The Remix: It’s next level

If it’s a music reality show, it’s always about the singers and the X factor. But, with Amazon Prime Video’s The Remix, for the first time ever, DJs and producers are in the limelight. In this unique concept, established singers and producers team up to give an electrifying performance, revisiting and recreating existing songs. Here, the three judges — composer-singer Amit Trivedi, playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan and DJ/producer Nucleya (Udyan Sagar) talk about what makes the show and co-judging special for them.

IT’S DIFFERENT

Amit Trivedi: I have been approached to judge reality shows many times but I thought I wasn’t ready. Personally, I strongly feel I am still learning as a musician. So, I felt I’m not capable enough to judge anyone. But this show is special because the format requires of the singer to not stand in one place and sing — he has to dance, act, jump around and give an entertaining performance. It’s the next-level thing. There’s a producer or a DJ and for the first time they get a chance to showcase their talent because the amount of time they take to create one track takes days and days or even months. That’s why I thought people need to know that it’s not just the lyrics writer and singers who make a song successful.

Sunidhi Chauhan: I have judged three reality shows on TV and they have been good in their own ways but I think this is the real thing. The concept of the show stands out because it’s first of its kind since there has never been a platform for DJs. Just by listening to DJs wouldn’t have helped, so they paired a singer with the DJ. They revisit and recreate and rearrange songs, compose fresh parts and make it sound like a new song rather than remixing. This is a different approach that makes it interesting.

Nucleya: There are multiple stages of the music-making process. First and foremost is composition, which the music director does, and then production that a producer does. But a producer’s job is not highlighted and they don’t get the credit that they should. This is the first show where attention is going to the producer as well. I’m a producer myself so I took this up.

NOT SCRIPTED

A: There is no rona dhona, no backstory about where the contestant comes from, and the elimination is very smooth, too. This was cool and I’m having a great time being part of the straightforward show.

S: Since it’s a digital medium, there are no boundaries and there is no need to pretend. There are no scripts, not that I was ever asked to follow one in my previous shows, or the need to be a certain way. This is sorely lacking in our TV shows. It’s all about merit and how good you are and we are all on the same page.

N: I have seen hints of reality shows and they seem too scripted and there’s too much drama. But not this one. The show is one of a kind.

BEING CO-JUDGES

A: Nucleya is a producer and DJ so that aspect of judging was covered. We have a great singer like Sunidhi, who took care of singing department. I decided to be a neutral part and give my comments like an audience watching a film. All three of us are honest with our remarks. We don’t play it safe or do it any other way. If we like something, we praise it and if we don’t we tell them what didn’t work.

S: It doesn’t feel like Amit and Nucleya are first-time judges. They were unnecessarily getting nervous backstage when we were being introduced. They both said, you’re a pro and we are new to this. I told them it’s not about that but just about feeling comfortable. This is the best platform to start with.

N: Amit and Sunidhi are legends and it’s such an honour to be on the same stage as them. When I was told that I would be judging alongside them, at first I got very nervous. But, they are very sweet to me. I’ve spoken to Amit once on the phone when he introduced me to Anurag Kashyap. I sat next to Sunidhi on a flight while flying to Goa recently but I was too shy to speak to her. I believe when she was told that I’m part of the show, she told them that I didn’t even speak to her (laughs). Sunidhi is always amazing. Before we give comments, we have to discuss what we think of the performance and music. It’s nice to see things from her perspective and she shares knowledge that she has.