Some say that the art of making mix CDs is dead, lost among the cassette tapes, jelly bracelets, and neon colors of the 1980s. But I say, “Nay!” Although mix CDs are the most underrated art form and can be difficult to master, they make a great homemade, personal gift. They are a gift from the heart, and they are easy to make if you forget to pick up something for your friend’s birthday, if you’re going on a long car ride, or if you want to have a dance party in your room. Embrace this archaic craft, pull out your parent’s old Walkman, and have a go. If you don’t have a Walkman or a cassette tape, which is very likely, fear not! Go to your local CVS or Best Buy and buy a pack of blank CDs. But, before you get started, I have some very crafty tips to help hone your mixed-tape-making abilities.
- Think of your audience.
Is the person you are making the mix CD for a hipster, a rocker, or more of a mainstream bubble-gum pop type of person? It’s important to appeal to your audience since they will be the ones listening to your mix CD. - Start with a song that they can jam out to or that will grab their attention.
To start my mix CD, I’m always partial to a song that has a strong bass or guitar part that really inspires the inner rockstar. Pick a first song that will grab the listener’s attention and make them want to listen to more; but, also pick a song that will set the tone for the entire mix CD. For example, if you’re planning on making a more mellow playlist, then it would be a little odd to start out with “I Bet You Would Look Good On The Dance Floor” by the Arctic Monkeys. - Go with the flow.
The order of your songs is cardinally important. They need to have a flow between them. Your playlist should have a good rhythm and pace at which it moves. One aspect of each song should carry over into the other, so the transitions are smoother. - Name it Something Fun!
Give it a fun name. Think of something clever or witty. Everybody loves a good pun, and alliteration always works as well. But, if you can’t think of something like that, you can always give it a title that reflects the theme of the mix, or you can name it after the person you are giving it to. - Break Out That Sharpie Pack. It’s Time For Some Artwork.
Now, I think that this part is the most fun. Give your mix CD some cool artwork. You can doodle on the actual CD with Sharpie, or, if that doesn’t work for you, you can always decorate the CD case. If you by chance don’t have a plastic CD case to hold your precious mix CD in, you can always make a paper one or print a pattern off of the Internet. Don’t be afraid to make a collage on the case, paint on it, or use stickers. All that matters is that you are having fun while making it.