This is the last Mashstix Alternative Show. I like to personally thank G3RST for the amazing job he's done with the show (don't worry he's not leaving the team)
There is some good news with the bad however, as The Radio Stix Show will be back in full swing with a whole new crew... keep your eyes peeled! - Paul Stix
I usually turn down requests to do reviews but since Winkar has been such a big part of the site, I just couldn't say no. This particular tune is defo a club track all the way. However, I have to be brutally honest and say that this is a mixed bag for me. Lets start with the good.... The mastering on the track is unreal. Let me say that again... unreal! Did you get new software or hardware??? The quality defo shows so that is a huge plus! The best part by far of the track is the 3 to 4 minutes section...even though its sort of a breakdown.
Cons:
I loved what you did with one of your previous tracks "Sexy B*tch" as it had character and was a very fun tune for anyone to enjoy. Unfortunatly, the formula has been broken for this one.... The track is over 5 minutes long and to be honest, the vocals bored the hell outta me (except that 3 minute mark part). Your forte is club music and you usually build up tracks very well...but this one took way too long to do that. If your gonna make people wait 3 minutes until something happends, I highly recommend at the very least you use a talented vocalist... so there's reason to listen.
Tips:
I'm not trying to be hard on you here but I really think you have massive skill and you've had some hits and some duds lately. I'd love to see some moments in your club tracks that totally throw the audience off. I've noticed that most people would rather be safe and stick to the rules but remember that you are a club dj, and you have to make people dance right there and then......small breaks (cool downs) are good but three minutes go by before I got interested in the tune. Blow em away from the first 30 second. To conclude, you have learned all you need to know on the technical side, so now its time to see that Winkar creativity come out. (I'd actually love for you to give disco tracks a try). Keep it up bud :)
First of all Winkar, i'm so sorry for the delay... (never break your head literally!)
Where the hell does this track actually start it's mashing???
Haha, this is so damn clean and well produced that I was thinking it was original, even when I already knew your skill. I like the vocal effects you have used and the beats match perfectly. Even though the vocals mixed in this track are in different styles, they sould like an original 'Pitbull ft. Francisco' song.
The mix is bound to end up in a fair few gapless albums. You have turned me into a fresh lover of Francisco now too!
Cons:
I spose I have to put SOMETHING in this section don't I?
Come to think of it, this is about as much as it will get lol!
Tips:
Get jiggy with some collaberating...
Every collaberation that I have heard this year has been amazing, and if you team up with someone that has the skill like you, just imagine how damn good and how freakin' popular that one is gonna be!
A nice remake Winkar, always been a fan of your tunes. You've managed to rework the classic 'Can't Get Enough' tune into a more mellow vibe. The bass and reverb throughout have made this a track that would work on a dancefloor but also in a chillout lounge. Perfectly produced and mastered, could be an official remix. I loved the original Soulsearcher track and this remake does it full justice - first class Wink!
Well here is something I never thought I would say.......... Winkar Lopez loves New Kids On The Block ; ) Combining three sources has become Winkars calling card, but he does it this time with a difference. It has a very distinct 90’s flavour to it. The sources all work together, and the mastering (I’m sworn to secrecy on his process) is outstanding.
Cons:
For a cheesy tune, how much swearing can you fit into it haha. Obviously we are going to have a problem with this getting broadcast. Clean it up and send me a email with a ‘special clean version’ for broadcast if you want it featured in Radio Stix.
Tips:
Have safe sex, its important never to give out your telephone number ha ! **Note By Paul Stix: All I can say is F*** yea this put a smile on my face, haaa. Nice one Wink.
In terms of pure production, this is flawless. The vocals selected fit perfectly on the Coldplay backing and transform it into more of a dance track.
Cons:
The Coldplay instrumental is itself quite repetitive but the use of a couple of different vocals saves it from getting too tired.
Tips:
The track is well done and produced admirably but the end result feels just a little bland and forgettable for me. I would have preferred some attention-grabbing vocals in here, rather than the smooth but inoffensive ones you've opted for.
No matter how overproductive Winkar may seem, he is not one to sacrifice quality for quantity's sake. I just wonder where he finds the time and inspiration to do so many mashes :) His latest mashup is another example of flawless production and perfect combination. In terms of song structure I liked the use of the Street Player vocals for the second part of the song since they add more variation to the mix. As for the Robin S. acapella, it fits perfectly to the 70s funk (or is it disco?) of Chicago.
Cons:
The only thing I can find if I have to be REALLY picky is that the music gets a bit repetitive, especially during the Robin S. verse parts - but don't take this seriously as it comes from someone who runs away at the sound of anythink funk, soul or disco LOL
Tips:
Taking the piss, are we?
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 08/02/09 Love Will Push You Up
(Mix)
A most pleasing Salt'n Pepa Mashup with some ethereal trancelike undertones paving way for Club stardom. Lovely structure to the track as a whole, with natural advancement in the S'nP vocal flowing along very effectively with the progressive backing track. EQing and overall mastering is pristine and clean sounding.
Cons:
Only thing I found was the initial vocal between 00:30 through to 01:12 felt a little strained against the backing track in it's key. Nothing major though! Oh, and I think somewhere on your website it would be cool to state what source material you used for this track, as I only knew the Salt'n Pepa track that you used.
Tips:
No real tips I can offer you. You are a prolifically adept Producer of Mashups Winkar, just remember to name your sources! :) **Note By Paul Stix: Wink, I'm assuming you didn't list sources due to fear of being taken down by blogger. But, they can't track you with their robots if you stick the sources in the cover art. Just gotta stay 2 steps ahead my friend. Oh, and great mash you got here!
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 07/16/09 Salsa With You
(Michael Jackson vs. Eddie Santiago)
Personally I love the Cuban sound of this track. It conjures up a picture of a beach bar somewhere. This is the most original sounding mash I have heard in sometime. The MJ vocals add a certain commercial attraction to the track. Perfect in execution & sound quality.
Cons:
The vocals take a moment for the listener to become at one with the track, but you have done a fantastic job.
Tips:
As part of the Black Doves mashing team, we all know you have talent. A mash like this shows that you are not afraid to try new things – A lot of people, including myself could learn from that.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 07/11/09 Killer Knock You Down
(Keri Hilson vs. The Killers vs.
Gwen Stefani)
A super-smooth pop combo, where The Killers' ubiquitous hit sits perfectly over Keri Hilson's Danja-produced pop-hop instrumental. Stefani's minimal "tick-tock" contribution is used to maximum effect during the verses. Considering stuff like One Republic, this isn't much
of a genre-buster, but it would probably work well on top 40 radio.
Cons:
While it's an excellent match that makes "Human" slightly less annoying, I feel that the track doesn't really go anywhere in terms of song structure, as it's the same chord progression over and over and the obvious place for a big climax is interrupted by Stefani's awkwardly inserted verse before the anti-climatic last refrain and fade-out.
Tips:
Less is often more, but what's with your blog entry at the moment? No title, no picture, no description, no preview - just a Rapidshare link to a .rar file? That's not like you. Was it because you saw I was going to be reviewing it? ;D **Note By Paul Stix: Wink told me his blog post for this track keeps getting removed... hence the minimalistic new post.....and the DL link goes to a new place to get this gem.
Dylan Vasey andWinkar Lopez
Dj Submitted - Added 07/02/09 This Is How We Mash It
(Lady Ga Ga vs. Montell Jordan vs.
Madonna vs. Shakedown)
A wonderfully orchestrated dance track akin to the Funky House masters themselves ~ Freemasons. Brilliant use of vocals used throughout, with both versions structually very sound and tight - which brings me onto awarding extra points for coming up with both a Club Mix AND a Radio Edit. A great idea that I would love to see occuring a lot more within the Club Mashup fraternity. An all round VERY listenable track which captures the hazy Ibiza summer feel beautifully.
Cons:
None to speak of. If the pedant in me had to say something here, all I could possibly suggest maybe is raising the Treble a notch on the overall result just to really punch out them vibrant tones you have occuring, but I really am clutching at straws here, and hey - it's me. ;)
Tips:
No tips. You both play the game majestically, and just keep on doing what you do best chaps - very uplifting and technically wonderful Mashups.
Dylan Vasey andWinkar Lopez
Dj Submitted - Added 06/15/09 Rise Up
(Basement Jaxx vs. Jadyn Maria vs.
Yes Larock)
I am super excited to introduce "Black Dove Productions" to the world! Consisting of Team Stix memebers Dylan Vasey and Winkar Lopez. This is a killer club track that could easily pass as a commercial remix. Sound quality is excellent and I can only imagine the frenzy this will cause in clubs. (In fact, at the demo club release, the place went nuts!)
Cons:
No cons and this is perfect timing to be going up against DMF and Clivester! This is a very exciting collab movement that's going on in the scene. You two certainly have a huge opportunity here to de-thrown DMF from the top. We'll let the public decide and this should be a battle for the ages!
Tips:
No tips for you guys. However, to the rest of the scene. The bar has been majorly raised with these two releases and I would love to see some more collab teams forming to take these guys on. It's time to bring it! So let the games begin!!!
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/15/09 Murder On The Poker Floor
(Sophie Elis Bextor vs. Lady Gaga vs.
Jamiroquai)
Having enjoyed your previous work, I was looking forward to hearing your take on an overused acapella ("Poker"). Juxtaposing its vapidity with a rather tricky chord progression ("Murder") and someone who can actually sing (Jay Kay) was a good idea in principle.
Cons:
Unfortunately, the main combo of Gaga over Baxter suffers from what sounds like a classic case of major/minor clash, which doesn't matter so much during her monotonous verses, but becomes rather obvious during the "oh oh oh" build-ups to the chorus. Jamiroquai sounds good for the most part, but placing Jay Kay's top-notch vocals so close to Bexter's warbling only highlights the fact that she can't sing in tune in the first place.
Tips:
I think this would sound much better if you ditched Gaga & Bextor's vocals completely and did an A+B with the "Cosmic" vox over the "Murder" 'mental. It seems to me like you were trying to please too many people here by going "pop" (as you point out on the blog) without your heart truly being in it. You'll never please everyone, so keep it real and use your evident skills to make mashes YOU want to hear. Those are the ones I want to hear too!
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/11/09 Free Love You Got
(Justin Timberlake vs. Ultra Nate vs.
Colby O'Donis)
What a mash, this is a definite SOTW and number one contender on Radiostix. Really good work all round here, but the Colby O’Donis acapella in particular works unbelievably good with the production. Also some very impessive use of effects here to really make the mash come alive.
Cons:
There is nothing, in my opinion Winkar is the best newcomer to the mashup scene. You really showcase what true talent can do.
Tips:
None for Winkar, but people should watch out for the premier of the new Dylan Vasey & Winkar Lopez collaboration track due out this Monday. I can’t say too much, apart from its totally different from the both of us !
*Note From Paul Stix: Trust me guys, I had a listen to the new super secret collab and it raises the bar to a new level. This puts these two fellas into the elite. No doubt about it.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/07/09 That's Not My Love Lockdown
(Akcent vs. Kanye West)
This is very nice! You managed to find a very good background track for Kanye's 'Love Lockdown'. His voice fits this minimalistic track very well. I like the extra effects you gave the vocals (at 4:41 for instance) - they give a nice extra touch to the track.
Cons:
Although this mix sounds excellent, and does not contain any flaws whatsoever, it's a bit too subdued and tame in execution for my taste. IMO, the Kanye track could do with a backing track that has a bit more 'oomph', or rather something that is radically different from the original.
Tips:
You could try looking for more of a genre clash here - try on some Kanye versus electro rock for example to spice it up. Apart from all that: keep on keepin' on! You're doing a *very* good job.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 06/04/09 I'm Coming To Caribbean Land
(Billy Ocean vs. Diana Ross vs. Earth
Wind And Fire vs. Kool And The Gang)
I’ve reviewed and listened to a good few of your tracks now. This is the best one I’ve heard from you. Great use of the Killers, Pink, & Will I Am. I especially like your use of the Killers vocals, and the use of Will I Am to bridge. This is a definite SOTW contender, and I guarantee will be in this week’s Radiostix top ten. I am also very, very happy that you have taken advice and have added a player directly on your site !
Cons:
The only possible slight moan I can have is that a lot of producers are using the Killers & Pink in the same mash, having said that this one is one of the best.
Tips:
You know what you're doing, and this track shows that you are heading in the right direction.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/12/09 Just Like A Mashup
(Pink vs. Oasis vs. Red Hot Chili
Peppers vs. Backstreet Boys)
A great idea, and it's construction reminded me of DMF's 3 way masterpiece's in a way. ALL your source material you utilized was of an extremely satisfying quality and EQ levels were spot on. Very nicely executed.
Cons:
A minor point for me was how it began to feel a little like a "Mega-Mix"? It was a shame it safely jumped from A to B to C.. etc. I would have loved to have heard more integration of each element in and around it's neighbouring sections, with maybe a few spot effects here and there to meld it all together (make it a bit fresher?) The only keying issues for me was the slightly strangled Backstreet Boys vocal in 1 or 2 spots which didn't *quite* reach them high notes.
Tips:
With some minor tweakage, this could be an incredible Mashup - as the entire idea behind it all is a fantastic one. (..and please DO try it as I genuinely do like it very much) :)
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/07/09 Say It Salmon Super Freak
(Santana vs. Chemical Brothers
vs. Rick James)
The material appeals to me a lot. You make nice use of the tempo through choice of pella.
The pairing is very well-chosen. Also on the plus side, most will have an aquaintance with the sources. Good work on the levels of the diff vocals.
Cons:
Perhaps some may yearn for a different style of mashup (other than A + B). This is good for those who like direct mashes. Not so much for those looking for a more bootleggy style.
Tips:
Continue as you have started. You clearly play to your strengths. One thing I would like to hear in future Winkar tracks is a richer, more-balanced soundscape to the overall production. It's a nitpicky criticism as this is very nice already.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 05/01/09 Toca's Prayer
(Fragma vs. Bon Jovi)
The key fits, the timing is correct - and the bon jovi vox pairs amazinlgy good with fragmas tune, but...
Cons:
3 minutes before anything happens? come on - extended version is nice but the first 3 mins its only fragma. try to add some whatever to make this one a bit more exciting. Also, a total of 8 min is way too long for that track. tighten it up to 4 min max and you may have a winner on your hands...
Tips:
Size doesn't matter - that also goes for length ;-)
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/29/09 My Immortal Halo
(Beyonce vs. Evanescence)
Not being terribly familiar with either track, I really couldn't spot the joins here. It sounds like a commercial track to me.
Cons:
The sound quality would benefit from being a little clearer - especially the Beyonce vocal - but that's most likely down to the original sources.
Tips:
This is a very nice, natural sounding mashup. Personally, I prefer to see a bit more of a clash of styles but there's nothing wrong with mixing two very complementary tracks together.
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/27/09 Fiesta Loca On Saturday Night
(Desaparecidos vs. Underdog Project)
Great bit of electro here. It’s a 100% must for the party people. Nice use of the acapella to make this an even better track than the original. Your a talented man, I really appreciate the way you do not stick to just one genre when mashing.
Cons:
None.
Tips:
Don’t eat yellow snow !
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/25/09 Toca's Get Hot N Cold
(Fragma vs. Katy Perry vs. Avan Garde)
This works well together. I know this from past experience as I did a demo mash myself with the Katy pella on top of the Fragma track a while back. Never finished it though :( It's a great little mashup you have here.
Cons:
But there is a BUT: this mash comes a little late too I think. This should have been released way before Christmas of 2008. A ton of other Katy mashes out there are floating the net and frankly it gets a bit boring listening to another one. Other than that, I can't find any flaws with your mash. It's well executed.
Tips:
Keep producing mashes that are this well arranged!
Winkar Lopez -
Dj Submitted - Added 04/20/09 You're Just A Part Of Me
(Modern Talking vs. Chris Cornell
vs. Lady Gaga)
This is a very unexpected combination - very cheesy, and highly enjoyable. Everything is mixed properly, in key, and the video is very nice and cheesy too. Never thought I would hear Chris Cornell in this kind of setting, LOL. :-)
Cons:
The mix is very good, but there doesn't seem to be any download link anywhere on your site.
Tips:
Make a proper link to an MP3 of your songs, so visitors don't have to look for it - As for mixing: more cheese please.
*Note By Paul Stix: The DL link goes directly to the Mediafire file. I didn't link to your blog because, for your average user, it's impossible to find any DL links. It's a shame since you are obviously a skilled dj. (Please, consider removing the background image from your blog, trust me, you will actually see returning visitors than)
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