Remix competition?

[Archon]

Was just thinking about how we have a decent stable of producers on the forum and that opens up the possibility of a remix competition.

They used to be so fun back in the day, even participated in a few. The remixes would oftentimes be very very good, and sometimes some (like me) sent their unfinished works just to see how others would react. No pressure, just a way to expand and develop your skills while still having fun and a little competition, and also getting comments and feedback.

There would probably be no real rewards here, as we're quite a small forum - you'd have to make do with a possible TOTW and Facebook promo, probably. We'd probably have a month to complete the remix, then send everything to us and we'd open the vote to our forum members. We would also choose the track to remix together with a vote - or if you prefer, leave that to us admins to keep it more fun for everyone. We would choose tracks with publicly available MIDI files and/or vocal stems. All styles would probably be allowed too.

And to make this more even for everyone, we'll force @Magdelayna, our previous winner, to produce only with his left leg.

But before we make any concrete plans, just need to hear whether or not you would be willing to participate, some suggestions, ideas and such.

 

[LostLegend]

A great idea!

I'd definitely participate.

Maybe get in touch with an established producer/label to see if they would be interested in donating a track/reward for this?

 

[Hensmon]

I'm really impressed with some of the tracks people have shared in this section. Would for sure put up a healthy prize for the winner, if we get 5/6 of you guys participating.

@Magnevi @jetflag @Magdelayna @SecondNature @Halon @Love Nation @Recharge @Enlusion @Bruno

 

[Archon]

The problem with better rewards (such as an official release) is the fact that last time, we attracted a couple of outsiders with steroid remixes who then abused the voting system (the winner had like a thousand votes, and the 2nd place less than a hundred). The winner then got angry at me when the label rejected his track because it had lots of mixing issues. Loved doing it and participating but in the end wasn't very pleased with how it turned out. We had some good remixes but not all of them got rewarded. Conversely too, some who did not deserve a reward did get it.

I'd personally prefer it to stay fun and engaging, rather than award-oriented. We're all at different skill levels too.

But that's just me. Maybe there's a way to compromise. Keep throwing your ideas, we're listening.

 

[LostLegend]

The problem with better rewards (such as an official release) is the fact that last time, we attracted a couple of outsiders with steroid remixes who then abused the voting system (the winner had like a thousand votes, and the 2nd place less than a hundred). The winner then got angry at me when the label rejected his track because it had lots of mixing issues. Loved doing it and participating but in the end wasn't very pleased with how it turned out. We had some good remixes but not all of them got rewarded. Conversely too, some who did not deserve a reward did get it.

I'd personally prefer it to stay fun and engaging, rather than award-oriented. We're all at different skill levels too.

But that's just me. Maybe there's a way to compromise. Keep throwing your ideas, we're listening.

May be a good idea to have a pre-chosen panel decide the winner.
You could also restrict entries to active Trancefix members with a set number of posts, but that may affect the benefit of these types of comps in attracting new members.

I've also never liked the idea of an official release as a prize either, because you are restricting entries (or at least a potential winner) to the style of music that label releases.

 

[Hensmon]

Yeah yeah no stupid voting system or release incentive. Just good ol fashion hard cash, likely a bandcamp or beatport type reward voucher, like we did for the new site launch. As this requires more effort I’d do €150 (or more, if the participation is higher than 6 people).

I know that skill levels in technical production/mastering might differ, so we could keep that in mind and focus a little more on track idea and direction rather than whose sounds technically the most professional…?

 

[Magdelayna]

Was just thinking about how we have a decent stable of producers on the forum and that opens up the possibility of a remix competition.

They used to be so fun back in the day, even participated in a few. The remixes would oftentimes be very very good, and sometimes some (like me) sent their unfinished works just to see how others would react. No pressure, just a way to expand and develop your skills while still having fun and a little competition, and also getting comments and feedback.

There would probably be no real rewards here, as we're quite a small forum - you'd have to make do with a possible TOTW and Facebook promo, probably. We'd probably have a month to complete the remix, then send everything to us and we'd open the vote to our forum members. We would also choose the track to remix together with a vote - or if you prefer, leave that to us admins to keep it more fun for everyone. We would choose tracks with publicly available MIDI files and/or vocal stems. All styles would probably be allowed too.

And to make this more even for everyone, we'll force @Magdelayna, our previous winner, to produce only with his left leg.

But before we make any concrete plans, just need to hear whether or not you would be willing to participate, some suggestions, ideas and such.

Haha,i think il retire to the judging panel this time.

 

[Jetflag]

put me on the list and i'll c if I can tag along

not 100% sure if i'm able to make time for it though as i'm pretty swamped atm.

Also sidenote: Personally, but not speaking for the rest here, Its ok if you lot want to this time but I don't need rewards really, its just fun participating
But If you lot do want to go for it might I suggest something original/ funny like "an official Trancefix.nl T-shirt" or mug, or Cumbucket or what have you.

 

[Jetflag]

as for suggestions, though this might be a challenging/tricky one:

There's this dutch song which I quite like and think might make for a interresting remix competition. mainly as we'll have to harvest everything ourselves. samples/melodies/snippets vox etc. Would be especially interresting to see what people could make with a combo male/female vocal track.

 

[Archon]

a challenging/tricky one

Yeah that's a nice idea which might result in even more creative remixes, but we need to check with all the contestants first if they would be up for that kind of thing as it is challenging and requires work before you can even start.

 

[Julian Del Agranda]

If I have time, I'll be up for it. But a month is probably short for me. Although with these kind of competitions, it doesn't have to be too serious / pro. So whatever end result you have, it's okay.

 

[Halon]

kewl

 

[Julian Del Agranda]

I actually have an idea for a track as well... Not sure if it's uber-cheesy, or perhaps you will appreciate the story behind it.

The track is Maroon 5 - Sugar. This cheesy lovesong is sort of "our" song for me and my boyfriend (for him mostly, but whatever). Next year we are going to get married (hurray!). And I want to use this song on the big day. During the ceremony, maybe. Or during the party in the evening. Or both?

Now, the original song is sort of boring. I have messed around with it for a bit, but I find it difficult. I'd love to have a more atmospheric (maybe ambient-ish) version. I've thought about asking @jetflag to help me out, as he's really good with that kind of style (think Don't Give It Up Remix). But didn't do that (yet).

A more dance-able version for the evening-party would be good too. Could be trance-y, house-y, 90's-y, EDM-y, whatever. Any genre, really.

Also: I have an acapella of the song

 

[Jetflag]

I actually have an idea for a track as well... Not sure if it's uber-cheesy, or perhaps you will appreciate the story behind it.

The track is Maroon 5 - Sugar. This cheesy lovesong is sort of "our" song for me and my boyfriend (for him mostly, but whatever). Next year we are going to get married (hurray!). And I want to use this song on the big day. During the ceremony, maybe. Or during the party in the evening. Or both?

Now, the original song is sort of boring. I have messed around with it for a bit, but I find it difficult. I'd love to have a more atmospheric (maybe ambient-ish) version. I've thought about asking @jetflag to help me out, as he's really good with that kind of style (think Don't Give It Up Remix). But didn't do that (yet).

A more dance-able version for the evening-party would be good too. Could be trance-y, house-y, 90's-y, EDM-y, whatever. Any genre, really.

Also: I have an acapella of the song

liking the challenge, if it doesn't get picked, i'm up for helping you out on that ofcourse.

 

[Archon]

The track is Maroon 5 - Sugar.

You should get them to surprise your BF at your wedding, like in the video.

Hard making a trance track with that. The only thing I can imagine is the vocals over some funky house beat, but that's about it.

 

[Bruno]

Yeah, count me in

 

[Halon]

Brun o long time see! how are you doing==

 

[LostLegend]

Another thought re: track selection.
I like the idea of the remix track being a non trance track (Non electronic is even better) as that gives more scope for creativity.

Might be worth using something you can get permission for though. You know what it's like this day and age with copyright. Hosting a competition with a monetary or equivalent prize for a song you don't have permission to use could cause all sorts of problems.

Maybe hunt out a good track from one of the many unsigned singers/bands around on the net at the moment and see if they are interested in getting on board? We may get all the stems/samples at least that way

 

[Recharge]

I will be glad to participate but I am going to be probably going to be the worst contender since I have just 2 remixes under my belt. But I am definitely up to try and have fun. Praise is going to be more than enough of a prize since I really got used to the forum and a lot of members. I am really impressed by Lost Legend and his progressive sounds and remixes and Magdelayna more chiller sounds.

 

[Archon]

You won't be the worst, I haven't successfully finished a track by myself yet haha. Probably fail completing it anyways but hey - I can at least have fun and try to get my creative juices flowing again.

Good point Legend, if you have some concrete suggestions send 'em. This is a bit of a longshot, but if all else fails we can sort of have a competition where we are given some stuff (like samples and maybe riffs, melodies), and work with that.