Remixing Vocal EDM
DJ / EDM Producer Chris Herrera delivers a stunning series on how to remix a vocal based EDM track from start to finish. Chris has included the session from the series plus 5 bonus EDM track stem sets for you to experiment with and practice remixing!
Videos
• Introduction (01:25) - Get a brief welcome and explanation of the aims of the series.
• I Dare Stem Pack Pt. 1 (07:53) - The first part of a stem by stem breakdown of the original artists remix pack.
• I Dare Stem Pack Pt. 2 (06:45) - A continued breakdown of the stems from the original mix of “I Dare”.
• Organization (09:20) - Learn tips and tactics to organize and prepare the stems before beginning your remix.
• EQ Clean Up (05:01) - See how taking a quick EQ sweep of the stems can save a lot of time by cleaning up errant and renegade frequencies in the stems.
• Intro to Flex (08:18) - Shifting tempos for remixing is quite common but can be confounding and frustrating if you don’t know how to adjust the stems cleanly. Here we’ll discuss Logic’s Flex audio feature.
• Flex Algorithms Pt. 1 (05:53) - Here we dive into the details about how to choose one of Flex’s various algorithms that are most appropriate for a given stem.
• Flex Algorithms Pt. 2 (05:06) - Get a continued detailed look into the differing Flex choices available, and which is best to use on a per stem basis.
• MIDI vs. Audio Intro (03:40) - A quick overview on the technical difference between “MIDI” and “Audio” stems.
• MIDI vs. Audio Examples Pt. 1 (07:10) - Get a detailed breakdown of the characteristics, uses, and strengths and weaknesses between MIDI and Audio.
• MIDI vs. Audio Examples Pt. 2 (07:32) - A continued exploration of the possible uses of audio vs. MIDI including when and where to use or not use one or the other.
• Remix Session Pt. 1 (09:01) - Let’s get going now! Given all the prep work we’ve done, let’s now get creative and start brining out unique flair to this remix including new sounds, new grooves, and deciding a direction.
• Remix Session Pt. 2 (08:32) - Here we’re continuing to build the track including early arrangement ideas, placement of stems, and creating the almighty loop.
• Remix Session Pt. 3 (08:53) - Gain valuable tips and tricks about EQ, routing, compression, and building the arrangement into the breakdown.
• What Key Am I In? Pt. 1 (08:55) - Changing gears we’re now going to analyze the stems to figure what chords and scales comprise the tune, and ways to edit them to ensure your song functions harmonically.
• What Key Am I In? Pt. 2 (04:09) - Gain an understanding the commonality of triadic harmony and how that level of music theory will help you navigate remixes harmonically.
• What Key Am I In? Pt. 3 (06:39) - Now we go from a simple major scale to the triads that derive from it. Then we create and analyze a chord progression based on that scale and its chords.
• Writing New Parts Pt. 1 (06:44) - Explore different ways to add your own new and original elements to your remix including vocal chops, prelaps, reverse reverb, new MIDI data, and new synth elements.
• Writing New Parts Pt. 2 (07:44) - A continued exploration of possible new original elements including glitching tricks, counter melodies, and automations.
• DJ Friendly Arrangement Pt. 1 (08:12) - Here we’ll open up Ableton Live for a visual representation of a smooth and well phrased DJ mix. Additionally we’ll discuss why these transitions worked and the importance of your remix meeting a DJ’s needs.
• DJ Friendly Arrangement Pt. 2 (09:39) - Now look at the final remix of “I Dare” and examine the arrangement decisions made to ensure a DJ can mix your tune.
• Final Remix Pt. 1 (09:01) - Here we’ll go through the final remix top to tail analyzing everything from arrangement decisions, phrasing, building the track, the breakdown, transitional edits, and final tweaks.
• Final Remix Pt. 2 (06:30) - A continued analysis of the final remix coming out of the breakdown and into the last drop. Additionally we summarize what we’ve talked about and turn you loose to make some noise!