I’ve just posted a remix of the song "The Key" by Snowflake who placed the original on CCMixter under creative commons CC-BY-NC.
Listen to Original
Listen to the original song before diving into my track using the embedded player below or streaming the MP3 before you listen to my remix so you can see hear I started.
Composer/Producer Notes on My Remix “The Key (Like a Freight Train Remix)”
When I first heard Snwoflake's "The Key" on CCMixter, I was really moved by the wonderful vocal performance and the powerful lyrics. I came up with an idea for a remix that would add something very different musically and sonically, yet at the same time amplify the emotional tone and power of the original vocal and piano stems.
I broke the song into scenes. Listen in the embedded player below or download the MP3. You can also listen and “recommend” my remix out on CCMixter.
The Key by Snowflake (Like a Freight Train Remix by Mark Mosher) by MarkMosher
Give it a first listen. On the second listen, follow along with the notes below.
(00:00) Scene 1: Hate
I use only the Vocals from the original stems. The opening line - "Your hate moves like a freight train, steady with a heavy weight Barreling down for many years" is just fantastic and drove me to come up with a way to embody hate as a pulsing relentless driving sound that reacts to the intensity of the narrative. In so doing I take a very beautiful melody and transform and make it haunting. There is intentional harshness and clipping in the elements I composed, synthesized and performed. I use extreme panning and spatial effects on the vox as well.(1:00) Scene 2: Line in the Sand
Beat driven with some swelling pads. The beats set you up for to offer contrast for the next secne.(1:27) Scene 4: The Innocent Say
I let the wonderful vocals carry through this section and only add spatial effects.(1:45) Scene 3: Maybe You'll Learn
Hate raises it’s ugly head again as I return to a variation of my opening motif.(2:12) Scene 5: Set Yourself Free
I use piano and vocals from the original stems. I added some strings and lots of space manipulation to amplify the emotion. You HAVE to use headphones to appreciate all the work :^)(2:33) Scene 6: Only You Hold the Key
I process the piano stems, added some strings, and continue to work the space to offer an emotional conclusion.(3:56) Scene 7: Epilogue
Piano from original stems with space and I added cello for the last word.
Closing Thoughts
Note I finished this remix in June and wasn’t sure I liked it. I felt it might be too sparse and harsh. I decided to let it sit on the shelf and come back with fresh ears. After listening again, I decided to trust my original instinct and release the song as mixed in June. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks to Emily Richards (aka Snowflake) for composing such a wonderful song and sharing on CCMixter so we could remix.
Links
Mark Mosher
Electronic Musician, Boulder, CO
www.MarkMosherMusic.com
