Download: My Name Is Kay (Stone Nelson Remix)

Hello readers.  This post is about something a little different from the usual flow of the blog.  Most of the time, I write about artists that I believe should have more exposure.  Every once in a while, I'll cover a public event such as the Grammys.  Today, I'm writing about my own work.  Yes, the tables have turned.  I recently produced a remix for the incredibly fresh new artist, Kay.  I figured that my followers may be interested in checking out the non-writer side of me.  It's available as a free download below, so you can snag a copy for yourself if you fancy it.  If you have the urge to hear the original track, pre-remix, then you can head over to Kay's Facebook for more info.

  My Name Is Kay (Stone Nelson Remix) by StoneNelson

I have some great music to write about this coming week, so stick around and thanks for reading.

Metric - Fantasies Remixed

Late last year, Metric launched a contest to find the best remixes for every song released on their 2009 Fantasies album.  After supplying the stems to any musician or producer up for the challenge, hundreds of remixes were submitted.  Last month, the winners were announced.  One remix for each of Fantasies' ten tracks was officially released through RCRD LBL.  The mixes range from dubstep to full orchestrated pieces.  It's incredibly interesting to hear the different takes on these usually alternative rock songs. Most of them ditch the guitars for other sounds, but there are a few pieces that still focus on the acoustics.

My absolute favorite remix from the set is the Kostia Rappaport remix of "Collect Call".  The original track is mellow and lush.  This remix has completely stripped the song of its original instrumentation.  While Emily Haines' vocals are still intact, with a bit of editing, the mood is now almost cinematic.  The song is heavy on strings, most of them being pizzicato.

You can stream and download all of remixes on RCD LBL, here.  Each one takes a different approach to the music and some of them are unbelievably brilliant.  A lot of modern remixes simply supply a new beat instead of reinventing the song.  This group of remixes, however, sets the standard for how it should be done.

Remixes You Should Hear: Part Two

"Quicksand (Boy 8-Bit Remix)" - 
La Roux
This "Quicksand" remix was included on the UK re-release of the single.  A marimba keeps the steady chord progression that the original song followed.  It gives the track a bouncy sound that works well.  At the song's half way mark is the climax.  It continuously builds until a sudden stop.  After the break, the mix finishes up with a synth covered instrumental.  There are several variations in the music, so it avoids becoming too monotone.  The "Boy 8-Bit Remix" adds a great new twist to "Quicksand" while still keeping La Roux's signature style.

"Alejandro (The Sound Of Arrows Remix)" - Lady Gaga

Okay, I know that everyone has heard the original "Alejandro", but this remix completely changes the hit single that you know.  The remix was created by The Sound Of Arrows.  They gave the song a lighter summer mood.  The lines "You know that I love you boy. Hot like Mexico, rejoice. At this point I've gotta choose, nothin' to lose." have become the real hook of the song.  The track is one of the best pieces from Gaga's album full of remixes, The Remix.  After hearing the original track so often, some may even prefer this remix to the original.  Both are great.

Remixes You Should Hear: Part One

"Cold War (Wondamix)" - Janelle Monáe
The "Wondamix" of "Cold War" actually serves the opposite purpose of most remixes.  Instead of adding more to the song, the Wondamix strips away many pieces of the original.  The beat is slowed down significantly and the guitar solo is now almost classical.  I love how the mood of the song has completely changed.  It gives an entire new face to "Cold War".

"Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
I usually stay away from overly extended remixes, but the Short Club mix of Florence's hit single is a nice rendition of the original melodic track.  I like that the remix still used the acoustic instruments of the original song, but also incorporated heavy club elements.  The song starts with an acoustic guitar, but soon a dance beat comes in.  The vocal track is very prominent in the remix.  One of the biggest mistakes a DJ or producer can make is stripping away the vocals to a point of no return.  The original tack needs to be recognizable, and in this remix it is.

"Settle Down (Penguin Prison Remix)" - Kimbra
Unlike the two previous artists, Kimbra hasn't released her debut album yet.  With the little material she has out, remixes are always welcome.  The Penguin Prison Remix adds a dance beat to the quirky song.  I love the beat after the bridge.  It matches perfectly with Kimbra's "Hey, oh oh!".   The remix doesn't stray from the original format of the song, so it isn't terribly foreign to listeners of the non-remixed version. This remix proves that her voice also sounds good over a more dance/electronic style of music.

Check back soon for part two of the remix series.  The next group includes mixes of songs by Lady Gaga, La Roux, and more.