What is a remix?

A remix is an alternate mix of a song different from the original version, made using the techniques of audio editing. Note that we also classify mash-ups as remixes.

It can be very hard to decide whether a song is a remix or a sample. Ultimately it's a subjective decision, and every case must be analysed seperately. However, we provide 2 additional criteria to use.

  • How big is the covering artist's input? If the input is rather large it is straightforward to classify the song as sample.

Example: Sun Is Shining by Funkstar De Luxe is considered as sample because the sampling artist's input is so large, one gets the feeling this song is a "new song".

  • Who is credited for the song? If the original artist is credited, and the title contains "(artist X remix)", this is often a remix. If the performing artist is the sampling artist, this is often an indication it is a sample.

Example: Applying the above criterium to the Sun Is Shining example leads to the same conclusion: the song should be considered as a sample and not a remix.

Remixes are not included in our database, except when the remix itself is sampled or covered by another artist.

Example: The 1986 remix of Give it Up or Turnit a Loose by James Brown was sampled by many hip hop artists, including Public Enemy.

What is the difference between covers, partial covers and samples?

Use the following table to find out what type of cover song you are dealing with:

Does the new song use the original track of the original?
Yes No
Does the new song copy a part of the original or the entire song? A Part Sample Partial Cover
The Whole Song Remix Cover


< What is a sample? | Guidelines index | What is a song? >


Did you know?

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Black Label Society was originally written by Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher, Keith Reid and performed by Procol Harum in 1967.

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