ReMix: Mega Man X3 'Revolutions'

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I've been having a blast posting submissions lately as it seems we've had a string of epic masterpieces and collaborations, with some unusual but also creative deviations thrown in for good measure. Hopefully you've read and & enjoyed our previous interviews with Piano Squall, McVaffe, and Tim Wright. Well, we've got another one for you, as Beatdrop makes a fantastic return with a very special ReMix.

Way back in July of 2001, a then-15 Dain Olsen sent in a mix of the 'Opening Stage' theme from Mega Man X3, and it was posted, thus beginning a seven-year journey of numerous Beatdroppings that each upped the ante - as well as the decibel level - culminating in this latest mix, which revisits the exact same source material Dain started out with way back when. Hence 'Revolutions', also the title of his upcoming album. During those seven years, Dain's not only gotten better, but his hard work's paid off, as he got the opportunity to have his track featured on one of Konami's DDR games. You can read all about it in the full interview, where Dain shares an early gaming memory:

"My most concrete memory has to be Super Mario Bros. on NES, though. I remember the first time I played it quite vividly. My brother and I were upstairs trying to fall asleep because it was past our bedtime, and we heard something... different coming from downstairs. Went down to check it out, and my parents were trying their hands at SMB on an NES they'd just inherited from my uncle, if I remember correctly. We freaked the hell out, of course, and they let us stay up later to play it."

I remember the first time I saw SMB at my uncle's house, and it was also a bit of a revelation at the time, too. Good times; Larry's hooked the interview up with some Youtube vids of Dain's DDR work, a brief interview w/ Dain at Kawaiicon, and more, so check it out.

Now, onto the mix. What can I say? Listening to Dain's original mix from 2001, this isn't just an upgrade but a full overhaul, and it's plain to see how much he's developed as an artist. His initial mix did illustrate a firm grasp on the basics, and still shows that even at fifteen he had an ear for arranging, but both his arrangement and production skills have exponentially improved since, and this update represents both evolution AND revolution. It's easy to see why Konami dug his original work, as the direction he's gone in is definitely danceable & accessible, but also features surprising depth and, increasingly, more twists, turns & transitions. This mix intros with a deep hum, follow by strummed bell arpeggios and delicate, delayed piano before a huge sub drop hit at 0'36" (note the piano warble immediately afterwards, as if the piano was melting from the hit) segueing into a build and - you guessed it - beat drop @ 0'58". Dain's beats have gotten more syncopated and ornate over time, and the machine groove here is fantastic. The rapid, strummed/flammed synth fx that come in add even more rhythmic variety, and 1'55" is a juggernaut of a transition.

That's the first two minutes for you, and that alone should be enough. Suffice to say, Dain's revolution is one you don't wanna miss; he's been dropping OC ReMix beats for almost seven years now - a true veteran - and he just keeps getting better. Grab the mix then read the interview - or vice versa - but don't miss out, either way. Awesome.

― djpretzel