INTERVIEW: Hotboxx and the art of remixing

Remixing plays an important role in electronic music – offering Producers the chance to explore new ideas while working from an existing foundation. For DJ and producer Hotboxx, it has become a way to push his creativity, challenge his workflow and bring a personal perspective to someone else’s work. Now, having recently put his spin on Dre Mendez’s “Serious Groove” and Mas Amor’s “Como Me Gusta,” Hotboxx join us for this exclusive interview, sharing his take on what makes a remix engaging, how he approaches reworking material and what he continues to take away from the process.

So, join us as we sit down with Hotboxx and dive into his artistry – from creative decisions and workflow habits to the direction he is heading next.

Hi Hotboxx! How are you?

Doing Well! Thanks for having me.

What typically draws you to take on a remix project? What is it about reworking existing material that appeals to you creatively?

Honestly it really depends on the original and if it is something I want to rework. If the original is already very good, I really try to recreate something that’s different stylistically maybe even a different genre to bring variation because to me, there is no sense in trying to compete with something that is already really good, so I try to make mine unique from the original.

I also feel like working on a remix, in many ways, is quicker and easier than doing something from scratch, because you already have elements to work with. I recommend new producers remix tracks at the beginning to really get a grasp and establish a workflow – it helps because you can start building a toolbox of elements to work with.

Do you have a set workflow when approaching a remix, or does the process shift depending on the track?

I have a set workflow with all my tracks, realistically it varies track by track but the main things that help me work efficiently and creatively stay the same whether it’s a remix or original.

I guess the main difference would be, with a remix, the first thing I do is listen through each stem separately and decide which elements I want to use and manipulate and which elements I want to remove.

When remixing, is it a conscious decision which parts of the original you preserve? How do you decide what to strip away and what to reimagine?

It definitely is more about listening and taking the elements I like.

Some remixes I’ll literally only take one stem out of 50 but others I may use 10. I do try to make the tracks my own and not sound too similar to the original because that’s just an edit in my opinion and a remix should really be a rework of the track, using some of the original elements.

So, initially I listen to the original in its entirety and then I go through listening to the stems individually and begin to remove the ones I don’t want to use. But it varies remix by remix, there definitely isn’t a one size fits all in music – if there was, there would be no art to it, and it would start to sound like a template. I like my tracks to be unique, so I approach each one differently.

Looking at your recent remixes, ‘Como Me Gusta’ and ‘Serious Groove,’ how did your approach differ across those projects in terms of production style and direction?

So initially, like I said, I listened through and started to remove things. With some, I may just use the vocal, like I did in ‘Como me Gusta’ or in others, like ‘Serious Groove,’ I may take the vocal, some drums, and a few more FX and things I like.

‘Como Me Gusta’ clicked very quickly for me as the Latin vibe is something I work on frequently and I knew right off that there were only a few things I wanted to use from the original – just two FX and the vocal – so the track came together in one session.

‘Serious Groove’ was two sessions so it didn’t take me incredibly long, but it took a little more thinking on, how can I make this my own but still have it fit the EP. Dre Mendez did an incredible job with the original, so I just had to get a little more creative, which just took me a little longer.

Do you find remixing helps sharpen particular aspects of your skillset — whether technically or creatively?

Absolutely, because you’re working off a map already, i.e you already know what key you’re in and you probably already have some of the basic elements you would otherwise have to create from scratch for an original.

It gives you guidance and also forces you to make something with elements you may not necessarily use regularly. I think it’s a great way to sharpen your skills both technically and creatively and I highly recommend new producers do it as practice and a learning exercise.

What kind of response have your remixes had during live sets? Do you produce with the dancefloor in mind?

The remixes have been getting very good feedback from the crowd when I play them, thankfully. Both of them have had their place in different sets and have brought great energy to the dancefloor, which I am incredibly grateful for and happy to share this with the fans at my shows.

As far as producing with the dancefloor in mind, this is definitely something I am doing, especially within the last year and moving forward – with a lot of the tracks, they are high-energy, club productions. These are the shows I like to play, these are the shows I want to get booked on, and this is the music that artists I want to play alongside support. So, I really want to focus on making tracks that help me keep growing myself as an artist and DJ, allow me to get bookings and label signings, and ultimately secure the DJ support that I really want and aspire towards.

In your view, what does remixing allow you to express that original productions might not?

I wouldn’t say they allow you to express more than an original.

Original productions really give you a blank canvas, so I think this is the ultimate form of creativity and is a way for me to make art though my music. That being said remixing does fit right into what the Electronic Music scene is about. It pushes you to collaborate with another artist and collectively push each other artistically and push each other’s brands through promo of the original and remix. It also gives you a chance to network with other artists, connect, book each other, maybe give you exposure in another market. So, there are tons of positives to remixing and it still allows you to express yourself as an artist and musician and recreate something and make it your own.

How do you keep your remix work sounding fresh, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects close together?

Workflow – this is crucial.

It took me a long time to create a workflow with which I know I can get through things quickly and efficiently, without losing any of the artistic side behind it. Also, identifying your sound and knowing – when you go in stylistically – what you’re aiming to make, even if it’s just an idea and not something super specific, helps you work quickly and build a sound and brand that people can associate with you, eventually turning them into fans who support you.

Has working on remixes taught you anything unexpected about your own sound or workflow?

I mean, seeing someone else’s project or stems and seeing how they got their results definitely helps with workflow and with getting better as a producer in general – any collaboration I think does this.

As far as something unexpected, besides sometimes things coming together and sounding better than you thought possible, there hasn’t really been a specific unexpected thing I can think of.

But, for example, with ‘Serious Groove,’ I stylistically make a lot of music like the original, and it was so good that it took me stepping away from the project for a day, then coming back to rethink it and make it my own. It definitely challenged me – which is a good thing.

And lastly – are there more remixes on the way, or is it original music next on the schedule?

This year there will be a lot of both remixes and originals!

My next 3 releases are originals, but I am also working on some big collabs and remixes that will be coming out later in the year as well!

As our conversation with Hotboxx comes to a close, it’s clear that remixing is more than just a creative exercise for the producer and DJ; having become a vital part of his evolution, both in his artistry and presence on the scene, his output continues to reflect an artist committed to growth and carving a path on his own terms. So, with more releases on the horizon, both original and reworked, Hotboxx is sustaining the focus, energy and forward-thinking mindset behind his vision, continuing to step out with music that showcases his approach and signature sound.

Make sure to stay connected with him by following his journey via social media: Instagram | Beatport