So, I use Reason 5 and Superior Drummer rewired into Sonar 8.5. If i'm doing a metal remix I won't use Reason and if i'm doing a dubstep/dance/electro/whatever remix I won't use Superior Drummer.
In terms of HOW I go about making my remixes?
-Step 1:Why Remix?Generally, some particular element of the song has inspired me to want to make the remix, and that will be my starting point. To use a recent example, I loved the bells at the start of Michael's "Luna's Anthem". Whilst the whole song was cool, I knew that was the bit that I really wanted to use.
Step 2: The OriginalI then cracked open Reason and tried to generate a new synth as close to original sound as possible (Combinator with a Thor is my usual starting point). Having got roughly the sound I wanted, I worked out the original line by ear (because using someone's midi is being lazy).
Step 3: BeatsThe next step involves me working out the overall structure of the song. I create a drum kit that suits the particular song (Combinator -> 6 Channel Mixer -> Redrum -> Spider splitter -> Kick drum into the splitter in case I need to sidechain later -> Kick + Redrum back into the 6 channel mixer). Having my drums sorted, I create a general drumbeat for the bit that i'm remixing, plus any future sections that don't exist yet. This helps me fill in the blanks later.
Step 4: My bits Here is where I make all the stuff that is actually my own music on top. I can't really tell you this, it's all about developing your own style here.
Step 5: Attention-WhoringHaving finished your remix (It's sounding pretty good by the way, go you!), it's now time to upload the song to Youtube. Once it's there, send it to everyone you know, and as many people as you don't know. Frequently hassle the song's original composer to find out what they think about it, thus seeking gratification.
By the way Michael, any further insight on Luna's Anthem?
Step 6: Pass on your skills so others may learnhttp://www.mediafire.com/?fmulmz1z3yu8mhj