Another mix contest hosted by Brandon Drury's RecordingReview site. However, this one's different from every other mix contest I've come across, in that you get the MIDI files for the sampled instruments (in addition to bounced audio) so you can use alternative samples if you want. There also doesn't appear to be any restrictions on what you can do to the song, including changing the arrangement or adding parts. Sounds like fun.
 
And there's a prize: Fabfilter Saturn. 
 
Read the rules and get the files here. Submission deadline is July 31st.

Thanks for posting this. This looks awesome.

It does indeed sound fun...
 
I've downloaded the files but I'm not sure I will have the time. And I'm hopeless at so-called "remixing" as I tend to just stick with the content provided rather than adding my own stamp on the project.
 
Still... Might be worth a try, and I don't care so much about any prize (which I already have in this case).
 
thanks for the heads up Dave
 
cheers
 
andy

I've got the files and have done a rough mix already. It took me less than an hour.
 
The project actually comes partly mixed, e.g. there are already volume changes within the audio tracks from previous automation, so it's not like you're starting completely from scratch. Everything's already been comped. The tracks are pretty clean so there won't be much editing required. 
 
The guy who made the project says it needs pitch correction, but I don't think it does. Sure, not everything's smack on, but it's not a pop song and doesn't need to be Cher-ified. I put compression and light dynamic EQ on the vocal for de-essing, added a send to ValhallaRoom and called the vocal done.
 
Now the fun stuff. I can do anything I want with the song, but I don't see a need to radically change it. I'll just treat it the same way I'd approach a mix for anyone. Keep it simple and retain the cleanliness of the original tracks.
 
Of course, it's quite unlikely my sensible mix will win the prize, but I've already got FF Saturn anyway so this is purely for fun.

Unfortunately I don't think I will have time either, I have to pick my battles.
 
Bitflipper, no vocal riding necessary? Also, I'd imagine the contest might want some arrangement in addition to some mixing due to the fact the provided the MIDI files.

I've been mixing songs at Duelingmixes.com and ratethemix.com for a while now. May try this as well if I can find the time. I think the extra mixing has helped me tremendously. But, then again I could be fooling myself.

Amine Belkhouche
Bitflipper, no vocal riding necessary? Also, I'd imagine the contest might want some arrangement in addition to some mixing due to the fact the provided the MIDI files.

Only a little volume automation was needed from section to section. I suspect the vocal had been previously compressed and leveled.
 
I thought the original instruments sounded fine, although I did apply a fair amount of EQ on them, especially the drums (which are not virtual). At the moment all I've actually added to the song is some percussion. Everything else has been a manipulation of what's already there. After all, it's a mixing exercise, not a composition contest.
 
Altogether I expect to invest perhaps 2 hours in this exercise. 

bitflipper
It took me less than an hour.

bitflipper
Altogether I expect to invest perhaps 2 hours in this exercise. 

Well, I've thrown my hat into the ring. Anybody else give this a go? (It's not too late - deadline is 31 July.) 

Nice hat Dave.
 
I've just finished a project and was wondering what to do next. So I might have a look at this.
 
I'm only going to do a straight mix though, and my hat will be staying on my head, although I may post a link to it here...