Mixtape
In the modern music industry, a mixtape is a musical project with looser constraints than that of an album or EP. [1][2] Unlike the traditional album or extended play, mixtapes are labeled as more informal projects that allow for more creative freedom, less commercial pressure, and more emphasis on personal tone.[3] The term has significantly increased in popularity over the years, due to high-profile artists marketing their musical projects as such. [4][5] Mixtapes also have been inconsistently referred to as albums by media outlets such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Complex.[6][7][8][9] This has caused notable confusion on the difference.[10]
Prior to the end of the mixtape era, mixtapes were described homemade compilations of music played through a cassette tape, CD, or digital playlist. The songs were typically beatmatched and consisted of seamless transitions at their beginnings and endings with fades or abrupt edits.[11]
Mixtape Era (1970s - early 2000s)
[edit]This section contains weasel words: vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiable information. (October 2024) |
This section possibly contains original research. (October 2024) |
Homemade mixtapes became common in the 1980s. The growth of the mixtape was also encouraged by improved quality and increased popularity of audio cassette players in car entertainment systems, and by the introduction of the Sony Walkman in 1979.[citation needed]
In the 1970s, DJs such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, Kool Herc and the Herculoids, and DJ Hollywood would often distribute recordings of their club performances via audio cassette, as well as customized recordings (often prepared at exorbitant prices) for individual tape purchasers. These recordings tended to be of higher technical ability than home-made mixtapes and incorporated techniques such as beatmatching and scratching. Billboard reported, "Tapes were originally dubbed by jockeys to serve as standbys for times when they did not have disco turntables to hand. The tapes represent each jockey's concept of programming, placing, and sequencing of record sides. The music is heard without interruption. One- to three-hour programs bring anywhere from $30 to $75 per tape, mostly reel-to-reel, but increasingly on cartridge and cassette." [citation needed] Club proprietors, as well as DJs, would often prepare such tapes for sale.
Throughout the 1980s, mixtapes were a highly visible element of youth culture. However, the increased availability of CD burners and MP3 players at the time caused the decline of cassette mixtapes. The peak of traditional mixtape culture in this time period is considered to be when Nick Hornby's novel High Fidelity, was released in 1995.[12] In the mid 90s, the cassette mixtapes became obsolete and had largely been replaced by mix CDs and shared MP3 playlists, which are more durable, can hold more songs, and less tedious to make.
Additionally, DJs such as Grandmaster Flash, DJ QBert, DJ Spooky, DJ Z-Trip or DJ Shadow, The Avalanches, and RJD2 have gained fame for creating new songs by combining fragments of existing songs. The resulting remix or mash-up can be seen as an evolution of the mixtape, in that it appropriates existing songs to give them new meanings through their juxtaposition, but does so in a quicker, more integrated style. This practice is heavily derived from the use of song loops as musical backdrops for an MC's rhymes in hip hop music, which is also related to turntablism.
Modern Mixtapes (early 2000s - present)
[edit]In the 21st century, the definition of a mixtape has change significantly, now they are essentially a recognized alternative to studio albums, especially in genres of hip-hop, R&B, and indie music.[13][14] They allow artists to release music without industry-level expectations expected from the likes of a concept album.[3] Mixtapes have become staples in genres like hip-hop, R&B, and indie music and are sometimes released as holdovers or low-key releases between studio albums. Lesser-known artists may release them free online on more accessible streaming platforms like SoundCloud to gain exposure, while prominent industry artists may release "commercial mixtapes" on streaming services. Notable examples include Street Gossip by Lil Baby, MMM (Money Making Mitch) by Puff Daddy, and If You're Reading This It's Too Late by Drake.[15]
Purpose
[edit]Mixtapes give give artists the ability to explore themes, styles, and sounds that may not be supported by traditional commercial projects.[16][17] Some artists may use the mixtape-format to test new sounds or take risks without the obligational weight of an album. The absence of formal promotion, industry-standard production, or chart performance makes mixtapes often feature a more raw and experimental project, which may be preferable to their fans.[15]
Release and Marketing
[edit]While mixtapes used to be distributed for free, Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud have blurred the line between what is considered a full-on album versus what is considered a mixtape.[2][18]
However, artists typically distinguish an album from a mixtape in two ways:[19]
Marketing
[edit]The marketing of a mixtape is usually minimal, spontaneous, and unorthodox. In contrast, studio albums often have more professional media campaigns, music videos and a set release. Because of a mixtape's "unpredictability" that varies from artist, mixtapes may entertain fans with excitement due to surprise releases.[15]
Digital Release and Promotion
[edit]On streaming platforms, mixtapes are nearly identical in format, as both include album art, titles, and track lists. However, mixtapes may lack the proper promotion and radio play that traditional albums offer. Artists may informally promote their mixtapes by posting to their own social media (as opposed to having a management team do it) or by directly engaging with their fans online.[16] Mixtapes are usually a more personal rollout of music.[15]
Cultural and Artistic Value
[edit]The mixtape's role in modern music has become popular among all artists. For independent and emerging artists, mixtapes are a gateway to building a fanbase and experimenting with their sound. For established artists, mixtapes can be used as an outlet for personal expression and experimentation to escape the pressures of a record label or commercial appeal. The value of a mixtape lies in its ability to define the artist rather than an industry standard, making it an important concept in music.[22][23]
Mixtapes can also serve as a precursor to an upcoming album for artists. As an example, Travis Scott released his mixtape, Days Before Rodeo as an anticipation project for his debut album, Rodeo.[24] Another example is While We Wait by singer and songwriter Kehlani. The mixtape was released to promote the upcoming release of her album, It Was Good Until It Wasn't. Generally, mixtapes can be used as both a standalone project or an invitation to another upcoming project.[3][25]
Current trends
[edit]Mixtapes allow artists to share their music in a lowkey setting with their fans, and likely encourage feedback and interaction from fans rather than professional critics. This idea of engagement and experimentation is often popular with artists who care more about building their fanbase rather than mainstream success.
While the traditional album might stick to one theme, mixtapes allow artists to present music that could be considered eclectic or genre-blending, challenging the expectations of conventional concept albums. For example, the debut mixtape Drunken Babble by Kali Uchis was described by GQ as "dreamy R&B vocals with tough-talk rap lyrics, DIY beats, samples and influences spanning soul, reggae, doo-wop and synth-pop."[26]
In an era of short-form content, mixtapes are valuable in that they give room to maintain relevance and adapt to the fast pace of social media. One song can blow up an artist, and mixtapes give the ability for artists to answer quickly to their recent success and ride their wave of fame.[27] Because of the flexibility that mixtapes allow, releasing them on platforms like TikTok can instantly increase an artist's mainstream recognition and reach a broader audience, and of course, without the expectations of a full album rollout.[28] As an example, R&B artist 4Batz released his debut mixtape U Made Me a St4r after the overwhelming success of "Act II: Date @ 8".
See also
[edit]- Compilation album
- Compressed audio optical disc
- DJ mix
- Mix Tape: The Art of Cassette Culture
- Portable media player
- Video mixtape
References
[edit]- ^ "Mixtape vs. Album: Unveiling the Key Differences". 22 October 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ a b "What's The Difference Between A Mixtape And An Album?". Yona Marie Music. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ a b c "Five Cent Sound". Five Cent Sound. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ II, C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman (5 November 2019). "60 of the Best Hip-Hop Mixtapes Since 2000". XXL Mag. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Kameir, Rawiya. "Drake: Dark Lane Demo Tapes". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Lindert, Hattie (27 October 2023). "Brent Faiyaz Releases Surprise New Album Larger Than Life". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "The Reemergence of Tyler, the Rapper". www.complex.com. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Tyler, the Creator Looks Back on 'Bastard' Ten Years After Its Release". www.complex.com. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (5 September 2024). "How Doechii Made a Mixtape That Could Be the Best Rap Album of the Year". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Mixtape vs. Album: What's the Difference?". Victrola. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Mixtape". Merriam Webster. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ Henry, Warren (23 November 2013). "The Art of The Mixtape". The Federalist. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Kawaida, Michael (25 February 2020). "Mixtapes: A Brief History Of Hip-Hop's Ever Evolving Tool". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Jul 26, Kai; Acevado (26 July 2022). "17 Unforgettable Mixtapes That Now Are On Streaming Services". www.one37pm.com. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d "The Significance of the Mixtape in the Streaming Era – Spotify for Artists". artists.spotify.com. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ a b Talent, Underground (15 April 2024). "Types of Music Releases & What they Mean, From EPs to Mixtapes". Underground Talent. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "What is a Mixtape? | Print Your Vinyl". PrintYourVinyl. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Administrador (20 December 2023). "Difference Between Mixtape And Album". Difference. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "MIXTAPE OR ALBUM. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?". Mixtape Madness. 11 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "No Sandwich, No Dice. Mac Miller's Faces". the inventory. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Travi$ Scott Performs New Music in NYC". Hypebeast. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Pitchfork (29 June 2016). "The 50 Best Rap Mixtapes of the Millennium". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Watch Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz Pick Their Greatest Mixtapes of All Time". www.complex.com. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "10 years later, Days Before Rodeo is still Travis Scott's best". The FADER. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Friedman, Skinny (10 December 2013). "The Real Difference Between a Mixtape and an Album". VICE. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Johnston, Kathleen (19 October 2018). "Kali Uchis on learning curves, loneliness and why she'll never sell out". British GQ. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "How the TikTok Boom Has Impacted the Music Industry | MI". Musicians Institute. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ updated, Katherine Rodgers last (21 March 2021). "TikTok is changing the rules of the music industry". TechRadar. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- Ellis, Bret Easton (1986). Less Than Zero. ISBN 0-679-78149-8.
- Erdman, Sarah (2003). Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. ISBN 0-8050-7381-7.
- Gallagher, David (30 January 2003). "For the mix tape, a digital upgrade and notoriety". The New York Times.
- Hornby, Nick (1995). High Fidelity. ISBN 1-57322-551-7.
- Hornby, Nick (2003). Songbook. ISBN 1-57322-356-5.
- Keller, Joel (22 January 2004). PCs killed the mix-tape star. Salon.
- Mobley, Max (5 December 2007). "Requiem for the Mixtape". Crawdaddy!.
- Moore, Thurston (2004). Mix Tape. ISBN 0-7893-1199-2.
- McMahon, Andrew (2005): "The Mixed Tape", Everything in Transit—Jack's Mannequin.
- O'Brien, Geoffrey (2004). Sonata for Jukebox. ISBN 1-58243-192-2.
- Paul, James (26 September 2003). Last night a mix tape saved my life. The Guardian.
- Sante, Luc (13 May 2004). Disco Dreams. The New York Review of Books. (This review of Songbook and Sonata for Jukebox describes the mix tape as "one part Victorian flower album, one part commonplace book, one part collage, and one part recital.")
- Stuever, Hank (29 October 2002). "Unspooled: In the digital age, the quaint cassette is sent reeling into history's dustbin[dead link]". The Washington Post.
- Vowell, Sarah (2001). Take the Cannoli: Stories from the New World. ISBN 0-7432-0540-5.
- Warner, Alan (1995). Morvern Callar. ISBN 0-385-48741-X.