How Does a Regular Person Get an Acapella Version of a Popular Song to Make a Remix?

Creating a remix of a popular song can be a rewarding and creative endeavor, but obtaining the right acapella version is crucial. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced producer, knowing the different methods to acquire an acapella can significantly simplify the process. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to get the acapella version of a song, including recording your own, using existing online resources, and paying for professional recordings.

Option 1: Record Your Own Acapella

One of the most authentic and rewarding ways to obtain the acapella version is to record it yourself. Recording your own vocals is an excellent way to improve your producing skills, learn about different recording techniques, and gain insight into the history of the recording. By doing so, you will understand the nuances of the performance, allowing you to make more accurate and authentic remixes.

Steps to Record Your Own Acapella:

Start learning the vocal techniques and basic sound engineering knowledge necessary for recording. Practice singing different parts of the song, focusing on setting up the correct mic and adjusting the frequency response. Consider enrolling in online tutorials or workshops to sharpen your skills.

While recording your own acapella might seem daunting at first, it is a skill that every producer needs to master. Whether you consider yourself a bad singer or not, learning to sing phrases is essential for effective communication with musicians and enhancing your creative process.

Option 2: Use Existing Online Resources

Another convenient method for acquiring an acapella version is to search online for it. A vast number of popular songs have their acapellas available for free, and some can be purchased. Platforms like YouTube are excellent resources, as many users upload high-quality acapellas of popular songs.

Steps to Use Existing Online Resources:

Search using keywords like 'acapella version' or 'vocal only' for the song you want to remix. Use a high-quality download website to obtain the acapella. Some popular sites include Racapella and Reverbnation. When downloading, ensure you respect the copyright and usage rights of the song.

While you can often find acapellas for free, some covers or custom recordings may require payment. Additionally, if the original acapella does not exist, you can hire a vocalist to create a custom cover for you. Professional vocalists, especially those with musical theory and recording experience, can deliver high-quality results. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork allow you to find and book vocalists for reasonable prices.

Using Tools to Isolate Vocals

There are tools available that can help isolate the vocal tracks from the backing tracks, but these are often low quality and imperfect. One popular tool is Izotope RX7. While it is a powerful tool, it is not always 100% accurate and might require some trial and error to get the best results. Using such a tool may be necessary if you cannot find a suitable acapella version online or if the existing ones are not satisfactory.

Alternative Methods

There are two straightforward methods, but they may not always yield the best results:

12 Inch Vinyl Singles

A forgotten but still viable method is to look for 12 inch vinyl singles. These often include an acapella version on the B-side, which can be extracted and used in your remix projects.

Hack it from the Internet

If you are tech-savvy and willing to bypass ethical considerations, you can often find acapellas by simply stealing them from the internet. This method is not recommended, as it can be illegal and morally dubious, but it can provide a quick solution.

Conclusion

Acquiring the right acapella version is crucial for creating a high-quality remix. Whether you opt to record your own, use existing online resources, or hire a professional vocalist, knowing your options is key. Each method has its pros and cons, and your choice will depend on your budget, skill level, and time constraints. Regardless of the path you choose, the most important thing is to start creating and improving your productions.