Hi,
First of all id like to elaborate on what Remixing is really all about,there r like some braod terms id like to explain before i suggest u some stuff,hope it helps
1.Mashups
VDJ strictly is for mashups(on the fly/wotsoever),Mashups basically involves beatmatching/pitch matching/ hearing the right sounds and making them loop one over other ,for beginners this is will really help in identifying the correct sounds which mix well with each other and will require some good BPM(beats per min) knowledge of tracks over various genres(hip-hop,raggae,Electronic dance music,etc etc ) .
This is what will enable u to do some quick remixes (aka mashups) with some bollywood over hip hop beats/RnB loops over some Pop,figuratively almost anything.
Now This is easy if ur a good listener of music and have an open ear to all kinds of music but then skill level is limited and almost all mashups of a track sound the same with just different loops used.
Some wierd/crass/trash mashups have been floating over the internet with everybody and their mother adding a razzzy dj prefix over his name and doin a mashup on VDJ and posting on the internet .
Looked highly noobie in the pro-dj/production circuit but some of the big names did start over with mashups ,the point being of doing mashups should be strictly on the fly (IMO) while doin a show which adds to a novelty factor but then again learn this art and take it forward if u r really serious ,if its some kinda track u wanna mashup then u should stop reading from here but ill still add and give u an insight about what remixing is about.
Softwares-Virtual Dj/Traktor/Dss any software with multiple decks to load up tracks and identify BPM'S well and yes Loop them on 2/4/8/16/32 bars.
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2.Re-Editing-
Now this is the baby step for some shit ,Edit as the name says
Suppose u have this baby track u wanna remix so badly,Construct an idea what u wanna edit about this track, suppose u wanna remove the vocals,need the friggin beats,need the melody etc etc so what u do
U take this track ,chop/edit the portions u wanna keep,remove some sounds u dont want (that calls for another topic but then ill keep it straight the first time) so u need Sound Editors
Softwares-Soundforge,Audacity(Freeware) are more then sufficient to do these jobs and will prolly give u what u want with offcourse the fact that u posses some good technical knowledge about (that again being another topic
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**********************************************************3.Sequencing--
The everything and full and final step toward creating a final done remix,this is where u need everything (creativity/talent/passion/grit/will/and a ear )
Every track on earth has a definitive structure
Every genre/sub genre on earth have definitive drum kits/loops
Every track on earth is done in our Brain.
Now i swear this is all u need to remember everything else is there on your sequencing softwares,ur talent is the key
This is where u sequence ur remix(taking the originals from ur edits and loading them here),give it a structure,give it a new drum loop,give it some beats,give it that personal touch.
Softwares-Fruity Loops/Reason/Ableton Live/Acid Pro/Logic
More ur know-how on music/more ur hold on genres/more ur thirst for music ,the better u could use these softwares in attack mode.
Every software comes with a hefty manual and yes u do have to read/ask ppl around/see tutorials/demos/etc ...
This sums up what i when started to get into this needed,will be glad if this post is of some help to u.Music is my lifeline,ask any doubts u want to ill be glad to help.
Read,start a project and always have an aim of what should be the result i hope ul do some good.
Cheers
Sanil
On a ending note if u wanna concentrate on mashing up ( the best and easiest/fun way in ur case) start it right away on VDJ/etc or basically 2 decks and a mixer will do.
Djiing is an expensive hobby,be definitive on what u do!
