Article
Remix
January 2009
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Instant access is something today’s music fans expect. Now, a number of companies are tapping into mobile technology to simplify collaborations between artists. Along with Websites offering new tools for musicians and music fans that crossbreed social networking and online recording applications, it’s becoming easier to share and edit songs before they’re finished.
Indaba Music (www.indabamusic.com) allows users to integrate the work of numerous musicians into sessions with its in-browser editing console. The site recently introduced IndabaVox, allowing musicians to record vocals or melodies on their phone or mobile device and instantly integrate them into a session. The feature also lets users set up conference calls with other participants.
MixMatchMusic (www.mixmatchmusic.com) wants to build up a community based on the free exchange of musical ideas while making money for artists. Users make and upload songs or “stems,” which can be combined by other users via the site’s online sequencer to create a song. When these songs are purchased, $0.85 of every dollar goes to the artists, with a $0.15-cut for MixMatchMusic.
MyCypher (www.mycypher.com) aims to expand cross-cultural collaboration and awareness in hip-hop via a social-media setup. Users can call a toll-free number and record their lyrics, which are then posted on their profile, where they can build up a library of freestyles.
While bandwidth issues and technological limitations mean these programs lack many of the features of in-studio technology, they still can engage artists and fans and become catalysts for new types of interaction. While recording its latest album, Third Eye Blind posted parts of unfinished tracks on Indaba, inviting feedback throughout the recording process. Other artists, including Mariah Carey and The Roots, have held remix contests on Indaba. And MixMatchMusic created a Remix Wizard, a customizable widget that allows artists to open up their songs to remix contests.