What is a remix?
A remix is a sound recording that has been altered, edited or otherwise reworked to sound different from the original song. A remix typically features some parts or samples of the original recording (even if these samples are altered in any way) together with new material composed by the remixer.
Remixes are commissioned for a number of different reasons. This may be to target a different market e.g. a club remix of a commercial release for DJs to play in nightclubs, a radio friendly remix of a club track for commercial airplay, or even as a launch tool for an up-and-coming artist.
What's the difference between a remix and a cover?
A cover is a performance or new recording of a song that was written and previously performed by someone else. It does not involve any significant changes to the underlying musical work.
A remix is a new song that uses parts or samples of a previously written song. It may also contain new material composed by the remix artist.
The music industry is full of jargon. Use our plain-English glossary to understand what the more obscure terms mean.