Back in the days of analog recording, remix was a producer’s
term that simply meant; “Ok, this mix sucks, let’s do it again
(or something along those lines).” Seriously, (prior to its
present day meaning) a remix is where a producer takes the
original multitrack tape of a commercial piece and remixes a new
master recording. The original drums, bass, guitar, keyboards,
and vocals all recorded on isolated tracks may be kept or
replaced with new performances. With the emergence of digital
samplers and drum loops (often called “beats”) a form of music
became popularized where old classic songs were put to a new
rhythm track to make them more “danceable”. This is usually what
most people mean today when they use the term remix. The Tempo
or BPM (Beats Per Minute) can be set at a faster speed. The
vocals are then cut up and stretched or compressed to fit the
groove. The bass and other instruments may be rerecorded, though
snips of the original tracks may be retained to give it
authenticity.