Starting April 14, Indaba Music is offering the opportunity to remix a track from Paul Simon’s just-released album So Beautiful or So What. The individual vocal, background vocal, drum, percussion, guitar, and textural instrument tracks that Simon and producer Phil Ramone used for the final mix of “Love Is Eternal Sacred Light” are online at www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/paul-simon; remixers should try to incorporate key elements of the track that capture the essence of Paul’s music, while also adding their own unique and compelling twist.
Remixes need to be posted by 5pm May 12, 2011. The winning remix, which will be determined by Paul himself, will receive $1,000, an Audio-Technica AT4050 microphone and ATH-M50 headphones, one year platinum Indaba membership, plus an exclusive limited edition deluxe of So Beautiful or So What as available only at http://sobeautifulorsowhat.com. Two runners up will also receive this limited edition package, six months of platinum Indaba membership, and Audio-Technica’s AT4033/CL microphone. Seven additional runners-up, chosen by popular vote, will receive Simon’s deluxe CD/DVD release and a pair of ATH-M35 headphones.
Paul Simon is indeed a master. A musical wizard!
You can see how far reaching his influence on modern musicians reaches by having a look at his recent remix contest over on Indaba. There are around 330 re-interpretations of his new single “Love Is Eternal Sacred Light” from his new album up already…
Here’s my Voltergeist take on it:
http://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/paul-simon/submissions/56743
My approach and idea was to create a dubby electronic version which would work late at night or early in the morning at a summer music festival. I’ve slowed the tempo down a fair amount and left it open and airy, but kept the uplifting vibe of Paul’s original track.
Have a listen through the other entries too, pick out your favourites and spread the word. There are some incredible versions there for all to hear. Some have completely re-recorded the whole track with completely new instrumentation, and some have entered their versions simply for personal enjoyment.
http://listn.to/voltergeist
http://www.myspace.com/vltrgst