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Mixing two songs together is a fun way to create original sounds. Whether you are practicing your DJ skills, or just enjoying new beats, blending songs brings new life to old beats. Anyone can create new sounds by mixing and blending songs using online apps and free software.
Steps
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Search for free mixing software. Perform a web search for free song mixing software. Review the functionality of each program to make sure it can blend the songs the way you want.There are many platforms that make mixing songs user friendly:
- Mixx - Free DJ mixing software
- Acoustica Mixcraft - Free 14 day trial available to download
- ACID Pro - Sony Professional music software with free trial available
- Mix Pad Multitrack Mixer - Allows users to record their own music or import track
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Download and install the software of your choice. After selecting from the many available options, download and install the program you would like to use.
- Follow the installation instructions for the program.
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Open the software on your computer. After installation is complete, you can start mixing songs right away. Some free demo versions of software are only accessible for a limited time after downloading. Get started mixing songs right away to take advantage of the free trial period.
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Consider the type of mix you are creating. Songs can be blended for many purposes. You will want to think about why you are making the mix when you are selecting songs to blend. [1] X Research source
- Choose music with distinct beats for dance mixes.
- Find songs that have similar instrumentation for back to back blends where one song fades into another.
- Try blending an instrumental song with a song containing lyrics to create unique sounds.
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Listen to the songs individually. Familiarize yourself with the tempo and musicality of the songs you are trying to blend. Make a note of any specific parts of the song that you want to stand out when you mix the songs.
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Play both songs at the same time. Listen to the sound of the songs together to make sure the songs mesh well together.
- Make a note of the tempo of each song to determine if one should be sped up or slowed down. [2]
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Expert Source
Timothy Linetsky
Music Producer & Instructor Expert Interview. 21 April 2021. - Consider the key of each song to make sure they are harmonized. [3]
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Expert Source
Timothy Linetsky
Music Producer & Instructor Expert Interview. 21 April 2021. - Listen for complimentary parts where both songs can be played together.
- Make a note of the tempo of each song to determine if one should be sped up or slowed down. [2]
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Expert Source
Timothy Linetsky
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Switch between the two songs. In a good musical blend the sound flows from one song to the next. Try to alternate starting and stopping the two songs to hear how they sound one after the other.
- You can save time once you begin to blend by listening for the natural transitions in the songs between verses, chorus, and bridge. Make a note of when these transitions occur.
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Choose an MP3 file of a song as your starting point. Import the song into the mixing program. Depending on the program you choose you will need to start a new project or file to begin mixing.
- Follow the software prompts to import the original track.
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Set the tempo of the song. You can adjust the speed of songs by changing the BPM (Beats Per Minute) setting on most programs. Speed up or slow down the song if you are mixing with another song that has a different tempo.
- Look for options in the software to “BeatMap” or “Set Project Tempo”
- Use the program's metronome setting to determine the BPM for your song by setting the metronome to be in time with the song.
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Import the second song. Add another audio track to your project and import the song you would like to blend with the first.
- Add instrumental tracks to combine with a vocal original.
- Combine multiple songs to create unique remixes.
- Create your own mash ups by combining two songs.
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Match the tempo of each song. Use the BPM adjustment tools to change the tempo of the second song to match the first. [4] X Research source
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Harmonize or match the pitches of the two songs. Listen carefully to each song and adjust the pitch up or down depending on the sound of the song. Make sure that the pitches match or the two songs will not sound good together.
- Look for software options to for “Key Change” or “Adjust Pitch”
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Line up the drum beats on the two songs. Make sure that your songs are playing the same rhythms by listening for the heavy drum beats and adjusting the songs so they are in the same place.
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Adjust the volume levels of the two songs with the software. You can fade between one song and the other, or let both songs play simultaneously. Make the mix your own by bringing each song in and out of the mix.
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Save your project. Some programs will allow you to export your finished song as a new MP3. Check the software you are using for available options to save.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I mix songs with different BPM?Timothy Linetsky is a DJ, producer, YouTuber, and music educator based in San Francisco, California. He has been making music for over 15 years, and is known for his YouTube channel You Suck at Producing, in which he does music production tutorials for over 330,000 YouTube subscribers. In addition to teaching music production, he releases his own music as Underbelly. He has taught at schools such as Beat Lab Academy and Pyramind. He is also an Ableton Certified Trainer, and has worked closely with the company to produce tutorial videos and educational content. His original productions have garnered millions of plays on Spotify, and in 2020, he released his debut album Machine Yearning as Underbelly to critical acclaim.The songs you choose should at least have similar BPM so they blend seamlessly.
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QuestionWhat is the best free app?Community AnswerEdjing for a Windows PC is a great app.
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QuestionDo the songs Pink Panther and Better Off Alone go together?Missabell16Community AnswerYes, they would sound great together. Maybe change the BPM of one of the songs would work better though. A good app for this is edjing (it's free and you can I use it on a Windows pc).
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Tips
- Play with the software to determine what sounds best.Thanks
- Line up the drum kicks to ensure that your songs match.Thanks
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Warnings
- Copyright laws may prevent you from claiming remixed original songs as your own work. Check with local laws before claiming music to perform.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://edmprod.com/21-remix-tips/
- ↑ Timothy Linetsky. Music Producer & Instructor. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
- ↑ Timothy Linetsky. Music Producer & Instructor. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
- ↑ http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2014/08/how-to-mix-beatmix-beatmatch/
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "Very useful, I got to make the remix for dance class that I needed. Thank you so much!"
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