We make it. Then we make it up.
We looked at different mix ups and mash ups from various artists today to see if there was a pedagogical approach we could use to include this in the music classroom. This could include
Breaking down rhythm
Improvising melody over a given backing
Learning reverb
Modulation
Modes
Tempo Changes
Improvisation
Using technology such as apps (Launchpad which allows loops, overshots, fx etc. or Garageband which allows mixing songs)
Some artists we looked at included:
Quietman
Dangermouse
Who created an album, The Grey Album which was essentially a remix of 2 other albums: Jay-Z's, The Black Album and The Beatles, The White Album. This was actually illegal!
Madeon
Who although disliked English and Music at school, learnt how to remix himself off YouTube. Once successful at 16, he then began started to producing for famous musicians such as Lady Gaga.
We also briefly touched on whether mixing, mashing or remixing songs is stealing or copying or even inspiring?
What are your thoughts and opinions?