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Writer's pictureJorden Herrington

Music Medium: Mixtapes



A mixtape is a nonofficial album. Mixtapes are usually between 30 and 45 minutes and could consist of 10 - 15 songs. This type of release is used as a medium to display an artist's range of talent.


Mixtapes often come when an artist is either very early in their career or very seasoned. Some prefer to release them early in their careers for several reasons. One reason is that the artist may have a collection of spontaneous songs. Since these collections are spontaneous, they often have a variety of incohesive sounds when put in project form. However, this is also true for seasoned artist. Another reason is that a mixtape can generate hype for an official studio release or a potential record deal.


Mixtapes later in an artist's career are also for several reasons. One reason is that the samples for a collection of songs have yet to be cleared for an official commercial release. So, to get the most out of the songs, they release them in a nonofficial medium such as a mixtape. Another reason is that veteran artists begin to fade away from public discourse after a while, so to reinvigorate their brand, they release a mixtape.


Mixtapes are generally very loose in the themes that they convey. The concepts are often boastful due to the nature of what a mixtape is. The cover art and song placements also reinforce the loose and boastful subject matter.


In today's industry, this medium is rarely used because of aesthetics' role in releasing music. Many artists today prefer EPs over mixtapes.

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