Junichi Inagaki's "When it's a Christmas Carol" remix project, winner is Mexico's Rocco Veles

The winner of the remix competition for Junichi Inagaki’s hit song “Christmas Carol Koro wa” has been announced.

In order to revive the song in a new form, this project, which started on November 1st (Friday) on the platform “SURF MUSIC” used by music creators around the world, received approximately 60 applications from creators from all over the world. The song was submitted. This time, Rocco Veles, a producer from the former Yugoslavia who lives in Mexico, won. Additionally, the remix created by Rocco Veles was released today, December 20th (Friday).

The song used in this remix competition, “When a Christmas Carol Comes,” was released in 1992, with lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto and music composed by Makoto Mitsui. More than 30 years after its release, it remains a standard Christmas song. It is a masterpiece that continues to be loved across generations. Generally speaking, Christmas songs are often associated with gorgeous, bright, and warm images, but this song is unique in its world view, depicting the loneliness and loneliness of lovers who are thinking about breaking up during this happy time. .

Producer Rocco, who heard the song for the first time at this contest, re-created the club sound with a new interpretation.The club sound has a groovy beat and a sophisticated impression, while still utilizing the vocals of the original song. It also creates a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the original.

This song and the remix competition are a project to “diffuse” and revive past masterpieces and modern trends, transmit them to the world, and “spread” them.“COCKTAIL SOUNDS” (#Kakusan)This is the first revival project. Other activities to brighten up this year’s Christmas include the release of the original music video and the announcement of a remake version by ESME MORI & SKRYU.

[Rocco Veles comment]

Through this contest, I learned about Junichi Inagaki’s original song, and the moment I heard it, I was captivated by it, and I was convinced that it is a hit song that is still loved even after more than 30 years. In order to create a remix that takes advantage of the greatness of the vocals, I focused on the vocals and added elements of funk and house to create a club-like feel. When the Remix was completed, there was a moment when I felt like Mr. Inagaki was in my studio and we exchanged a high-five, and I was satisfied with the result. I am also honored that Mr. Inagaki himself listened to my remix, and that I was able to win as a result.

I am also very grateful to SURF Music for providing me with this opportunity. I don’t think this would have been possible without SURF Music’s platform, where even creators like myself who didn’t know about Inagaki were given an equal challenge and chance to have their songs heard, no matter where they were in the world. Masu.

[Comment from Junichi Inagaki]

This work won the remix competition, and thanks to the singer’s efforts to make the most of the vocals, the song and track meshed well, and it was reborn as “When It’s a Christmas Carol.” The result is a danceable piece that makes your body sway naturally to the pleasant beat created by the sound. Congratulations, Rocco.

[Release information]

Rocco Veles, Junichi Inagaki “When it’s Christmas Carol Rocco Veles Remix”
Release Date：2024.12.20 (Fri.)
Label：COCKTAIL SOUNDS
Tracklist:
1. When It’s Christmas Carol Rocco Veles Remix