remix a fine idea on personal album?

[Extreme-G]

I'm in the lengthy process of trying to make my own 1st album out of fun (for now). I would say i fall underneath the genre of Trance (yep, i'm a trance nut). Anyway, i figured out my artist name, lol (wasn't easy cuz alot of the names were taken).. So far, I've composed 3 music tracks.

Now, i so badly want to make a sick as possible remix of song, it's a popular soundtrack from a movie. Now, i know artists/dj's make remixes of songs already out there.. For example, tiesto's brilliant remix of Adiago of Strings. such an incredible song. My concern is it recommend Not to include a soundtrack in a personal music album with composition songs? unless it's like a "dj in the mix" type of album? Would like some insight/suggestions if u know?

Also, album cover's - do i have to make up an image that doesn't exist at all? Or could i pick a random google Image that looks cool (but isn't popular and of course not already on another album), is that acceptable?

Any advice would b greatly appreciated.. i know their silly questions kinda. sorry, i've been involved in this music venture for a tad over a month now, so i'm still in the learning process of things..

Thanks much!

[burkek]

If you sell an album with a remix or cover song you'll need to pay mechanical royalties (I think it amounts to 14cents/song/per sale but I could be wrong). I would personally put out an EP of your remix with a couple other "b-side" type songs, and release your full album after that.

For album cover art - no, do not use anything you find via Google. Every image created is automatically copyright the original owner/artist/photographer. You could check out some Creative Commons image banks online, and check the licensing, or a professional stock vendor like iStockphoto. Quality, generally, costs - but not too much. You can get great cover art for under $50, or get a few and combine them creatively.

KEv