I have recently been assigned to mix a “Chillout” CD for French composer Serge Colbert. Formulating our approach to this project, Serge and I have spent many conversations regarding an endless amount of sonic possibilities – yet aiming to fit into his intended genre of music.

Satisfied upon initial listening to my first mix (again, live broadcast – full bandwidth and realtime – direct to his studio overseas), Serge has requested additional variations based on my choices, intent and vision.

I am so very excited for the creative control and trust that he has bestowed upon me. It is not every day that my involvement in mixing a track allows me to fully depart from its original musical intent.

I subsequently ventured far beyond what I had originally envisioned – chopping, rearranging, texturizing, adding new loops, creating new parts and designing sounds. Transforming these tracks into an ambient and trance like down-groove has proved to provide for me a fresh burst of mixing creativity.

After much deliberation, I chose to call this technique “N.P.B – No Persistent Beat”

Here is a before and after…

Chilled – Original Mix:

Chilled – NPB Variation: