Cebu Producer Creates Sarcastic Plugin to Highlight Lazy Remix Trend
Cebuano music producer Gil Andrie, also known as Driean, has created a plugin called the TikTok Knob. This plugin went viral for its ability to quickly create sped-up remixes with a single click. However, Andrie reveals the plugin’s true purpose: to satirize the prevalent trend of minimally altered sped-up remixes on platforms like TikTok and Spotify.
In a recent Q&A, Driean explained, “I thought it would be funny to make a plugin that could do it with just one click. I also wanted to make a statement about how easy it is to make these kinds of songs, and how they don’t really require much skill or effort.” He clarifies his stance on sped-up songs, stating there’s no issue if they remain on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. His concern arises when these tracks are licensed and added to music stores like Spotify, devaluing the effort of producers who create original music. Gil Andrie further explains this point in the Q&A below.
The Difference Between Remixing and Modification
Driean emphasizes the distinction between simple speed and pitch alteration and actual remixing: “Speeding up or slowing down a song with reverb is not really producing music,” he says. “They only modify the pitch and tempo, so where is the remix? How can they call themselves producers if all they change is the key and tempo?” In contrast, he highlights that true producers invest considerable time and effort in creating unique and original sounds by altering arrangements, instruments, or melodies.
Driean’s TikTok Knob plugin has ignited a conversation about creativity and originality in music production. While its long-term impact remains uncertain, it has undoubtedly generated significant discussion within the industry.
Beyond the TikTok Knob, Driean has developed other successful music production plugins. He’s a passionate advocate for creative and original music production, constantly seeking ways to empower producers to create unique sounds. Producers like Driean are constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new technologies.
Read also: Don’t Sound Like Every Other DJ: 5 Ways to Build a Signature Style
Listen to Driean’s latest release, “Always Loved You,” where he handles both production and vocals.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH DRIEAN
What was the idea behind the TikTok knob plugin?
When the “speed up songs and slowed + reverb” thing became the new industry standard, I thought it would be funny to make a plugin that could do it with just one click. I also wanted to make a statement about how easy it is to make these kinds of songs, and how they don’t really require much skill or effort.
How long did it take you to make it functional?
Fast enough to end the tiktok speed up producers career HAHA just kidding bro, BTW I think I made it for 2hours
It was more of a mockery of those so-called sped-up producers. What’s wrong with them?
There is nothing wrong with making speed-up songs if they only stay on YouTube or TikTok. The only issue here is that they licensed it and uploaded it to Music Distribution to license it to Spotify and other music stores with ease, which is a major insult to the hardworking producer. Remixing a song is okay, but when you want to license it and make it as an official remix, you need at least permission from the label itself. I also asked one of my artist friends from Spinnin Records, and he said that mashup songs and speed-up songs are just for YouTube or TikTok. It appears that what they did was upload it to Spotify to dodge copyright and lease it, and they were lucky enough that the management did not sue them.
Don’t you agree that it’s a bit of an insult to those who actually put time and effort into producing music?
I’m not sure about others, but most producers feel that speeding up or slowing down songs and adding reverb is an insult. It’s as if they’re always asking the same questions. They only modify the pitch and tempo, so where is the remix? How can they call themselves producers if all they change is the key and tempo?
Not saying that we are jealous about it. We can do it if we want, but for us, it is forbidden to do such a thing. We producers, when we remix a song or create an original song, make every effort to tweak and design everything to make it sound different from the original music.
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