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New to remixing, got one in the works, need advice...


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Well, I'm definitely not new to OCR. I've been around since 2005. However, I just recently decided I'd try my skills at remixing.

However, I have extremely, I mean EXTREMELY limited equipment.

I am limited to a Yamaha DGX-500 and a voice recorder. Unfortunately, I know this won't get me anywhere. I have the program Sonar, but I have yet to learn how to use it as well as hook up my DGX-500 to my computer.

I'm a complete newbie to remixing and this site's forums and how the things flow around here, etc. So please be gentle.

Anyway here's what I'd like advice on.

1. My equipment. With a DGX-500, voice recorder, and Sonar, is it possible for me to send a worthy remix? For those curious, this model of the Yamaha Keyboards I own has 5 mini-slots that I can record different instruments in to. However, I have to play each instrument in real time so it is a huge challenge to stay on tempo, etc.

2. My first remix. I am planning on remixing Jinjo Village from the awesome N64 game, Banjo-Tooie. Is there a way I can upload what I have so far, regardless of how bad it is, and is that permitted here? Also, my remix does NOT have any variation at all from the original song. When it is done I will add original quirks in there, but I just want some input on how I'm doing the instruments and stuff in general.

3. How are things judged here? Are they judged according to the remixer's talent and equipment and sound quality and the like?

Anyway thanks for the tips. I hope I can find a way to upload what I have so far of my Jinjo Village mix... even if it's nowhere near good enough for a remix's standards.

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All of your questions have at least basic answers already in the site info but eh:

1. Its possible with Sonar just by itself and free samples/soundfonts but don't expect to be able to make something passable straight away. You need to learn how to use what you have to a fairly good standard and no one will walk you through that process. There are many free tutorials around the internet on basics. Just google for Sonar tutorials.

2. Upload your music at Tindeck or some other free hosting site and post it here http://www.ocremix.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

3. Its not based solely on your talent or equipment. Someone who uses a free program like Reaper like a god has a way bigger chance then someone new to music with something expensive like Pro Tools. Likewise just because we know you have talent doesn't mean we'll accept everything you do. Every submission is judged individually on both arrangement and production. Arrangement meaning it should take the original source and add to it in a meaningful way (not just a cover) and Production basically meaning it should have a relatively good sound quality with a clean mix and attention to detail. A lot of newer musicians struggle with production techniques so try not to be discouraged, it takes most people (myself included) a fairly long time to learn this.

You're right in avoiding a direct cover for the purposes of submitting to OCR, but really, if you've never remixed before, ever, chances are you're not going to get passed soon. I don't mean to be harsh, but OCR rejects a majority of submissions based on the criteria here: http://www.ocremix.org/info/Submission_Standards_and_Instructions

I don't mean to say don't even try, I'm just letting you know it might be a while before you get to that standard. Listen to the music and the front page, and if you think you can make something comparable to that quality, then go for it. Otherwise, just keep posting music you've made in the forum section linked above and learn from the feedback you get. You can also learn a lot about the judging process (and maybe get some random tips too) by reading the judges decision forum.

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1. My equipment. With a DGX-500, voice recorder, and Sonar, is it possible for me to send a worthy remix?

It's the result that counts.

3. How are things judged here? Are they judged according to the remixer's talent and equipment and sound quality and the like?

What exactly has equipment to do with the resulting quality? The fact that someone plonked down cash for something does not mean that they make better music by default.

even if it's nowhere near good enough for a remix's standards.

Stop the self-deprecation and let the rest of OCR be the judge of that. You'll feel better because of it in every single way.

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