Addendum: After writing this review, I ran into the producer and we talked about his process a bit. I am happy to report that the producer is as smart as he is talented. He did contact the copyright holder for permission who granted it as long as the piece was not used for revenue generation. I'm leaving the original review so folks can see just how whigged out a GM can get over legal issues associated with a piece. But Please...someone...give this kid a job, he's gonna rock!

As you’re reading this review, go back and reread the producers description of this piece.

Now, you walk into my office, as the general manager of a music station and play your piece for me. I love it. It’s great I wonder where this music came from! Okay, it’s not Marvin’s What’s Going On, but I’m hip, I’m cool, I’m Youth Oriented. I’m down, Let’s spin it!

Then you tell me what is in your description and I fire you and tell you never to come back to the station again. Why?

Did you clear this remix with the copyright holder? No? Then by broadcasting it you make the station a target for a big lawsuit that will get you, the PD, the GM and everyone else who knew about it fired. Sorry, bud, you may not like the laws, but a radio station is business that has to live by them. (Yo-PRX-You guys covered on this!?)

Frankly, the producer of this piece should be immediately hired by a record label and paid lots of money. The remix does indeed make song more danceable, more accessible to older folks like me. Heck, it’s in my iPod and I’ve played for folks who resist Rap and Hip-Hop and they too enjoy it. This guy knows how to do it and deserves attention. But given by not knowing if the copyright holder is cool with it…in my iPod it stays not on the air.

When you remix a tune, you should be doing it with the listener in mind, not your own agenda. Ok, sure your agenda is going to be there but don’t tell anyone. Leave a them guessing a bit. Believe in the listener enough that the ones who are aware will figure something out like the Justin thing, or just let them enjoy your work. Tell me that you remixed this so it could be used on stations with differing formats, or in clubs across cultures. Expanding the reach of a song through your work (if done legally) is a wonderful accomplishment.