RIP: A Remix Manifesto proves to be a really informative and visually stimulating film. I find the overall quality of the film absolutely pleasing and aesthetically valuable overall. I enjoyed how it’s edited and produced a lot.

Going into the subject of the film, my stand would be on the side of Girl Talk. For me, remixing songs should not be seen as stealing other people’s work or properties. I believe that since nothing is original anymore, music should be easily accessible and less dramatized legally. For me, as long as credits are given to the original composers, singers, or producers of a piece, one should be able to freely express his or her own take on such piece or should be able to use the piece for a bigger project combined with other pieces. I agree with the film when it tackled the issue of copyright infringement as against freedom of speech. Technically, altered versions of songs have different aspects and elements so they should be considered new products. They should not be seen as “rip-offs” or “copycat” versions of the “original” pieces used. Again, they should be perceived as another person’s own creative versions and works.

I find it ridiculous how one corporation owns rights to a “public commodity” song. I believe that the law should be like when companies’ names become public lingo for usage, like “google”, the company should rename or rebrand. In music, I believe that when a song like Happy Birthday is globally used and translated, the song should be free for the public and not restricted by a bigger entity. Additionally, I find it ludicrous that “private” musical pieces can’t be used in films and likes unless used to give a point. What if a filmmakers point is just to up a films audio quality? Are as entertainment and as emotion stimulant not good enough points? I know if were a producer or a composer, I would be extremely happy to allow filmmakers, known or indie, to use my pieces. As long as, again, I get credited at the end and get asked permission before getting published or posted.

Artists and corporations would argue that it’s like stealing paintings or pirating movies, and they have a big point. The thing is music is a different form of art. Music is a more flexible and “easy” form of art. Laws and regulations should level to music’s accessibility and flexibility. The challenge is to find a middle ground where artists and remixers can both be happy to collaborate and use each others’ works conveniently and without crazy restrictions.

https://soundcloud.com/cenjay/quickly-shady-lol-ew