Go Pro Sign In
Sign Up
X
Sign Up
X

The Art of Remixing w/ David Morales

The Art of Remixing w/ David Morales

X

Course Contents

Introduction

The rhythm section

Live Q & A

Q & A

About This Course

Doing a remix of ‘God Made Me Funky’, inspired from a DJ Spen remix of the same track, house music legend David Morales shows us his project file in Ableton and what he did to achieve his remix.

You will learn how to :

  • Working with session musicians
  • Arrangement styles
  • The Rhythm section
  • Mixdown tools
  • Levelling

Lessons:

1. Introduction

Looking at arrangement practices tailored to a DJ, David breaks down his arrangement process and touches on reference tracks to help shape your version.

2. The Rhythm Section

Looking at the drums and groove, then to the bass and pads, and finally the ‘colours’ of the track (chords, effects etc). He then opens up another interpretation of the track he made as a version 2.

3. Live Q&A

  • How much of the original track do you actually use?
  • What keys/organs did you use in this track?
  • How many versions did you do of this remix?
  • When working on other music, do you switch projects or work on one thing at a time?
  • What synths do you use?
  • What plugins do you use? 

Meet Your Teacher

David Morales

David Morales is a globally revered American DJ, a Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, and a businessman. He has produced and remixed over 500 records for an all-star roster of multi-platinum artists, including Mariah Carey, U2, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. The global phenomenon and penetration of dance music into Top 40 radio would not have been possible without him. 

David Morales honed his skills as a DJ in the 1980s and 1990s at such legendary clubs as the Ozone Layer, Paradise Garage, Red Zone, Zanzibar, Tunnel and Club USA just to name a few. When the remix and DJ work began taking off, Morales teamed up with house music legend, Frankie Knuckles, and For The Record DJ Pool founder/NYC nightlife impresario, Judy Weinstein, to create Def Mix Productions.

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

Discussions

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

About This Class 

Dream of finally finishing that draft or launching that side-hustle? Make your next creative project your best yet, with simple steps from creative superstar Emma Gannon!

In this new class, Emma shares the framework that allowed her to overcome self-doubt and carve her own path as an author, broadcaster, and podcast host. The secret to her success? Fed up with feeling afraid—of failure, of not being good enough, even of success—Emma dug into the science behind self-sabotage and learned exactly how to get out of her own way.

Now, Emma is sharing what she’s learned so that you can do the same: unlock your creative potential while feeling energized and empowered! 

Together with Emma, you will:

  • Identify the patterns in your life, and let go of habits that don’t serve you
  • Cut out comparison to figure out what you really want and need
  • Silence your inner critic by talking back to negative beliefs and behaviors
  • Own your success and vulnerability—both go hand-in-hand with creativity

Packed with insights and examples from Emma’s personal journey, this class is designed for every creative who needs a pep-talk or extra push to get started—and includes five exclusive downloadable worksheets to support you along the way.

Whether you’re looking to break through block, remove self-imposed pressure, or simply approach each new project with intention, this 45-minute class will unlock your confidence as a creative. Get started and celebrate taking the first step!

______________________________

All you need to follow along is a pen and paper. Download the worksheets to follow along with Emma’s exercises, or jot your thoughts in a notebook.

Resources

  • Introduction
  • Week one

Why Join Mixmasters?

Live, weekly Zoom classes with industry experts

Unlimited production & marketing coaching with track feedback

Access hundreds of expert-led courses, instantly

Download thousands of exclusive royalty-free samples

Get Started For Free
X

Other Courses You Might Like...

Workflow, Playing Live and Polyrhythms w/ Jamie Rial (AudioJack)In this course, Audiojackā€™s James Rial shows you his workflow when producing music live, using Akaiā€™s APC Controller and Ableton Live. This approach is great for people who want to move away from working in the box and learn to produce in a more ā€˜liveā€™ format. When producing live it is essential to keep your music simple. James shows you how to keep things interesting by using a few techniques such as automation and polyrhythms, as well as tension and release. You will learn how to: How to improve your workflow and maintain a consistent sound by using templates Using colours and structure to stay organised Keeping your music as simple as possible by using 8 tracks or less The benefits of making music live An introduction into polyrhythms; what they are and why they're useful Lessons: 1. Introduction James introduces himself and briefly discusses what he will be covering today, which includes some helpful tips on how to harness your creativity and overall speed up your workflow. He demonstrates his workflow using Ableton templates and a APC controller, 2. Using Templates and Project Organisation Jack goes through each channel in his project on Abletonā€™s session view. He uses a different template for each element from Drums to Bass, FX and Ambience, which consists of effect chains, macro controls, sends/returns and audio racks to help speed up the production process. 3. Writing Polyrhythms Using polyrhythms in your productions is a great way to avoid repetition and keep your music interesting. Jack creates his polyrhythms by layering several melodies that have different loop lengths. In this way, the patterns will continue to loop around and interact with each other at different times, creating a completely new sequence for each bar. 4. Live Q&A Is that the same delay effect that you were using in your earlier AudioJack music? How do you get such a full quality sound with minimal channels? What are some tips you can give for people trying to get into producing in a live format? Is it always the bass you use to anchor the 4/4 beat or do you use another dominant synth? Do you usually record your take in live and for the final version would you go back and make edits? Does the APC allow you to manipulate the settings on each envelope like Ableton's Push? Or do you rely on the Sends to create certain effects such as the Flanger? Have you ever tried this setup with Ableton's Push?
Discover Logic Pro's Melodic Tool Kit w/ Estelle RubioEstelle dives into Logic Pro x to teach us how to make melodic aspects of dance music. She teaches her tips and tricks for those who may not know musical theory to get started on their tracks. You will learn: How to make and use arpeggiators How to make melodic parts and aspects of dance music in Logic Pro x How to use pattern loops How to build your own Basslines How to start your arrangement Lessons: 1. Introduction Estelle starts looking at the melodic aspects of dance music. She shows quick and easy tips to start your tracks. 2. Melodic Sequencers Estelle explains the differences between pattern loops and normal loops. She opens up Step sequencer and shows us how to change the preset pattern to create ambient and melodic sequences. 3. How to make arpeggiators Estelle uses alchemy and musical typing to create arpeggiators. She explains the benefits of alchemy and why she uses alchemy in many of her tracks. 4. How to build your own patterns and Basslines Using a Step sequencer she changes the pattern of bass presets. She uses mega wide chorus to show us how build your own patterns and basslines 5. Arrangements Estelle shows us how she would start thinking and planning out her arrangement breaking them down into sections. She explains that she is always thinking about core structures when working with arrangements. 6. Live Q&A From where you left off would you continue building on more melodic parts or would you continue working on arrangement? Do you ever use tools like midi packs like captain chords or scalar to build the melodic structure of your song ? Is there much difference between the touch and latch when writing automation ? Is the Vocal sample something you built or was it an alchemy preset ?
How to Remix in Logic Pro w/ Ian BlandThis course is a track deconstruction that was used as a remix competition for mixmasters members. In Logic Pro Ian deconstructs the track ā€˜special loveā€™ which was released on Maison Records. Looking for more of a house music approach to the contest, the track features a fantastic vocal that should be incorporated into the remix. You will learn: Processing Drums Using Auxiliary Channels Referencing your track Creating Basslines Melody and Vocal Production Master Channel Plugins Lessons: 1. Introduction Listen to the original track ā€˜special loveā€™ , a laid back piano-house track composed by Ian Bland. 2. Processing Drums & Auxiliary Channels Showing his process of his remix, Ian starts with the kick and uses a variety of plugins from Slate Digital, UAD, Solid State Logic & PanCake. He shares his methods of creating auxiliary templates for ease of access when you open a project file. 3. Reference Your Track Ian highlights the importance of A/Bing a track, using Plugin Alliance AB as a tool to reference other tracks, this can help your mixdown process significantly. 4. Basslines He uses Roland Juno 106 to craft his bassline in this remix. Along with sidechaining plugins by LFO Tool, Virtual Mix Rack by Slate Digital, SSL Eq & Brainworx Modus Equalizer. 5. Melodies & Vocals Ian swears by the Roland Cloud subscription, he uses the Xv5080 to create Rhode sounds, using the UAD Precision K-Stereo to create width in the mix & Valhalla Reverb for Space Design. LA 2A for compression and Kontakt Libraries for Pianos. 6. Master Channel Plugins Taking a look at his mix plugins for the master channel, Mixroom & Bassroom can help you match frequencies to a reference track of your choice. 7. Live Q&A Where can we find the track so we can use it as a reference ? Does the track have to be mastered? How did you buy the Roland Cloud plugins? How do you submit the track?
How to Remix a Disco Track w/ Lenny FontanaThis course is a track deconstruction and was used as a remix competition for Mixmasters members where 2 of our members were signed to Lennyā€™s label. Lenny shares his thoughts on how best to remix his track ā€˜On His Mindā€™; The tools he uses to process vocals and what elements of his track should be retained in order to remix the track whilst paying respect to the original sounds. You will learn: How to enter the Mixmasters Lenny Fontana remix competition How Lenny Fontana would approach remixing a track How to process vocals Which plugins Lenny uses when producing disco and house records Why a trackā€™s mixdown is vital when remixing Lessons: 1. Introduction Lenny introduces himself and reveals the details about his remix competition. 2. Track Deconstruction & Advice Lenny talks us through the track he is offering up for remixing. He shares his personal ideas on how he would remix the track. He discusses why using reference tracks, asking for feedback and the mixdown will be crucial to help your chances of winning the competition. 3. Production Techniques What are Lenny Fontanaā€™s favourite plugins? Learn which plugins Lenny uses and how he might apply compression, EQ and reverb when working with vocals. Gain further insight into how Lenny would approach remixing the STEMS himself. Plugins discussed include: Wavesā€™ DBX vocal compressor, API 550B equaliser, H-Delay and Slate Digitalā€™s VerbSuite Classics. 4. Live Q&A Lenny answers questions on his Mixmasters remix competition. He also discusses what are the different types of delays, how and when to use each type of delay. If the vocal is already compressed why would you compress it again? Is that 1/16th delay providing a doubling effect? Can you use it to make a synth stronger? What is the best way of adding some warmth if the vocal is sitting a bit proud after EQ and you've already ridden the fader or does this happen in the mastering process? Are you a fan of the spatial analyzer ?
Track Deconstruction: "Lessons in Dub" w/ SaytekIn this remix competition for Cubism Records, Saytek covers everything from programming and processing drums to exporting stems. In this course he deconstructs two tracks; first his original ā€˜Lessons in Dubā€™; Then his remix of the track. You will learn: How to prepare a remix with good sound quality The steps to approach a remix How to deconstruct a track Lessons: 1. Introduction Saytek discusses his label Cubism Records, through this label he managed to release his album Machine Jams, which was well received by Carl Cox who played 8 of the tracks on his Space Ibiza closing party. 2. Drum Group Using solely Ableton Live 10 effects and processing functions, Saytek breaks down the drum group he created to make this track. He uses processes such as Bit Reduction and Drum Buss to fatten up the group. 3. Bass & Stabs Looking at the sub-bass layer that Saytek runs through a guitar amp. Next he layered in the dubby chord he created with Analog: 2x Sawtooth waves with Unison applied to them, Filter Delay and Echo. He then plays the track in full. 4. Exporting Stems How to export stems properly for a remix, Saytek recommends bouncing loops of the track with Normalisation on. 5. Live Q&A Do you have a go to method when creating a bassline; Is there any music theory behind it that always works? Will the remix still work if the BPM is changed? i.e., 127-128 Can we have access to the stems/ file of the track? What style do you want the remix to be in? How long do we have to complete the remix Do you use a reference track when arranging? Does Cubism consider dub techno tracks? What elements of the track do you feel need to be recognizable? Do you want us to only use the samples given? Where did you find your inspiration? Are you sending the original track as well as the stems to refer to? Can we use the sample pack as a starting point and create our own sounds? Must the track be mastered?
Look Mum it's me! How to Pitch Your Music with P.R w/ Tony AllenTony has been involved in the electronic music space for over a decade now - as a consumer, performer, and industry professional. He has a wealth of experience covering events management, artist management, artist booking, PR & much more. In this course, Tony teaches you how to do your own PR and how to get your music featured by channels, brands, blogs, websites, and playlists. You will learn: How to pitch your music with P.R How to do your own P.R from home How to be featured by channels, brands, playlists, and blogs Lessons: 1. Introduction In this lesson, Tony briefly explains how you can start doing your own P.R. from home. While giving you the tools to help you get started on building your artistā€™s presence. 2. How you can do P.R. in-house Tony explains how you do not have to pay companies to do your P.R. in fact tony shows us three different ways how you can execute a P.R. strategy from home. Premiere: Allow you to be featured by channels/brands with large and specific followings, which can often lead to exposure and a rise in popularity/fans. Essentially, you are accessing a new and untapped audience with your music. Which has limitless potential. Channels like to be contacted for premieres as early as possible, allowing them enough time to schedule pre-releases. Playlists - in a world where DSPs are king, getting your music into playlists has become more important than ever before. Spotify streams and placements should be a big part of your focus as an artist. Blogs - Some may argue that web-based press isnā€™t as effective as social media presence, however, it is just as important as web traffic on blogs can reach millions per month? 3. How to get Featured In this lesson, now that we have established that these methods exist, you may be wondering how on earth you get yourself featured. Tony explains three strategies in which can help you get your own music featured around the world. Track them down The first approach is the most time-consuming, but it does allow you to interact directly with the right people and build relationships over time, making it a lot easier to be featured in the long-run Pitching Websites The next approach is a lot easier to navigate and takes substantially less time. There are a number of different sites that bloggers, curators, and channels are subscribed to which allow you to directly submit content to them This can be anything from new music, to a request for an interview/ feature. It spans the whole of web-based press, as well as platform-specific things for Soundcloud, Youtube, Spotify Favourites: Submit Hub, Groover, Daily Playlists, Playlistspush Applied Principles In some cases, promoting yourself as an artist can feel like an impossible and very lonely task. At times, you will feel like nobody wants to shape you or your work with the world and it can become frustrating when you are so happy with what you are doing in the studio. 4. Live Q&A Considering people are at all different stages of their development, I donā€™t know how impactful Jukebox or other PR companies would be. How do you arrange to see if you can build a time trying to get from 0-100? What should your premiereā€™s copy look and sound like when pitching? Iā€™m missing a couple of the PR companies you mentioned from the start of the course what are they again? If I donā€™t have the same amount of following as some of the other artists within the genre I make, how would you go about contacting curators, and blogs to feature your own music?
Making Delays & FX in Ableton Racks w/ Jamie Rial (AudioJack)In this course, Jamie Rial (Audio Jack) shows us how to make our own unique delays using the fx racks within ableton live to help you identify and create your own sound within your tracks. Then he demonstrates the tools and tips that he frequently uses to help create his own projects. You will learn: How to make Delays Tonal Delays How to use Fx Racks in Ableton Lessons: 1. Introduction Jamie introduces himself and his role in the music industry. He then provides a course outline explaining the main focus and core ideas of this course. 2. How to Make Delays In this lesson Jamie shows you how to create your own unique delays. He shows you his goto delays, racks devices, and the way he sets them up in his DAW. He also demonstrates the delays that were used in Audio Jackā€™s track ā€˜Vibrateā€™. 3. Tonal Delays In this lesson Jamie teaches us how to make and use tonal delays. He explains the benefits of tonal delays and shows you how to use these types of delays to create your own style and sound for your tracks. 4. FX Racks In this lesson, you will learn how to use the fx racks in Ableton Live more in-depth, while also learning how Jamie sets up his fx racks for the majority of Audio Jacksā€™s projects. 5. Live Q&A Would these racks still work the same way if you added them onto a return buss, and would there be any benefits of doing so? Can you explain what you were doing on the Reaktor ambience rack?
Mixing Tools & Tricks w/ Alias_jJon deconstructs two of his original tracks that have been signed on his upcoming EP ā€˜Changesā€™ on Pig & Danā€™s label ā€˜Elevateā€™. He then shows us his tips and tricks for how he deals with Mixing, arrangements, and processing stems for his tracks. You will learn: Arrangements Processing stems Mixing tools & EQ Working with loops Lessons: 1. Introduction Jon explains his journey thus far in the music industry, and how he got his first signing as a solo artist. He provides us with the tools, and mentorship programs he has taken to help identify and find his sound. 2. Studio Overview In this lesson Jon gives us an overview of his home studio and the hardware he uses to produce his tracks. He explains briefly some of his favourite synths and how his modular synthesizers work. 3. Arrangement In this lesson you will learn how Jon starts looking at the arrangement of his tracks by starting in session view and breaking down his scenes into loops, leads, melodies, builds, and breakdowns. He then shows how he builds on these progressions and records them into arrangement view. 4. Mixing & Processing Stems In this lesson, you will learn Jonā€™s tools for mixing and EQ while also learning how to process stems. Specifically, he shows us how he processes and mixes his kicks and sub-basses using tools such as the Fabfilter EQ 3, UAD Vertigo, and UAD Culture Vulture. 5. Live Q&A You have an EP coming out on Pig & Danā€™s label, What is the release date for that? Can you open up and show us the bootleg you are working on? Can you show us how you did the kick and bass for your bootleg? Is the subbass a rumble from the kick?
How to Make Music Videos in iMovie w/ Neil McNallyIn this course Neil teaches us the basics of iMovie and how to use its tools to create short music videos for our music and upcoming releases. He goes through his suggestions of transitions and titles to use and explains their benefits while also explaining the ones he finds to avoid. You will learn: How to create a video that makes your music stand out How to use everyday techniques using iMovie How to use transitions and titles Lessons: 1. Introduction In this lesson Neil gives a brief introduction on himself and the lessons that you will learn throughout this course. 2. How to make a Music video using iMovie In this lesson Neil gives a brief introduction to iMovie and how you can use its basic tools to create the ideas in your head out to the public. 3. Transitions In this lesson Neil explains his top 4 transitions to use in iMovie. He then demonstrates how each transition is used and its benefits; While explaining the transitions in which he would avoid. 4. Recap + Live Q&A Part 1 In this lesson Neil recaps on what we learned so far in the course to make sure everyone is up to speed. He then answers any questions on what has been taught so far before continuing on with his process. Can the stuff we learned today be transferable to other movie programs and softwares? What were the 4 transitions you recommended? Can you get 3rd party transition effects? The software you mentioned for windows is Davinci Resolve? Where is a good place to find stock photos for your music videos? 5. Titles In this lesson he explains when and how to use titles for your videos. He demonstrates different title transitions and suggests his top 4 and their benefits 6. Live Q&A What is the difference between adobe premiere and after effects What would you do now to continue developing the video? When exporting for instagram, youtube, etc., what file size and format should it be in? Can you repeat which effects you use to go smoothly from one artwork to the other? Any logical reason why you put the clips down to 15 seconds?
Best Techniques for Downtempo Melodic Music w/ ShadowstarDylan aka Shadowstar is a producer/ DJ from Texas. He is known for his weaves and dreamy melodies in his soundscapes. In this course, Dylan goes through the overview of his process and workflow while showing us the best techniques for downtempo melodic music. You will learn: Overview of the Process Shadowstar uses The evolution of workflow and session setup Watch techniques to use to get the downtempo melodic feel Sound Selection & Sound Design Textures Lessons: 1. Introduction In this lesson Shadowstar briefly explains his process and walks us through his original track. He then explains the importance of simplicity, sound selection, and textures and how these 3 elements are the main focus of this track. 2. Sound Selection & Sound Design In this lesson, Dylan explains his process for sound selection and sound design. He shows us how he created the vocal for the track and the initial sounds that he picked to start the first melodic aspects of the track to provide the energy and feel he was looking for. 3. Textures Shadowstar explains his use of textures and their benefits. He demonstrates how he uses them on his kick, drums, etc., to bring more life and energy to these elements without overcompensating. The main goal is for your drums to be as enjoyable on their own as they are within the track. 4. Bass & Fx Dylan explains the importance of simplicity and how he uses simple parts and a limited set of rules to help attain the idea and feeling he is trying to get across. He then shows his process for the bassline of the track and the different fx he used to provide some of his melodic aspects. 5. Breakdowns In this lesson Shadowstar briefly dives into the breakdowns of the track. He shows us the impacts of removing different elements and using the same elements but giving them different jobs throughout the track can provide more life and texture to your track. He explains how all you need is a strong call & response to enlist the emotion and feeling within your tracks. 6. Live Q&A What are some of the other genres you like to produce?