Chapter 24:Why should you have multiple remixes of a dance track?

The remix process of a track is not something that is new; it is a concept that has been around for decades and originated alongside the Hip–Hop genre.

A remix is a track that has been changed and edited to sound different from the original version and they are created for a wide variety of reasons. However, there is one genre in particular that relies heavily on having multiple remixes of one track: the dance music industry, or EDM for those of you who refer to it as electronic dance music.

As a musical platform, dance music is a massive spectrum that covers a lot of different genres of music, all of which fall under one umbrella. Pop is pop, country is country and rock is rock. EDM is not just EDM; it is a culmination of many types of music and sounds that are generated electronically.

The above are not the only genres that form EDM and new types of music are constantly evolving in this unique market; as a platform, electronic dance music is quite like no other music genre out there. It actively allows and encourages experimentation in DJs and artists and the remix is the perfect way of playing around with the varying genres of EDM.

When a DJ releases a track, chances are that they will release it in the style that they play. However, by only releasing the original mix, the artist is limiting the capabilities of the track and is resigning it to only be played in their genre of choice.

By having remixes, the artist is allowing the track to be played across the continuum of EDM music genres and is opening doors to extra exposure for their track. If a funky house track has a remix to fit into dubstep, it will spark the interest of dubstep artists and add gumption to sets that don’t usually stray away from what the DJ knows, as well as entice whole new audiences.

The main point of remixes is giving DJs choice, electronic music can be played around with and one size doesn’t fit all; by having a choice of what mixes to use, DJs could then go on and jig your track for the better and in a way that you simply didn’t see for yourself.

Remixes are also important to dance tracks on a commercial level, as sometimes original mixes just don’t make the cut into the mainstream stratosphere. By simply recording a radio edit of the track and possibly removing a few elements that make it sound a little too underground to get chart success, the artist has just crossed another border into another genre.

Artists in the dance music industry also encourage lesser known artists to come a long and give their tracks a remix in order to get their foot in the door of recognition; this is a great opportunity for new artists as the chance to work with a well known name can in turn generate some momentum for them just because they are affiliated. It is a good way of giving a little something back when you are past the point of having to pay your dues.

DIY Tip: If you are a house DJ on the verge of releasing a new track, get in touch with a DJ from a different genre and ask them to remix your track in order to appeal to another audience. Reach out to other DJs who are looking for extra exposure and send them your track with the intention to see what they can do.