Bootlegs and remix contests are tempting ways for aspiring artists to showcase their skills and gain exposure. However, beneath the allure of these opportunities lie potential pitfalls that can make them a less-than-ideal choice for emerging musicians. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why bootlegs and remix contests might not be the best use of your time and creativity. We'll also explore areas of your career where your time may be better spent. Let's discuss!
1. The Legal Nightmare of Bootlegs
Bootlegs, also known as unofficial remixes, are simply songs that lack proper licensing or rights to the original song (and stems). So anytime you rip a Weeknd acapella and create a new backing track for it, you're creating a bootleg. Here's one example:
I know, I'm not helping my case by dropping a sick bootleg. 🙃 But here's my point: someone on the Weeknd's team can demand a takedown at any time. And in most cases, major labels are quick to file the takedown request, and rarely ask questions first. In some cases, these bootlegs, which may seem harmless in the beginning, turn into a legal quagmire. This is especially common if your bootleg gains popularity. Without the proper rights, you could find yourself facing financial liabilities and legal repercussions. But more often than not, the label will simply file a copyright claim and your song will vanish from the internet.
For me, this isn't a good risk to take. It's not worth spending the time to make a dope remix when there's a high probability that the artist's team will flag it for a copyright violation the second the bootleg starts to get traction. Just bad optics.
2. Lack of Originality and Standing Out
Bootlegs, by nature, are derivative works. Countless producers may try to remix the same popular song, making your bootleg unlikely to stand out in a sea of similar creations. Building a unique identity as an artist often requires crafting original content that sets you apart from the crowd. Sure, it's a great feeling when you take a song that's hot and flip it into something cool, but when that song hits--90% of the time people will attribute the positive aspects of that song to the original artist. I've heard people say countless times "play that remix of so-and-so" and rarely do I hear the bootlegger's name mentioned. If you're trying to get your brand out there and make some noise, it's just not the right avenue to go down. You're much better off developing your original work and creating a compelling catalogue that can stand for itself. That way people recognize your music and your sound.
3. Remix Contests: Limited Exposure for Smaller Artists
Shifting gears, let's talk a bit about remix contests. Entering a remix contest can be an exciting prospect: especially when you see the prizes. It makes us feel like a kid at the arcade again. But remember how when you got a little older, you came to realize your money was better spent buying the prizes outright than spending more money on the tokens to win the cheap awards? I know, there's some gratification in the process of creating a remix for a contest, but here me out. We must realize that hundreds of people enter these contests. Take this Chainsmokers contest hosted on Skio in 2022:
1,700+ entries by my count. How do you like those odds? 😬
Without a substantial following or platform, your remix will probably receive limited attention, especially when clauses in these contests often don't allow you to promote them on external platforms like Soundcloud.
It's not your fault. I've taken the time to go through various contests and I've found so many quality remixes that simply don't see the light of day, because the platforms are not designed to expand the reach of the remix, and spam producers can augment the "charts" of the remixes by running up plays on the site or sending their link to every corner of the web.
Thus, the likelihood of limited exposure may not be worth the considerable time and effort invested, especially when we compare it to the potential return. And let's be honest, it's hard to turn around a remix in 4 hours. In all likelihood you'll spend days, if not weeks working on the song, and perhaps shell out some cash to get a solid mix or master on it--and it doesn't really go anywhere. There are better uses of our time which can help us achieve better results.
4. Remix Contests: Obligations and Compromises
As artists, we must endeavour to always control our creative output and property. When participating in a remix contest, you are often bound by contest terms that require you to release full rights and ownership of your remix--every portion of it. So if you stocked that new remix with all of your best drum samples and one shots, you don't own them anymore once you press submit. Ironically, the people who run the contest can often issue takedown requests against you if you try to share your remix on platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp. How's that for ya? Ultimately, the hosts of the remix contests have their own prerogatives, and they often won't align with yours. Working within the confines of their rules and the contests fine print can lead to creative compromises and a lack of control over your artistic output.
5. Subjectivity and Rights: The Perils of Remix Contests
Remix contests, while appealing, often come with a significant caveat – the subjectivity of judging and complex rights agreements. The judging process can be entirely subjective, and even if your remix resonates with 90% of the population and racks up a huge amount of streams during the submission phase, the contest organizers retain the right to select any entry they desire. This means that their choice may not align with your standards, commercial viability, or creative vision.
Additionally, some contests have murky terms and conditions that entrants may not fully grasp. For instance, on platforms like Skiomusic.com, contest hosts can gain ownership of your work upon your entry, potentially leading to scenarios where your remix racks up millions of streams without you having control or receiving a penny.
Alternatively, you could win a contest, only to find that the host has no intention of releasing the song. They may have run the campaign just for publicity. These situations can be frustrating and disheartening for us when we invest time and energy into these contests.
5. The Power of Original Work
Original compositions carry an undeniable weight in the music industry. Crafting your own music allows you to express your unique voice and vision with no limitation. What's more, by nature of it being original, it has the potential to garner more attention and recognition for your project, setting the stage for a sustainable music career.
Let's think of an example. Someone like Ben Böhmer could have gone out there and said he wanted to sound like Camelphat or Tale of Us, but his deliberate decision to carve his own lane in melodic house and techno has reaped tremendous dividends. His sound is immediately recognizable and attributable to him!
6. The Value of Official Remixes
If you're still deeply interested in remixing, consider seeking official remix opportunities. These collaborations come with legal clarity and often guarantee a release if your remix meets the required standards. What's more, the communication is typically 1-1 between you (the artist) and the other artist's team. Official remixes can offer a legitimate path to showcasing your talent and gaining exposure. And by the way, they typically pay a lot better too.
Conclusion
While bootlegs and remix contests can provide opportunities for exposure and collaboration, it's essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls they entail. Subjective judging, complex rights agreements, and contest hosts' varying motivations can lead to less-than-ideal outcomes. In light of these uncertainties, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider alternative avenues that offer more transparency and control over your music and creative journey. Ultimately, your time and talent are valuable assets, and it's essential to invest them wisely in opportunities that align with your artistic goals and values.
Thanks for sticking with me!
-Astara
