How to Make a Great Mixed Tape/CD or Playlist for Anyone

Having grown up in the 80s, I learned all about the fine art of making a great mixed music tape. Of course now people make mixed CD's or playlists from iTunes, but it's the same concept. It's my opinion that your mixed tape should be at least 10 songs long, but no more than 20.

Who Are You Making the Tape for and Why?

The first thing to do before making a mixed tape is to figure out who you are making it for and why. It's much easier if you are simply making the mixed tape for your own listening pleasure. I have a variety of mixed music lists and CD's for parties, road trips, work outs, relaxing time, swimming pool music and so on. I even make mixed tapes for different holidays like Christmas, the 4^th of July, Memorial Day, Halloween and New Year's Eve.

Musical Likes and Dislikes

If however you are looking to make a mixed tape for your significant other or as a gift for a friend, the key is to know their musical likes and dislikes. You want to choose the right songs that go with the theme of the mixed tape. If for instance you want to make a Valentine's Day mix for your girlfriend and she really likes country music, it helps narrow down your choices. You'll look for country artists she likes and search out some touching love songs for your girl. Example: Tim McGraw "It's Your Love".

The Right Songs for the Right Person

Maybe you want to make a mixed tape for your best friend to let him or her know how much they mean to you. Pick songs that you two have sung out loud together, laughed over, drank together as you listened to them. Then just add some songs that reiterate what a great friend the person has been to you. Examples: James Taylor "You've Got a Friend" or Jason Mraz "Song for A Friend".

What's the Occasion?

Mixed tapes for celebrations are the best to make. Most people love a good party, but a party is never that good if it doesn't have the right music for the moment. A divorce party may have songs about gaining your freedom and a party to celebrate a birthday or graduation should have a couple songs specific to the event.

What Atmosphere Do You Want to Create?

What music goes on your mixed tape will depend on what you want to happen at the party. Do you want easy background music so people can talk? Are you more interested in promoting dancing at your party? There are plenty of songs out there for either option. Examples of background music: Michael Buble "Everything" or John Mayer "Gravity". Examples of dance party music: Lady Gaga "Just Dance" or a more 80s techno sound like La Roux "Bulletproof".

Finishing Touches for Your Mixed Tape

I always make a list of the bands and the songs that are on the tape, so if I or the person I made it for wants to skip ahead to a specific song, they can do so easily. A fun thing to do if you are making a mixed CD is to create your own art for the cover of the case. Hand drawing or using your computer to make something specific will add that special touch to your new mixed tape/CD.

Making mixed tapes is a fun way to kill time, discover new music, and to make the receiver of the tape feel special. So what is the last mixed tape you made and who was it for?

Related Music Articles by Sherri Thornhill:

Coming Out? 15 Great Coming Out Songs

Divorce Party Music:10 Perfect Songs for a Divorce Party

7 Self-Loathing Songs We Hate to Love

Substance Abuse Songs: 10 Songs About Addiction

Road Trip Songs: 10 Great Rock-N-Roll Road Trip Songs

Source: Author's opinion