Tue 26 Feb, 2008
Everyone loves a good mix. For music lovers they become the soundtracks of our lives; there is a song for every moment.
Most of the time I just through together a semi-random selection of songs to fit my mood however, there is something special about a well thought out mix of music. Some aficionados even have mix-tape rules of engagement. My friends at Listen In did a series on the steps to creating a good mix; all very scientific. Check it out:
Anybody can generate a smart playlist through iTunes or randomly pick songs and burn them to a CD. But every time you make a proper mix you are pulling disparate pieces together and making a whole that has never been before. You put a little bit of yourself into it and unless you were incredibly unoriginal in your song selection it's not likely that the exact collection of songs will ever exist again. Think about that as you assemble your tracks. Reflect on that as you hand off your creation. And the next time somebody hands you a carefully crafted mix, thank them appreciatively for gifting that bit of themselves to you.
As a result of this series I created my first strategic mix and it actually came out very well (if I do say so myself). I was not nearly as scientific about the process as some of my Listen In counterparts, but there were certain things I tried to adhere to.
No artist shall appear multiple times in the same mix. Normally I’m not a stickler for this, but the challenge for me was really examining my music collection and picking out songs by a wide range of artists and genres and making them fit together.
Transition between songs is key. One thing that bothers me is when mixes sound disjointed. True enough, you might be jumping genres and experimenting with rhythm and sound but a mix should always sound like it is an album unto itself. The songs should flow from one to another seamlessly as though they were always meant to be together.
Select songs to set the mood. When I create a mix, I always think about the mood the music creates. Is the mix for a party? Is it to drive or work out to? Begin with the end in mind and select songs to fit the desired affect.
Have fun! The most important part of putting together a mix is the fun of engrossing yourself in the music and really having fun with it. Pick songs you love, a few that you haven’t listened to in a while, and a couple that are in your library but you forgot why. Once your mix is burned to a CD you will have the pleasure of knowing that it is a product of your love for music and creativity.
Share the love. Most music lovers are looking for a good mix to listen to so once your mix is complete, be sure to give copies to friends you think will appreciate it. You can also give a copy to someone in need of an expansion of their musical horizons.
And now the track list from my Gift Mix, inspired by the ListenIn Mix Tape series…
Dream on Dreamer – Brand New Heavies (listen)
Jacqueline – Franz Ferdinand (listen - live version)
Art of Noise – Cee-Lo Green
Wicked Little Girls – Esturo
Sexy M.F. – Prince
Dancing Shoes – Arctic Monkeys (listen)
Hella Good – No Doubt (listen)
Let’s Get Dirty – Redman
Bambo Banga – M.I.A.
Violently Happy – Björk (listen)
Love of My Life – Erykah Badu (listen)
Southernplayalisticadilacmusic – Outkast
Beside You in Time – Nine Inch Nails (listen)
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Disclaimer: I'm experimenting with ways to include music samples in my posts. In the essence of simplicity I retrieved all songs from songza.com. If your copyrighted material is included/linked in this article and you would like it removed, please contact me: Kimberlee [at] knowmoremedia [dot] com.
Maria Palma says:
Kimberlee,
That’s a pretty good mix - thanks for sharing! I just finished grooving to the Erykah Badu song. Looking forward to listening to her new album that just dropped today!
People have always said that I’m a walking jukebox. I agree, happiness is in the mix!
Kimberlee Morrison says:
Thanks Maria!
I couldn’t imagine boxing myself in with one genre. I love music in a variety of styles.
I’m planning to review Erykah’s new album, so I’ll definitely let you know what I think. I know she’s done something funky.
Laura says:
This sounds like a good way to arrange your tunes!
Kimberlee Morrison says:
Hi Laura, mixing things up is not only a great way to arrange music in your library, its also a way to freshen up a collection you might otherwise be getting bored with, without having to buy something new.
VinylNotes says:
Drive: A High Energy, Rock Out Mix for the Road
I already talked about the joy of a good mix and outlined some rules. Well, one of my favorite types of mixes is something to drive to. I like the music to be high energy, loud and rockin’. I've made…