For electronic music DJ's/critics/writers...?

Question

What does the "genre" or industry think of remix/mashups using an existing song but adding your own beats and effects to the effect of a new song? What are the legal guidelines behind making these tracks? Do y'all consider software programs such as Virtual DJ "cheating?" I'm new to this but have had lots of success and fun with the Virtual DJ program. I do use Ableton Live 6.0, Stylus RMX and Adobe Audition as well. Trying to figure out Reason which is all hardware components and wires, its difficult.

I'm from the United States. There is this Sirius Radio channel 34 called "Boombox"...its all breakbeats and mashups, alot of it electro (like Goldfrapp's 'Ooh La La' remix for example). Its a big influence along with all types of Jamaican reggae/dancehall and Puerto Rican reggaeton styles, but I'm still at the practicing level.

Answer 1

Don't know what country you are in. In Australia, you can't use even samples of other peoples stuff. However, if you, say, did made a cd with your stuff on it, that included stuff that had samples, vocals, riffs etc of other artists, and labelled it "Demo" or "Demo mix", and handed it out at clubs etc, you can get away with using samples. You can't sell it though, unless you've contacted the original writer/composer of the sample and received permission to use it. Below is a site with info etc.
Using software programs like Virtual DJ etc, are excellent for doing what you like best, making music. FLStudio is a good one, and TechnoEjay(various editions), although Techno Ejay 4 crashes a lot. You can do just about anything with these programs, and they sound really good.
http://www.apra.com.au/general/about_us-copyright.asp
us copyright asp

Also join http://www.triplejunearthed.com
and
http://www.mp3.com.au
you don't have to be Australian to join, you can upload your music, and other people can listen and give advice and reviews.
Good Luck
♥

Answer 2

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