Dylanna Fisher
Introducing Chetreo
Chetreo is one of the artists showcased in the Rick and Morty article about Rick and Morty themed covers and remixes. “The Universe Is Yours” and “A Really Long Time” are the particular songs from the article.
Chetreo is a Swedish music producer with a passion for both entertainment and music. In the 13 years since Chetreo joined YouTube, he has over 35 million views and 132k subscribers. On his YouTube channel, he explains that “I try to combine my love for video games and movies with my passion for music”.
Combining content from video games, movies, and shows with sound manipulation, he creates fantastic remixes. Chetreo has created remixes of a range of entertainment including Rick and Morty (of course), American Dad, Adventure Time, South Park, Bob’s Burgers, Shaun of the Dead, Lord of the Rings and even Google Translate among countless others.
Q&A With Chetreo
Here’s a Q&A from Chetreo with some of the most common questions that fans have asked him.
Below are the questions and answers from the interview between me and Chetreo.
How was your experience creating the Rick and Morty Remixes? Was there an aspect that stood out to you?
It was a fun project. I didn’t expect myself to make one for each and every episode of season 3 but people really seemed to like them and I felt a big sense of accomplishment when I was done.
Why did you start doing remixes of shows and movies?
I’ve always been interested in manipulating sounds. Movies and shows were just a way to get material to work with.
What’s the typical process of creating a remix?
I usually start out with watching the source material a couple of times while playing my guitar. When I have found a melody or rhythm I like, I start building the track around that.
How did you start on YouTube?
My channel is about as old as YouTube itself. YouTube is a huge part of my daily life and I guess I’ve always wanted to contribute with content.
How has YouTube helped you gain a following? What do you notice increases the number of likes and/or subscribers?
Keeping a schedule helps a lot. There are ways to make YouTube’s algorithms favor your videos. But when you’re creating something artistic, like music, it’s hard to force something if you’re not feeling it. People just sharing the video will always be the most effective way though!
Who are your musical influences?
Anything that’s upbeat and energetic is an influence on me. I started out playing music in punk rock bands. So, I guess that’s where it started.
Punk rock bands? How was that?
It was a good way to practice your songwriting and musical skills! I don’t think you’ll find anything online about the bands though.
How do you think YouTube functions as a platform for musicians that do covers, parodies, and remixes?
I think YouTube is a great platform for things like that. The concept of “fair use” needs to become more straightforward and unambiguous though as many people/companies/countries have different interpretations of it!
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
It’s both great and not so great. On one hand, I have access to this huge audience and can put out as much music as I want. But on the other hand, I’m just a small speck of dust in this new age consumption of music. I kinda miss buying a record and listening to it until you know every bit of sound on the album. I know you’re still able to do that, but it rarely happens with me when I’m spoiled with Spotify, YouTube etc… Copyright concerns are rather prevalent in covers, parodies, and remixes.
What do you think of the concept of fair use?
I think fair use is a greatly misunderstood term both from creators and content owners. Creators underestimate their rights and content owners don’t really see the positive aspects of having their content manipulated by creators. I know my remixes of shows and movies, for example, have made people actually watch the original content. I get comments like that every day.
What are some projects you have in progress right now?
I’m currently doing commissions for record labels and other YouTube channels but I have some collabs planned with other YouTubers in the future.
Which labels have commissioned music from you?
Mostly smaller, Swedish labels and corporations. I’m currently mixing an album for Enstöring Music.
What advice would you give to musicians just starting out on YouTube?
‘Have fun doing what’re you doing’ is probably the most cliché thing I can say but it really is true. I’ve been making remixes since about 2011 and just got a bigger following this year.
Where do you see Youtube in 10 years?
I think it (hopefully) still will be around. The community, however, might be split up on other video streaming services considering the dissatisfaction from the YouTube creators (The Adpocalypse).
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, still making music in some way or form! It’s still pretty uncertain as I’m fresh out of college but I hope YouTube plays a big part of what I become.
Chetreo Songs
Fun fact: I was devouring a chimichanga while editing this video https://t.co/E1fc5VDcGj pic.twitter.com/96snux7ZD4
— Chetreo (@Chetreo) February 8, 2018
