The Ultimate Guide to Mixtapes: The History of the Mixtape.

The Ultimate Guide to Mixtapes: History, Influence and Modern-Day Relevance

Mixtapes have always been one of the main aspects of music culture: from the simple mix-carry to the worldwide recognized phenomenon that sets the trends for artists and music lovers. Starting from the underground mixtapes of the 70s, through the mixed CDs of the 90s, up to the present day, and digital playlists, mixtapes remain an important part of music history. In this article, the author will learn about the history of mixtapes, the influence of mixtapes on music and society, and the possibility of existence of mixtapes in the present world.

What Is a Mixtape?

A mixtape is a compilation of songs that has been compiled by an individual or a Disc Jockey with the aim of putting across a particular message, mood or feeling. In the beginning, mix tapes were physical copies of songs in form of cassettes tapes or CD’s which were passed around from one person to another. In the present world, mix tapes have become playlist which are compiled and posted on streaming sites such as Spotify, Youtube and many others. However, the idea here is the same as that of the previous case; they are playlists that are put together by an artist or any other person and which reflect his or her tastes and innovations.

A few facts about Mixtapes: Everything you need to know about them.
Now let’s go back in time and find out when mixtapes were invented. About 1970s, especially during the early years of hip hop in New York City. In New York especially in the Bronx, disc jockeys and artists started making cassettes with different songs on them to be sold or given to people for free. These mix tapes were very vital to the hip hop artists and DJs who were in the process of trying to get their music across to the public and also try out their DJ skills as well as present new songs.

With the development of cassettes, the mixtape became popular among people and it became a popular gift to give someone their selection of songs. It also allowed people to carry around their favorite songs and introduce it to other people, pick personal favorite or even make gifts for their friends. The personal touch and the ability to create anything that one wanted contributed to the growth of mixtape culture. This way, for years, mixtapes could be obtained rather cheap and easily and some music which was not easily available in the commercial market could be obtained.

And here we go with the understanding of Mixtapes in the context of the Hip Hop music.
In the 1980s, people started using mix tapes in hip hop music and it became popular and contributed to the growth of hip hop music. DJ’s Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash started putting out tapes that had recorded live DJ sets and the early hip hop music. In the hip hop subculture, mixtapes were not only a way to spread songs but also to gain respect within the competitive environment of the street rap and DJing.

During the 1990s, mix tapes were already on the process of becoming a part of the hip hop culture when rappers like Tupac, Nas and Biggie used it to launch their music careers. These tapes usually had exclusive content, freestyle rapperap, and remixes and were very vital for artists to get a recognition in the industry which was mostly dominated by major record labels. As for the fans, the mixtapes provided them with a glimpse of what was going on in the underground music industry, this is where they were introduced to new artists and weird songs that could not be gotten anywhere else.

The Role of Mixtapes in the Digital Age
With the use of the digital technology, mixtapes have changed a lot. With the change in the technology from the physical tapes and CDs to the digital formats and streaming services the experience of a mixtape changed. Sites for example DatPiff, LiveMixtapes and Spinrilla provided a way for artists to put out their projects without having to be signed to a label. This changed the music industry to an extent, and made it possible for independent artists to thrive, and open up the floodgates for a new wave of hip hop artists.

Currently, tapes are mainly sent in the form of downloads or as streams on such services as Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. In the age of digital music, mixtapes are more accessible than ever and are a method by which artists can put out different kinds of music, collaborate with other artists and remain relevant in the music industry. Mixtape culture is particularly thriving in hip-hop where it has become a crucial aspect of an artist’s identity and marketing strategy.

Another thing that many people tend to compare are mixtapes vs albums; what is the difference?
Although both of them are used for storing songs, there are some differences between mixtapes and albums. Albums can be considered as being more perfect and having a professional touch, (often available for purchase by record labels) and usually an artist’s primary source of income. On the other hand, mix tapes are usually not as professional looking and acting as albums. Mix tapes are usually self-made, may contain remixes and can feature collaborations with different artists or producers. While mix tapes are the perfect way to show off an artist’s diversity and innovation, albums are a better depiction of an artist’s vision and sound at the moment.

It also means that the mixtapes can also be quite experimental as this allows artists to try out new concepts and ideas without the expectation of getting financial returns. Another advantage of free distribution of mixtapes is that they are more easily available to the audience as many mixtapes can be downloaded or streamed for free.

The Influence of Mixtapes on Music and Culture: A Literature Review
It is important to acknowledge the fact that mix tapes have greatly influenced music as well as culture. It played a huge role in the promotion of new artists, new genres and new types of music to the public, despite the existence of the demarcation between popular and independent music. Mixtapes are also a great way of introducing people to new music, different tracks, and features such as collaborations that the viewer may not have gotten to experience elsewhere.

During the 2000s and 2010s, the mixtape became popular among such artists as Lil Wayne, Drake, Chance the Rapper, and Future, to name a few. These artists employed mixtapes as a way to the mainstream popularity, and were able to accumulate dedicated listeners and a strong reputation for uniqueness.

There are no two ways about it; mix tapes also played a part in the evolution of new genres such as the trap and drill genres that became popular with the help of mix tapes that were distributed on digital media. Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Chief Keef among other artists also had a massive following after releasing their tapes and these artists’ impact can be seen in today’s hip hop and rap music.

Mixtapes in the Age of Playlists
Although the good old mixtape in the physical form of cassettes is no more, the concept of mixtapes is still around. Today, playlists are the new mixtape, in as much as they are digital compilations of songs that are ordered and created by an individual and shared with friends, followers or the public. This is particularly noticeable in streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube where users can create playlists that are the modern version of mixtapes with tracks selected by the user and with a specific theme.

It is also important to note that contemporary artists still make ‘mixtapes’ and post them on streaming sites as means of expressing themselves and trying out new ideas. For instance, Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap and Drake’s the So contemporary Far music Gone industry. were
released
as Conclusion mixtapes
which Starting shows from that the the earliest concept uses is in still the relevant world even of in hip-hop in New York City to its current uses in the age of streaming services, mixtapes have been an important part of the development of music culture. They are still an effective way for artists to express individuality, interact with audience and test new ideas on the crowd. Despite the form altering, the passion and the sense of sharing that characterized mixtapes is still embedded in the music we listen to today.

Regardless of the format – digital or physical, mixtapes will always remain an essential part of music culture: a space for discovery, experimentation, and community. They are a perfect example of how music unites people and helps them share various experiences in their lives.

Should you copyright your music or not. That is the question a lot of artist ask, should they copyright their music.  According to you the copyright law of 1976 soon as you write it down or sing it into a recorder you own the copyrights of the song. You own the copyright as soon as you do it. But, you can register your music with the copyright office for copy right protection.

You can go to copyright.gov and get a Form PA (Performing Arts) and officially copyright your music through the government and it will hold up in court of law.  You can copyright a song for $35 or you can put together a cd collection of song for $55.

Possible Danger Signs on CD Duplication You Need to Know About

CDs are waterproof and won’t smear. Our replicated CDs are produced from aluminum and polycarbonate. Stamped CDs don’t have any noticeable tracks.

The disc is subsequently verified to make certain everything has burned correctly. This disc has all the audio or data master files. These kinds of discs are also referred to as CD-ROM discs. Unless it’s used on your own, a duplicated disc should be marked or labeled somehow. The entire disc is subsequently encased in a transparent lacquer to safeguard the content. For the large part, replicating discs is the less expensive method when manufacturing a large number of CDs. A simple blank disc with a couple words written on its face in marker isn’t the suitable method to portray your organization.

Formats will take your work from begin to finish. You are able to upload your zipped audio file straight to our site. By obtaining a blank disc package, you can provide this digital copy in an artistic and skilled package, including all the images uploaded on a full-color CD or DVD. If you have to make more copies of the exact same CD quickly, you will have to use a CD Duplicator.

Printing When it has to do with printing, its difficult to avert a number of the harsh, petroleum-based chemicals utilised in the manufacturing procedure, but now the printing method is trending toward more natural inks. Silkscreen printing is comparable to thermal CD printing in that it’s very excellent for unmarried colours and where there aren’t multiple colours or intricate designs and photos. If you merely require printing on the surface of your present CDs or DVDs, we additionally provide this process for a reasonable price. The printing which goes together with DVD and CD duplication is an extremely specialised procedure that entails the ideal balance between CMYK colours. It offers a high fidelity print.

The standard of their goods are second to none and we highly suggest them! After all there isn’t anything more important that being pleased with the product that you have to advertise. If you would like to learn about packaging or the way to use our EZ Quote System or just about anything else, take a look at our video gallery to learn all you need to learn about disc duplication and the several packaging options we offer. Within this time, packaging is viewed as the very first impression, and should not be overlooked. CD packaging is crucial to take into consideration when duplicating or replicating, but in addition consider that a T-shirt can’t be downloaded, and other than fan-made T shirts, there are alternatives in advertising your merch table. Customized CD packaging can assist your recordings really make an effect. A blank DVD package is ideal for you!

Finding the Best CD Duplication

The practice takes several minutes per disc based on the speed of the recorder and the sum of information you’re recording. The practice of CD duplication takes the proper equipment and expertise so as to find the plan and appear exactly right on every CD. The process used is dependent upon the design which is to be printed and the quantities. The replication procedure is now complete.

The process starts with the introduction of a flawless glass master or stamper disc. It begins with a pre-made disc that is capable of receiving recorded data. The entire process is going to be completed in short order. Using CD-Rs and DVD-Rs also provides a fast turn procedure

Maybe you don’t need CD Mixtape covers and just need CD Duplication with a clear sleeve. If that is the case we have packaging for that type of CD project.  We offer CD-r CD duplication in clear sleeves and paper sleeves. We also offer slim jewel cases. Our CD’s have black text on silver CD’s.  We also offer full color printing directly on the disc. Our pacakges are available from 50 qty to 5,000 qty. We offer fast turn around times.

Discover the Best Places to Sell Your Mixtapes Online

If you want to make money from your mixtapes, you should know that there are a couple of great websites out there where you can offer your mixtape to those who want to download new beats.

Today, we want to share information about each of these convenient and practical online platforms. Use one or both of them in order to get your mixtapes out into the online marketplace.

Build a Buzz at Datpiff.com

This is a great place to offer your mixtape for free. Now, we do know that you want to make money from your mixtapes! However, very often, posting mixtapes at DatPiff.com, where people may download them for free, is a great way to make money, even if the money doesn’t come in via DatPiff.

Basically, musical artists make a lot of money from licensing. They put mixtapes out there anywhere that they can, for free, and then promote the heck out of their work. When it gets popular, they go to local businesses and radio stations and let them know that the mixtapes are available for ads, TV and other media stuff.

If someone want to license the mixtape, the artist will receive royalties whenever the ad or TV show or radio spot plays. It’s a great way of making money.

Putting your mixtapes up at DatPiff.com, which has 1.8 million “likes” on Facebook, will be a great way to build popularity.

Another “free downloads” platform for mixtapes is Livemixtapes.com. It’s pretty much the same!

Sell Your Mixtape at iTunes

Apple device owners rely on iTunes in order to get new songs and many people with non-Apple personal computers use iTunes, too!. It’s possible to sell your mixtape at iTunes as long as it’s in a digital format. The default amount that singles sell for on the platform is .99 cents. For an album, the default price will be $9.99. As an artist, you’ll make seventy cents a song and seven bucks an album.

Getting your music onto iTunes won’t be hard. Just follow four simple steps in order to ensure that a huge audience may find you on this platform. Bear in mind that you’ll need to promote via social media and every other means, in order to let people know that you exist at iTunes. It’s all about marketing which is effective and consistent.

Since you’re an ambitious musical artist, you probably already know what you’ll need to do to get noticed and make money from your beats. Now, you know three platforms which will help you to achieve your dreams.