Crossword Genius

Rock group backed number selected to play new recording? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

remix

'new recording?' is the definition.

'rock group backed number selected to play' is the wordplay.
'rock group' becomes 'rem' (REM are a US rock band).
'backed' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'number selected to play' becomes 'xi' (an XI or eleven is a football team).
'xi' written backwards gives 'ix'.
'rem'+'ix'='REMIX'

(Other definitions for remix that I've seen before include "Make a new version of a recording" , "New blend (recording, recipe, etc)" , "Music produced by electronic alteration of tracks" , "Modified musical recording" , "Revised pop song" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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