We all love Christmas songs. But, after hearing the same recordings year after year, it’s time to spice things up. With UJAM’s “Be Our Christmas Star” Contest this year, you have a chance to rejam a Christmas classic and spread some new holiday cheer this season! The Top 10 songs will become our UJAM Christmas Album, downloadable by anyone with a UJAM account.

There’s no pressure here, of course, but we decided it may help to give you what we think are the Top 5 Rejamming Tips to make the most of your Christmas carol rejamming. Keep these tips in mind, and you just may make it into the Top 10 and the very first UJAM Christmas Album!

Tip 1: Styles

After you’ve chosen which song you want to rejam for Christmas, a fun way to start spicing things up is by listening to a few different styles. Feeling laid back and folksy? Try a Country style like Laid Back Country or Americana. Feeling like this Christmas song needs a dose of heavy action? Try a Dance style like Tek Noize. You’ll be amazed at how much you can change the feel of the song by simply changing the style. Listen to several different ones to help make your own unique Christmas Rejam. You can spice up the styles even more by customizing them – add and remove instruments to your liking to make something truly unique that you can call your own. Click “Edit Style” and you’ll see the list of current instruments being used in your track. Click the “X” next to any of them to remove them, and use the list above the instruments to select new instruments. The columns start with the instrument family on the left, the style in the middle, and the particular instrument on the right. (See the Tips & Tricks section for more helpful hints on editing and customizing styles.)

Tip 2: Vocals vs. Instrument

Feel confident about your vocal cords? Then go for it and belt out your tune. Want to use the pre-made vocals? That’s fine too. Shy about your vocal abilities? Then choose an instrument instead. This is one of the most handy rejamming tools in UJAM. Changing the instrument from Glockenspiel to Grand Piano can make a world of difference, and may just be the key to making your Christmas Rejam winner-worthy. Click on “Vocals” or “Instrument” to determine which melody type you want in your track. When you’re editing your track in Vocal mode, you have the option to change the Vocal FX. When you’re editing in Instrument mode, you have the option to change the melody instrument.

Tip 3: Vocal FX

This may be one of the most underrated features in UJAM, but it can packs a powerful punch when used well! Enhance the sound of your Rejam by choosing from an extensive list of Vocal FX – from Lush and Multiplier to Psychedelic or Romantic, Vocal FX are sure to give your Christmas Rejam a special sound.

Tip 4: Chords

Ever thought about what Jingle Bells may sound like in a minor key? Here’s where you can take your Christmas Rejam to a whole new level – try some wacky, wild, and unexpected chord changes by customizing your chords or choosing from different presets. Too Happy and Jazz are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to chord presets and possibilities – but keep an eye on the chord matrix to help you figure out which chords will still sound the best with your track.

Tip 5: Song Form

Song Form is the most important tool that makes UJAM tracks into meaningful pieces of music. Intros, verses, and choruses are essential to making a great song. Take some time to listen to what an extended intro can do for your Christmas Rejam, and be sure to add some Variations to see if they make your Christmas Rejam a winning-worthy track. Click & drag song parts into your track (where the other song parts are listed automatically) and see what happens when you spice up your Rejam. When you want UJAM to do the work for you, simply click “Create Form” and UJAM will take care of it.

That’s it for this session of Tips & Tricks for your Christmas Rejam. Good luck, and have fun!