Do you remember back in the day, when we made mixtapes on physical tapes? Well, tape recorders might be lost, but mixtapes don’t have to be a lost art.
Mixtapes can still be an amazing gift that your loved ones will appreciate on any occasion. But, how do you make a mixtape? More importantly, how do you make a mixtape that’s actually good? Don’t worry — we’re here to help!
Here’s your guide to making a mixtape for your loved ones that they’ll enjoy for ages!
Choose Your Songs Carefully
First, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right mix of songs on your mixtape. Make sure they fit the theme and mood that you’re going for, and that they are in genres that your loved one will appreciate. Knowing the recipient of your mixtape and considering their tastes carefully is really important when making a mixtape they’ll actually enjoy.
And, there are things you can do if you want some more unusual tastes on your mixtape. If there’s a song you want that isn’t available for download, you can look up ‘convert youtube to mp3‘ and find a program that will help you convert the file from YouTube. These are just some of the ways you can get really great and creative songs into your new mixtape.
Pick a Theme
To make your mixtape truly special, you may want to give it a theme. That way, it’ll be cohesive and you’ll know that the songs included on the mixtape all go well together. Here are some theme ideas that you may want to include in your mixtape:
- Road trip mixtape
- A mixtape that tells someone how you feel about them, like love or friendship
- Base the entire mixtape on a theme of a particular song that is meaningful to your relationship
- If your mixtape is for a special occasion, like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, theme the mixtape around the best songs and feelings from that particular holiday!!
- Make your mixtape funny, by basing it around all of your most beloved and longest-running inside jokes
- Theme it around a much-loved piece of culture, like your loved ones’ favorite television show or movie
- Make it a mood themed mixtape; have all of the songs you think of when you think of happiness, or being surprised!
These are just some of the many different themes you center your mixtape around. Just make sure that you choose a theme that the recipient will enjoy, that’s appropriate for the occasion, and what you think suits your relationship the best.
Watch the Flow and the Order
The order that the songs on your mixtape come on really affect how your mixtape will be perceived. If it’s a jarring genre change, that can totally change how your listener will perceive the album!
You should try to both start and end your mixtape with a banger, to anchor the entirety of the run. You can also try to put the songs in order, like a story, so that they flow nicely and carry the listener through the album. Or, try alternating live recordings or covers with the standard tracks to make sure the novelty of the mixtape continues.
And, you should make sure that you don’t overstuff your mixtape either! You don’t need to stuff twenty tracks onto your tape for it to be meaningful. As the old adage goes, quantity doesn’t equal quality!
Use The Right Tools
If you’re not sure exactly what you’d like to include on your mixtape, there are tons of resources out there for you. You can use tools that will link the music you already know you want to include with great new ideas, like Spotify Discovery, 8Tracks, or the Music Map.
You should also make sure that you are presenting your mixtape in the best possible way, using the best possible tools. For example, if you plan to make a physical CD, make sure that the device you’re using to burn the CD works correctly, and the software functions properly.
That will ensure that your friend will be able to continue enjoying their new mixtape for a very long time.
Finish It Off
Putting the right touches to dress up your mixtape is really important for making sure you’re truly put enough thought into your gift. Give it a thoughtful and creative name, make a beautiful tracklist, and make sure that the cover art suits the theme of the album.
For example, you can use the tracklist to explain why you added each individual song to the album, like the linear notes on a professional record release. That way, your loved one will know the reasoning behind your mixtape!
Often, the presentation of a product is more important than the product itself, so it really does matter how you make your mixtape look. However, as long as you try your best and are thoughtful about the choices you make in your mixtape, your loved one is certain to appreciate your wonderful gift.
Making a Mixtape Is a Great Gift For Anyone
Making a personalized mixtape for your loved ones can make for an amazing and meaningful gift for basically any occasion. The above tips and tricks should help you ensure that your gift is appreciated by the recipient for years to come.
