9 Steps to Creating a Quality Mixtape
by Carl Rushing (sound engineer)
www.gemstarpro.com
www.gemstarpro.com
Mixtapes are an unpolished collection of songs, usually combining a mixture of industry and original beats. They are released online and locally as branding and promotional tools for artists before or between the release of an album.
Because of the current over-saturation of mixtapes available, it is vital for artists to create a project that will set itself apart from the competition. Below is a basic step-by-step process for producing and releasing a mixtape. Although there are many more details that go into a successful project, you should find these primary ingredients useful toward your own release. Good luck!!!
1. Finding Beats
Original beats give a unique touch to any mixtape. They range from free to $200 for the non-exclusive rights for use. It isn’t necessary to pay for exclusive beats when you are making a mixtape. Save the exclusives for the album.
Industry beats are very easy to obtain. Avoid getting beats from you tube. The downloadable music they offer is compressed which results in very poor quality. There are many other options, usually a Google search away. For best results, download a beat from every available website that has it and compare the quality.
Here are some of the best websites for locating mixtape beats.
Original Beats:
www.soundclick.com, www.reverbnation.com, www.20dollarbeats.com, www.rocbattle.com, www.ineedbeats.com
Industry Beats:
2. Recording and Mixing
It is important when recording to be prepared to say your verse in 1-3 takes. If you are taking up time in a studio spending more time, this can be a waste of money. Most mixtapes get 1 listen at best, so don’t nit pick too much. When you record your album, more time will be spent on fine-tuning songs.
Mixing also is done in this way. A professional mixing engineer will be able to create a good mix while the song is being recorded. It is ok to have a few imperfections in the mix as well. Like with recording, more time will be spent on fine-tuning if a song is being made for an album.
3. Finding a Host
DJ hosting fees range from free-$200 for local DJs and upwards of $1500 for nationally recognized DJs. Some DJs will mix the songs or offer other promotion along with hosting. While a host is not needed to make a quality mixtape, having one can give it the stamp from a celebrity who people recognize. Most DJs are just a Google search and an e-mail away. If you choose not to get a host, consider doing something unique between song transitions.
4. Mastering
Mastering is a recommended yet optional process for creating a mixtape. If you know someone who can do a quality mastering job for under $150, it could be worth it. The primary difference you’ll notice with a mastered mixtape is an increase of volume and presence. Mastering can also offer slicker transitions between songs and even out EQ levels from song to song.
5. Graphic Design and Photos
The CD design is the first impression most people will have of your mixtape, so the image should be strong and set you apart from the rest. You will be expected to provide the designer with the good quality pictures and the word content to be used.
To find a quality graphic designer, Google search, ask an artist you know for a recommendation, or use an in-house designer at the CD manufacturer. There are thousands of graphic designers who can do quality work and are easy to find. Prices range from $50-$200 for CD insert design.
6. Manufacturing the CD
Here are a few of the hundreds of CD manufactures who have a good reputation for price and quality.
While selling a CD of a mixtape for $5 is common, it is also common to give it away for free. To save more on costs, consider giving it away for free as an internet-only release.
7. Throwing a Mixtape Release Party
A release party is a way to get your friends involved in your buzz. Most clubs will allow you to use their space for free to throw a party. Their primary concern is making money at the bar. So more people are always a plus. Some will require a deposit that will be refunded if the bar makes its quota. Many clubs require you to pay a fee for security. If you are looking to throw it on a prime night (Thurs-Sun) or if it is a larger club, it is more likely they will charge you to rent the club.
8. Posting Your Mixtape Online
The more visible and available your mixtape is, the more fans you will have and the easier it will be to find you in web searches. Uploading the mixtape on websites can be time consuming but vital for optimizing your web presence.
Here are a number of mixtape and “share” sites to post on:
www.datpiff.com, www.livemixtapes.com, www.hotnewhiphop.com, www.rapidshare.com, www.mediafire.com, www.Hulkshare.com, www.zshare.net, www.Divshare.com, www.Depositfiles.com, www.uploading.com, www.sharebee.com, www.thatcrack.com, www.omgtracks.com,
www.easy-share.com, www.hotfile.com, www.mixtapetorrent.com/how-to-upload-mixtapes, www.mixtapefactory.com/upload, www.mixconnect.com, www.mixtapepage.com, www.hipstrumentals.com
9. Promotion
Promotion is the most overlooked and underrated step in the release of a mixtape. This allows potential fans and future collaborators to find out who you are. Here are a few tools you can use to promote yourself.
Grassroots: flyers, shows, open mics, e-mail newsletters
Grassroots: flyers, shows, open mics, e-mail newsletters
News Media: local newspapers, online magazine reviews and articles
Social Networks: Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, internet forums, word of mouth
Video (online): You Tube, Vimeo, Videoegg, Vsocial, Grouper, Jumpcut
Paid Advertising: Google Ad Sense, web banners, Facebook Ads, e-mail blasts
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