Releasing new versions of old tracks

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Posted by cryophonik on Feb-17-2012 22:18:

Releasing new versions of old tracks

So, I've got a song that's a few years old and has been on the web, freely available, during most of that time. When I first finished it, I had several labels (including a couple of fairly well-known ones) contact me unsolicited to see if I was interested in signing it, which told me that the song had good potential, but I wasn't interested in signing songs away at the time. A friend of mine just recently inquired about doing a remix of it and now we're considering maybe doing a "2012" version of it, solely with the intent of signing it to some label (I know, I'm such a whore).

What do you guys think? Is this a good idea? Do you think a label would be interested in a new take on an old song, assuming that the new version is quite different from the original? Anybody here ever tried this?

Posted by EddieZilker on Feb-17-2012 22:24:

I've thought about doing it, myself, mostly because when I listen to an old song of mine, I can hear a few improvements I'd like to make in light of having more experience.

I've seen it happen a lot of times, where old tunes (Gamemaster, for instance) will get a fresh rework. I'm not sure how successful those are. My advice is to let him have at it and see what happens.

Posted by cryophonik on Feb-17-2012 22:27:

quote:
Originally posted by EddieZilker
My advice is to let him have at it and see what happens.

Clarification: I would re-do the original, he (Avery Parker) would do a remix. We're even considering re-recording the vocals, but I need to decide if I think it's worth the time first.

Posted by EddieZilker on Feb-17-2012 22:31:

What song? Is it up somewhere I can hear it at?

Posted by Kysora on Feb-17-2012 22:32:

If you let me remix the track your odds of having it signed might be better. just a thought.

Posted by cryophonik on Feb-17-2012 22:36:

quote:
Originally posted by EddieZilker
What song? Is it up somewhere I can hear it at?

I'm sure you've heard it, but I don't want the song itself to become the center of attention here.

quote:
Originally posted by Kysora
If you let me remix the track your odds of having it signed might be better. just a thought.

Posted by Kysora on Feb-17-2012 22:38:

I mean if it's good, there you go, if it turns out to be shit (completely possible) then yours looks that much better. basically a win-win in every way.

it is fun reworking old tracks, think I've done it to 5 or 6 of mine so far. no clue about how a label would respond to that though

Posted by Normie on Feb-17-2012 23:57:

Two opposing thoughts FWIW:

1: Sometimes a rework sounds better/improves the original with your new/fresh perspective experiences.

2: George Lucas killed Star Wars with his constant screwing with a solid piece.

Unless you are majorly emotionally attached to it, I say go for it.

Posted by TranceLover007 on Feb-18-2012 00:34:

I would definitely do that, with new things you learn over that period of time, new tools acquire and with some new influence (latest pop trend on the market) you may be under, I think that this may turn out really beneficial, for quality and sound perspective, for your production. Go for it Dave!!!

Cheers,

Darek

Posted by cryophonik on Feb-18-2012 00:38:

quote:
Originally posted by Normie
Unless you are majorly emotionally attached to it, I say go for it.

Nope, I generally don't get emotionally attached my songs. My question is more related to the likelihood of a label being interested in a new take on a song that has been around. I'm sure that a label wouldn't be interested in the original now because (1) it's been available on the web for free for years, and (2) it sounds pretty dated now. But would that deter them from wanting to sign a remake?

Posted by Normie on Feb-18-2012 00:43:

quote:
Originally posted by cryophonik
Nope, I generally don't get emotionally attached my songs. My question is more related to the likelihood of a label being interested in a new take on a song that has been around. I'm sure that a label wouldn't be interested in the original now because (1) it's been available on the web for free for years, and (2) it sounds pretty dated now. But would that deter them from wanting to sign a remake?

In that case, there's really no reason I can think of not to do it. What's the worst that could happen? If nothing else it might be fun. Might even open a couple more doors.

Posted by orTof�nChiLd on Feb-18-2012 01:34:

I like taking old parts from old tracks and putting them in with new parts on my latest project.

Posted by Mel David on Mar-11-2012 13:02:

Remix of What The Fuck was a very good example of a remix besting the original tenfold.

Posted by M-AlTo on Mar-13-2012 17:40:

Do it. You won't know till its done.

Approach it like a new release is some ways while capitalizing on the work you've already done.

Posted by meriter on Mar-13-2012 17:50:

probably better off putting your time and effort into something new

Posted by Trancelover03591 on Mar-13-2012 21:01:

I have always planned on doing this with my first 10 or whatever tracks I have 'finished'. I like the 'spirit' and ideas in all the ones I have put up on youtube and such but have not had the skills in mixing and such to get them to top level productions.

So, I definitely think it is a good idea. Think of how much you must have improved over the past couple of years!