Mash-Ups



=**__What is a Mash-Up?__**=

Basically a mash up also known as ‘bootleg’ or ‘bastard pop’ is when two or more records are mixed together to create a unique track. They are different from simple remixes because they sample songs from completely different genres creating a juxtaposed effect. Usually a vocal track from one song is digitally superimposed over the instrumental track of another song.

__**History of Mash-Ups**__ Blending songs together is nothing new. Remixing officially dats back to at least the 1950’s. As a matter of fact rearranging songs even dates back to classical and jazz music. Mash ups in particular started its popularity in 2001 and has flourised in Europe as a popular genre of music. In addition, there are many elements of mash-up culture that is apparent in hip hop and the DIY ethic of punk.

__**Examples of Mash-Ups**__ Odd pairings of mash-ups include: Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" mixed with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Freelance Hellraiser's mix of Christina Aguilera singing over the Strokes, and Kurtis Rush's pairing of Missy Elliott rapping over George Michael's "Faith." Mash-ups serve as a way to spice up the music scene as music begins to sound predictable and people are loosing interest in new material and new artists in popular music because it sounds too engineered. Why not fix this problem by recycling hit songs some old some still relatively new that everyone enjoys.

__**Controversies with Mash-Ups**__ Just as copying music is an issue over the internet in particular, the recording industry is afraid of the developments of mash-ups. Because mash-ups include a lot of sampling of music it is hard to get a hold of all the composers, therefore much of the material is unauthorized material. Consequently, rather than punish bootleggers, as they are named, they should be accepting their innovative efforts at pushing the boundaries of music. After all, music is always evolving and is meant to be experimented with and if it is not, it will become bland. A huge reason why mash-ups have not blown up in North America is that many of the sampled artists are from North America, and the bootleggers are afraid of getting caught using their music. It can also be assumed that Record companies in the U.S. especially would try to put a stop to mash-ups as soon as possible because they are ‘stealing the artists royalties’. With the problems Napster and KaZaA have had with file-sharing, it is no wonder why bootleggers are weary about crossing the Atlantic in pursuit of success in North America. Therefore, mash-ups will remain an underground movement. Mash-ups at first may appear to pose a threat to record industries, but it would not be wise if they killed off the genre completely.

__**Steps to make your own Mash-Up**__
There are three major steps to creating your own mash up. They are as follows:


 * 1.** **Setting a tempo grid**
 * 2**. **Removing vocals**
 * 3.** **Acapellas**

For more details visit: http://www.paintingbynumbers.com/bootcamp/


 * Listen to some Popular Mash Ups!**



__**References**__

Meehan, P. Boot Camp- Mashing for Beginners. Powered by Tracktion. 2004. Retrieved on November 30, 2006. http://www.paintingbynumbers.com/bootcamp/

Rojas, P. Bootleg Culture. 2006. Retrieved on December 2nd, 2006. http://dir.salon.com/story/tech/feature/2002/08/01/bootlegs/index.html

Wikipedia. Mashup (music). October 2006. Retrieved on December 2nd, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_%28music%29#History




 * __References for Photos__**

'Warning'. Retrieved on December 3rd, 2006.  'Bootlegism'. Retrieved on December 3rd, 2006. 'Best of Bootie 2005'. Retrieved on December 2nd, 2006. 