Re: Nu Yorican Soul

Anthony Lamar Rucker (grandblk@grove.ufl.edu)
Wed, 9 Apr 1997 05:02:52 -0400 (EDT)


On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, Elson Trinidad wrote:

> That's what I hate about remixes. I mean they're great and all, but it
> really gets to me when a remix becomes more-heard than the original

I understand your point, but sometimes a remix can do wonders for a song.
There have been several instances (none come to mind right now) where the
remix was much better than the original track.

>especially when the remix's sound is totally taken over by the
> remixer to the point where the original artists'
> intentions are rendered unrecognizable.

Keep in mind that in most cases, that's why the remixer was selected in
the first place: to give it that familiar touch. I have heard rumors about
top-flight remixers getting upwards of $40,000 per mix. I think that's
outrageous, especially when you consider that many of these people do not
start making their *own* records until down the line, but that's the way
it goes.

> You might as well release it as a different tune by a different artist.

Ironically, this topic just came up on the house mailing list. There are
several (inter)nationally known producers there, and they got into
a little discussion over remixes (should the mixers get points, do they
constitute new tracks, etc.) People were split over this issue, but I
believe the majority felt like if the remixer really wanted writing
credit, s/he should write some new lyrics and release it as an original
song, instead of getting greedy on what's essentially a contracted
situation.

> ...and Van Helden becomes an internationally-reknown remixer, while
> NuYorican soul unfortunately stays put in the NY club scene.

Well, I woudldn't say NuYorican Soul is staying "put," because they gave a
performance at the Winter Music Conference and they are about to go on a
tour; besides, the album has already generated enough interest that I'm
sure Kenny and Louie will get their props from outside the house world
very soon. But again, I sort of have problems with remixes, because they
become a cheap way for the company to sell the same record 2-3 times.
These days, it's not uncommon for labels to commission new remixes for a 2
yr old track, and have it become sucesssful. But seen from the mixer's
perspective, remixes are a quick and easy way to get your name established
in the biz before embarking on your own projects. The people left out in
this whole discussion, I think, are the performers of the original
composition. From what I read, they often have little input as to how a
song is remixed, so they can blow up on a style they don't even identify
with.

Anthony