The sole aim of a remix is to stretch a song’s visibility and run in the market. But it must be done properly to ensure listeners get a fuller experience than the original song gave.
Here are seven key points our fave artists need to take note off for better remixes.
Remixes of “back in the days” were better
P-Square’s Bizzy Body Remix featured Weird MC, Terry G’s Free Madness had part one, two and three; Ay.com’s Pass Me Your Luv Remix with Timaya, Yori Yori Remix with 2Face and Banky W’s Mr. Capable Remix all have different beats and song structures from their originals. Afrobeats remixes these days lack variety.
Timing
Always strike the iron while it’s hot. Don’t wait till a song’s hype has withered, and people are on to the next popping track or sound, before you release your remix. Tell me why Oxlade’s Ku Lo Sa Remix dropped long after the original reigned? For how well-loved the song was, it was sad to see people not care when the remix suddenly dropped.
No budget
Perception is everything; if a record isn’t playing on every street, it won’t give “jam”. So don’t just spend all your budget on getting Chris Brown on a remix, save some on promotion too.
Valuable collaborators
Based on impact and social currency, Cardi B would’ve been a more valuable feature on Unavailable than Latto. Some songs deserve remixes, but others should be left alone if you can’t get the most suitable collaborator.
Obvious money grab
Today’s remixes are mainly money grabs or for reach. The evidence is the lack of sonic chemistry between collaborators. What was happening with Omah Lay and Justin Bieber on the Attention Remix?
Are local remixes no longer enough?
It’s understandable that everyone wants a western artist’s name on their song for global reach. But we shouldn’t overlook the possibility of great collaborations with fellow homegrown artists entirely. Or are we not our brother’s keeper again?
The features are too short
These days, the average song lasts around two minutes. But remixes are worse, giving little space for the featured artists to show themselves. Just look at Skiibii’s Baddest Boy with Davido. We can’t continue like this.
