How to Remix a Dance Song

As today's music industry continues to change, the remix is on its way up. The idea of "remixing" songs is one part of a comprehensive movement of making music more "technology-oriented." From heavy metal guitar to digitally backed hip-top to slick new county promotions, technology is a bigger and bigger part of what we're listing to. The remix uses technology to morph an original composition into a louder, enhanced danceable track. Here are some things artists do to put out a "remix" of a song.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Select memorable samples. An artist attempting a remix clips short segments out of the old song that will fit neatly into a new composition. You have to be sure to get copyrights and permission from those who own the song unless you're willing to go through a lot of legal issues later when your remix makes it big.

2. Change the tempo and add a powerful backbeat. The remix hardly ever shares the same tempo with the original, instead, it's "souped up" and the trend is to use louder, more aggressive beats for the remix.

3. Add bells and whistles. While you're assembling the old song clips into a new beat, you'll want to consider adding your own frills, like guitar or piano parts, or repeated sound effects, that enhance the song and encourage people to dance.

4. Team up with other artists. Many hip-hop artists meet up to release and promote remix songs, leveraging their name recognition for strategic union. Lots of times, an artist will "feature" other artists on the track. Consider who you can get in your corner to throw down on a new track.

5. Rename the song. Some artists put in their own titles, others just call it the (original title) remix. Decide how you will best promote your new tune with a name change or other designation.