An exclusive interview with Donny, the founder of Remixers United project.
I: Hi Donny, thanks for this new interview!
D: My pleasure.
I: Almost 10 years ago you came back into the Madonna scene after a needed break. Tell me how it was you created Remixers United back then?
D: I had made Madonna mixes on and off for years. My earliest mixes were not great, but as with everything, we all improve over time. After taking a break from mixing, I found out through Madonna Holiday Share that there was a fan base for me and my Madonna remixes. So I decided to return to mixing. I made two compilations (Madonna A to Z, part 1 - and Into The Mood). This was also the period when I put together "Remixers United" (RU, for short) -
the idea was to united Madonna remixers from all around the world.
September 2019 will be the 10 year anniversary of Remixers United Productions (RUP).
I: And now you have something new to announce. What is it?
D: That after 10 years of producing RU, I am closing it This coming Christmas will be the final release, Remixers United 10 (RU10).
I: That must be difficult. You have created such a legacy.
D: There have been some alternate suggestions in regards to what to do with RUP. Someone said leave it up for historical references. Another suggestion was to have someone else run it. And it has even been suggested that I merge RUP with another Madonna page. All of these are great ideas. Let's just say it will be a surprise until the end of the year arrives.
I: Why did you decide to shut down RU?
D: When the release of the first two compilations (Remixers United 1 & 2) was successful, I knew I wanted to make it 10 years or longer. I definitely had a goal of 10 years. But as time passed, I found myself having little time to do other projects. RUP was consuming my free time. So around year 6, I knew I would stop at year 10 and end it.
I: What have you learned from this experience at RU?
D: Remixing is hard, but producing full compilations on a regular basis is even more difficult. It requires a team. And be prepared for drama. It's part of life. But if you have passion and dedication, you can succeed.
I: What did you learn from the remixers?
D: That every remixer is different. Their styles are different and unique. I try not to be too judgemental.
I: Speaking of different styles, I understand you revealed a secret recently about your use of alias names when remixing.
D: Yes, I chose names for different styles of music. Six different styles and names that were all me. RetroSonic (Madonna's vocals mashed up to classic pop song instrumentals), DJ Pulse (energetic music), Opus (dubstep), Crackle Pop (pop music), DJ Chillerz (ambient music) and Christian C (beautiful music). I wasn't intentionally misleading fans. Just experimentation.
I: What will you miss most?
D: The friendships I have made over the years. I know I will still be in contact with most of the team involved (remixers and production team), but without a central goal, it will feel different. I will be sad when this ends. Ten years is a long time to devote to a project.
I: If this is the last year of RU, what can we expect this year?
D: From now, through Madonna's birthday, there will be several CD-singles of remixes, and "Best of Remixers United" released in a continuously mixed format (non-stop "beat-mixed"). I have been making a series called "Donny's In & Out Versions" that I will release through Summer as well. We'll make one more "fan video" for "Rescue Me" - the last one, "Thief of Hearts" was a lot of fun. Then the fall will be used to prepare for the release of RU10.
I: Tell us about RU10. Will it be extra special since it is the final release?
D: Yes, very special. Get ready for the largest release of new Madonna mixes in fan history. My goal: 100 new mixes and edits. Fans will be talking about this years after it is released. Any remixer who contributes will be a part of Madonna history.
I: That will be amazing. I can't wait! What can we expect of Donny after this end?
D: I will have time to focus on other things. I have been writing music, and remixing for record companies. This will free up time to focus on my music career. And of course, I'll mix Madonna from time to time. After all, she has a new album and single coming out this year.
I: What do expect out of Madonna with the new album she will release?
D: The unique thing about Madonna is she always reinvents herself. And whatever she does will be different than any other album she's released. Some will dislike it, others will love it. Whatever she releases, I'll be ready for it.
I: Thank you again, Donny, for the interview.
