We can only tell you what we think a good remix is, as this is not a definitive answer, but a guide that you can add or subtract your own views.

Remix:

A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song (film, literature, lemon-lime-flavored beverages etc.)

A remixer uses audio mixing to compose an alternate master recording of a song, adding or subtracting elements, or simply changing the equalization, dynamics, pitch, tempo, playing time, or almost any other aspect of the various musical components. Some remixes involve substantial changes to the arrangement of a recorded work, but many are harmonic, such as creating a "vocal up" version of an album cut that emphasizes the lead singer's voice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remix

A remix has many different interpretations and is generally a re-arrangement of an original tracks parts creating a new composition. Sometimes just changing the stems order gets the right effect but there is more.

People often say you can’t or shouldn’t remix certain tracks. I take the view that any piece of music can and should be remixed. I will also add that you can’t remix the memories attached to that track, the good or bad times that you felt and have associated with it. The Back 2 You Remix Projects came out of people asking me to remix Nebula 2 Atheama. Many said don’t do it as it should be left in time. Well I’m glad I didn’t listen to much as the Remix Projects have grown from this and again it’s only the times the track was listened to which people are wanting to keep sacred. 

From the early days of dance music remixing was a method used to create other genre specific versions of track. For example one track from my old skool bag is Fierce Ruling Diva "You Gotta Believe" 1992. On this release there are 5 remixes of the original track. Original part One, Part Two, Garage Version, Charlie Casanova Ultimate Rave mix etc (http://www.discogs.com/Fierce-Ruling-Diva-You-Gotta-Believe-Atomic-Slide/release/80827). This gave each release a much wider audience and generated better sales for the release. This became a standard method for most commercial tracks released. The same track played by different DJ's across the dance floors of the world made the remixer hot property. Remixes were also used to boost sales for original tracks. Back in the early 90's releases were followed up by the remix. Again this generated extra sales even though many of these remixes were in the same musical genre. 

Artists were on the lookout for other producers in other genres to provide them with new versions of their own music (Always best to use the best at a style if you can recreate it yourself). As they knew a house remix of their breaks track would get it to other audiences and hopefully create new fans to buy their music. Remxing became a new form of music by the late 90's with DJ’s experimenting adding vocals over breaks and beats to create new pieces of music on the dance floor. One of the most famous DJ's for this was Sasha who regularly played the Chicago acapella over the latest house releases. Bootlegs started to appear in the record shops of new mixes of music. Most of this music was illegal in the way the remixer didn't have permission to use the samples but some of these artists remixes were snapped up by the labels as they sold by the bucket load. 

By this time the remixer had found his/her own space within the music world. Producers suddenly started to just make more and more remixes pushing their own music by adding vocals from popular tracks over the top. One of the best examples of this was Jason Nevins who remixed It's Like That by Run DMC. This track was a worldwide smash. Total and 100% illegal until the original label took it on and released. Now Jason didn't receive much money for this track, but his name was now known by the music buying public and all the artists who are looking for that club smash hit. He went on to release his own music which didn't have the success of the first remix but allowed him to continue making music and build a career. He is now one of the most in demand remixers in the world and has remixed artists such as R. Kelly, Pink Missy Elliot and N.E.R.D. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Nevins)

Remixing is a new chance to create new master pieces of music, by putting your own stamp on it, your own production techniques. You don’t have to use all the samples from the original. There are no rules here unless you have been requested to follow a brief.

“Exactly when was the first remix done? Possibly when the second ever singer in the history of mankind interpreted the music of the first ever singer in the history of mankind.” http://www.soundjunction.org/byronwallenhistoryoftheremix.aspa?NodeID=295

So in essence what makes a good remix is YOU!

You should never be afraid to completely change the style and use new sounds to create your remix composition. Make the remix your own.

 Whats's your view?

Feb.2011