remix
REE-miks (noun), ree-MIKS (verb)
/ˈriːmɪks/ (noun), /riːˈmɪks/ (verb)
An alternative version of a song produced by adding, removing, or altering audio tracks from the original recording.
A remix uses the actual stem recordings (vocals, instruments) of the original song, whereas a 'cover' is a completely new recording of the song by a different artist.
The story behind the word. The concept of the remix originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s with dub music, where engineers like King Tubby stripped vocal tracks off reggae records to highlight the drum and bass, adding echo and delay effects.
Word relationships
- rework: Rework is a broader term that can mean any modification of a song, whereas a remix specifically implies manipulating the multitrack audio stems.
- original: The original is the primary, unaltered version of the song as first released.
Commonly confused with
- mashup: A mashup blends two or more pre-existing finished songs together, while a remix reconstructs a single song using its individual multitrack components.
Word family
- remixer (noun): A person who creates a remix.
Collocations
- official remix
- club remix
- remix a track
Example sentences
- "The DJ's upbeat remix of the indie ballad turned it into a massive summer club anthem." A music industry news article.
- "To remix the track, I kept the original vocal stems but completely replaced the drums and bassline." A producer explaining their workflow.
Memory hook
Re-mix: you take the original mix and mix it all over again with a new style. Mix it again to make it fresh.
When not to use
Do not use when an artist simply performs another artist's song live without using any of the original recorded elements.
Fun facts
- The first commercial 12-inch single, designed specifically for club DJs to play remixes with higher audio quality, was released in 1976.
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