for waveform editing/fades/etc.
For Multitrack solutions, PC users might consider Acid Pro, Cubase, Sonar and Reason. Mac users might consider Garageband, Soundtrack Pro, Logic Express or Logic Pro & Pro Tools.
Keep Your Mix in Correct Pitch/Key & Tempo
Another important factor is pitch within your instrumentation and loop usage. “Switchback” was written in the key of D, so it would probably sound a little odd if you are using a sample or a new melody that starts in say D# - In the case of the remix, if you have a loop that happens to be stuck at a certain pitch, your best bet is to transpose it to match they key of either D or A.
As for Tempo consideration, the general rule of thumb for remixing is to take your target tempo and use other loops at tempos that are equal to or that multiply or divide by 2 of that target (For instance: 128bpm target, so loops that fall well within that speed would be 64 bpm or 256 bpm) – If you have a loop you want to use that’s at say, 150bpm that you want to use though, that’s not to say you can’t use it - there are several options you’ve got here as well, whether it’s time correction, stretch / compress, or beatmapping – but all in all, it’s incredibly important to ensure you are using loops, or edits of loops, that fall into place with each other rhythmically. There are also some more complex tools available to create .RX2 (or REX) files that essentially slice your loop up into several segments that can then be played at any tempo without affecting pitch (Propellerhead Recycle for instance)
There are 2 different tempos marked in the remix files of “Switchback.” Four of the folders contain 112BPM files and one folder contains files at 128BPM. Don't limit yourself by feeling you need to keep your remix at these tempos, in fact we encourage you to change it, just be conscious of the BPMs you're using & mixing together.
Mixing Your Track
Mix as you go. As you bring in new elements into your timeline, make sure to adjust them within the mix as they should sound and balance in the final product. Doing this along the way will make things much easier to fine tune when you are performing your final mixdown - If you have them available, make sure to listen to your mix on both headphones and good quality studio monitors. Essentially A/B the mix to make sure it sounds good, and consistent in both environments – watch for digital clipping and distortion where it shouldn’t be.
When mixing your final track, be sure to do a full vocal and instrumental mix. If you are a finalist, you will be required to provide both versions. Aim to create an interesting overall song structure with changes/dynamics.
So I Submitted My Remix...Now What?
After you've submitted your remix, the team at Celldweller Productions will be hand picking the best remixes to post online for public review. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your mix to be reviewed & processed. If after that time you do not see your mix on the site and would like to inquire as to wether it will be posted, you may e-mail us at rmx@celldweller.com.
After the submission deadline is closed for the round, the Celldweller Productions team will then post a selection of finalists for fan voting and determine the winners.
What if I miss the deadline for submissions but still want my mix to get posted on the site for others to hear?
There is no deadline for remix submissions, only for the contest. You can still upload a remix after the contest submissions are closed and approved mixes will still be posted to the site.