There are rules about making mixtapes. They are very revered and therefore should be adhered to. These do not change regarding the type of mixtape you are making. However, making your mixtape strike a romantic chord will require some extra delicacy in this most fine of fine arts. What follows are the rules, covering the general along with a little extra-insight for those crafting something specifically aimed to woo.

Format

Format essentially does not matter as long as the intended recipient can play it then everything is sweet as. Whether it is MP3, CD, Mini-Disc, cassette recorder, Spotify or 8-track, as long as your receiver can put it in and turn it on you are peachy. However, delivering it on a specific and relevant format is extra cool. Presenting your cassette mixtape with a Sony Walkman is groovy. Also regardless of format always refer to your mixtape as a mixtape. It is a law.

Be A Muso

You do not need to be a full on muso, but you do need to know something. If not, why are you making a mixtape? Your knowledge is what will make this mixtape great.

Choose A Thematic Anchor

Obviously your theme is going to be romantic, but it can have other elements to it too. All the songs might contain the same word or all be first tracks on albums for instance. Clever and subtle motifs that might not be immediately obvious will give your mixtape depth and meaning.

Draft It

Take your time. It is about getting things right, so draft it. Write the track listing out and see if it works, or if it could be better. Play around with it until it is as good as it possibly could be. It is worth taking your time, think of it like a love letter. You would not send that off without a rewrite or two would you?

Peaks And Troughs

This is all about style. Mixtapes as a rule should start with something upbeat that you know the recipient will love. They should also bow out with a big crescendo, and not necessarily one of upbeat drama and noise, just that the last track should be a statement. First and last tracks are important. Remember not to neglect the rest of the mixtape though, create peaks and troughs. The sensation of listening to a mix tape should be like being on a big dipper – aurally at least.

Length

Don’t outstay your welcome. Unless the special person you are looking to impress is a progressive rock fanatic, keep it short.

Do Not Repeat Artists

This is a rule that can be broken. But bear it in mind. An exception might be starting and ending with the same artist. However a mixtape by definition is about variety.

Add Variation

As just mentioned mixtapes are about variety. Not just in the artist and genres you pick but also in versions of songs. Show you are a knowledgeable fan of artists by picking live versions, acoustic arrangements, remixes or obscure covers. This will reflect well on you and offer something new to your listener.

Name It

It needs a name. Do not shirk this responsibility. It is important and potentially can mean a lot. And when being romantic do not be slushy. Be confident, be cool.

Art It

Doing artwork for your mixtape is brilliant. It can literally be anything. Do not just think drawing either, think about how it can be presented as a whole. This will be dependent on format, but do not hold back, there is no reason to be half-hearted especially if you are aiming for this to be the romantic gesture you want it to be.

Know It Has Power

And that is it. Hand it over and let it work its magic. A mixtape is a powerful thing and if you follow through on all the above with an all guns blazing attitude then what you create will be compelling, intoxicating and above all magnificent.

Olly Davids has been making mixtapes, romantic and otherwise since 1989. He now works researching and writing about wedding gifts for Find Me A Gift.

Olly Davids has been making mixtapes, romantic and otherwise since 1989. He now works researching and writing about wedding gifts for Find Me A Gift – http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/

Author Bio: Olly Davids has been making mixtapes, romantic and otherwise since 1989. He now works researching and writing about wedding gifts for Find Me A Gift.

Category: Advice
Keywords: romance,romantic,mixtape,music creative,love,relationships