IND:RA Reveals Insights on Remixing ‘As The Rush Comes’ and His Production Process
by Alicia Cruz August 8, 2024
In this exclusive interview, we catch up with IND:RA as he delves into his latest remix of Motorcycle’s classic track ‘As The Rush Comes.’ A cherished memory from his residency days in Mumbai inspired this reimagining, where IND:RA pays homage to the original while infusing it with his distinct Melodic House style. We explore his creative process, the tools and techniques he used to craft the remix, and how he blends iconic elements with contemporary vibes, he also shares insights into his approach to remixing compared to producing original tracks, and offers a preview into his exciting upcoming projects.
Hi IND:RA, how are you? Hi Team, doing great. Hope you guys are having a nice week as well.
What drew you to remix ‘As The Rush Comes’? Was there a particular element of the original track that you wanted to highlight or transform?
I used to play this track during one of my residencies in Mumbai, and can still close my eyes and see the packed club, the lasers and the energy everytime I dropped this tune in 2004. It formed a memory that always gets triggered and reminds me of that phase of my life whenever this track plays. I knew I had to do a remix on it for my sets and give it away to the fans.
How did you approach blending the iconic melodies of ‘As The Rush Comes’ with your unique sound style? Can you tell us about the production process? I try to keep the tune as close to the original as possible. Doing less is more for me for classics, while keeping it fresh. I have worked around the powerful vocals of this track and not done much with them, while holding onto the early 2000s Trance vibe, while slowing down the tempo more to the modern Melodic House vibe.
Can you share the specific tools, both software and hardware, that were crucial in crafting this remix? Were there any go-to plugins or gear? I work with Ableton, and have a compact studio at my London home. For plug-ins, I usually use Diva, Serum, Pigments. I play around with presets while making bootlegs, as they help me quicken the workflow.
How would you say this remix aligns with your previous work? I like to create remixes which keep the original element, while having my signature of melodic vibe along with groovy basslines. I do not overly complicate them, and ensure they are not restricted to dance floors but can be heard on a daily basis as well. Case in point, my bootleg of London Grammar’s ‘Hey Now.’
What production methods did you employ to create the pounding beats and compelling synth lines of your remix? I think it’s essential to ensure that the mix is clear and layers don’t clash with each other. Removing unwanted frequencies, and panning can ensure each element comes through the way it’s supposed to, and the track can sound surprisingly punchy.
What about your approach differs when remixing a track compared to producing your originals? I believe it is easier remixing a track, and workflow is quicker and smoother as you have an existing idea which you can create a track around. For originals, the idea has to be created from scratch.
How did you keep the remix engaging and dynamic from start to finish? What approach did you take for designing the structure?
I initially decide how many original elements I want to use in the remix. I also select the part of the original that I want to use as my drop and chorus. I pick out part of lead and melody that I want to use in my remix, and create an intro slowly introducing these elements, progressing towards the drop where the original vocal comes in.
What is your favourite part about creating remixes?
For me, remixing a track is creating my own version of it, like what if I had made this track? Also, dropping them in the sets and seeing the audience respond to a version they have never heard before is also exciting.
Can you share what’s coming up next for IND:RA?
I have a release coming out on Freegrant music called Before I Sleep on 16th August, followed by a 3 track EP on Natura Viva. Currently, I am working on my weekly radio show RE:SET Radio which is picking up residencies across the world.
We finish this interview thanking IND:RA for his time and for sharing his insights into the process behind his remix of ‘As The Rush Comes,’ as he managed to skilfully adapt it to fit his signature style while retaining its classic essence. We look forward to hearing more from him, especially with his upcoming releases and new episodes of his radio show.
Listen and Download ‘As the Rush Comes (IND:RA Bootleg)’ Now:
IND:RA Online
