I'm new to the site, and am trying to find the session files. Are they still available somewhere and I just don't know where to look, or do they take them down after the contest?

I always end up a better musician after these contests, and this one was no exception. I am very grateful for the warm feedback from Indaba members, and from people at home. I think I may keep trying choral mixes until I get somewhere with it. I like that strings and chill sounds were a consistent theme among many of these mixes.

Yeah, winning would have been nice, but nothing beats making love.

Interesting pick. My self i like orchestral compositions. But this? hmm.. I think Andreas composition is better as an orchestral mix. Im not saying Kostia's is really bad. Its a different version. I like his strings arrangements, very creative. But this is the judge's decision and we cant do anything about it. So to all the people disappointed don't give up, u will win some day keep jamming.

hey everybody!

i am the lucky winner and wanted to thank you all for the feedback you're giving. i was very happy when the message and your comments reached me and am sorry for not having reacted earlier, but unfortunately i have just limited internet access in the town where i am working this month. it moves me that so many people enjoy listening to my remix, though i also can see how people might disagree with my approach to remixing, which is to compose a completely new arrangement around the lead vocal. but hey, this is the way i work and i know lots of other people doing that and still calling it a remix, so what?

anyways, i indeed would never had expected to win as the remix was done in a lot of hurry and i almost already forgot about it when the winning notification came. but i am so flattered right now for my music having been chosen out of so many great mixes that i decided to share a bit of history on this track with you guys. my approach to this remix was very new: i downloaded the files and listened to them on a train ride. emily's voice was so appealing to me that i decided to start on those mixes immediately, right there on the train, just with a macbook and headphones. so on that train ride i made eight sketches and ended up finishing the remix of COLLECT CALL at home, which surprisingly became the winning mix. unfortunately i got snowed under with work and never finished those other mixes, so i decided at least to share the other sketches with you: www.kostiarapoport.com/stuff/metricmashup.mp3 and would be glad to hear your opinions on the other approaches.

looking forward to staying in touch with you guys! just forgive me if my answers will take some time, due to my lousy internet situation til end of this month.

all the best from germany.
kostia.

Who is Daniel Clarke? He does not say "thank you", he has no face, no friends, no contacts, no comments, no shared music ...

You ppl are too funny. Just because your remix was not selected does not mean the winner's mix is better. It was just that particular type of sound the client was looking for at that time. Don't worry. Just keep pluggin away. You never know when you will get discovered for that particular style of music. Just remember Justin B started out when he was just a kid playin drums, who knew he could sing? But then at the right time he got discovered. I think the same thing applies here. Just keep doing the work, your time will come =). Create music with a passion for music, not for the prize.

I agree, as a remixer I feel confused. The term "remix" has accompanying traits which are non-existent in any of the winning entries. This should have been titled a re-orchestration contest as that is what the band appears to be looking for. You also have to imagine that the fan base may not be into club bangers and sick breaks so I am sure that played a huge part. On the other hand it is fun working with great musicians music but as a re-mixer I probably will spend my time elsewhere.