There are many ways a DJ can put his or her own unique spin on popular tracks. Some of the most well known methods include remixes, edits, mash-ups and bootlegs. Learning how to make a bootleg is a simple process, especially for producers using Ableton Live.
Although the definition varies, a bootleg is basically an unofficial re-arrangement of an original composition. Bootlegs are usually made using the integrated stereo master version of a song, meaning there are no individual tracks available in the mixing process.
A bootleg is widely considered to be an illegal production in terms of copyright law. Whenever possible, it is best to ask for an artist’s permission before remixing their work in any way.
To make a bootleg, start by creating a new audio channel and importing a track. Detect the song’s tempo and key. Ableton will automatically do this any time a track is imported.
Listen to the song a few times and study the structure of it. Divide the intro, verses, chorus, bridges and outro into separate pieces using Ableton’s cut tool. Mess with the structure by moving parts around in the arrangement view. Experiment by making variations such as doubling the chorus or removing the bridges.
When it comes to making a bootleg, the most important thing is creativity. It doesn’t take a professional producer to make a bootleg. There are no rules, as long as the final product is original and exciting. Techniques like EQing, layering, re-sampling and editing can help take a bootleg to the next level.
Bootlegs are not typically released for profit. Unless you are given written permission from the artist, do not release the bootleg through any label. If you do not hold the rights to the original work, you are not legally allowed to bootleg it. Releasing it on SoundCloud or YouTube, in most cases, is an acceptable alternative.
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