East Carolinian

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: MCT

Creating a mix CD has long been somewhat of a loving gesture, if not a declaration of one's love. With the release of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, what better time to teach readers how to make their own infinite playlist?

It all started with the mixtape, which took more time and effort to create than the current method of burning a disc. The process usually involved picking out songs from numerous radio stations or CDs and then transferring them to a dual sided tape.

(If this process alone doesn't sway the hormones your way, then nothing will).

However, the upside to the old-school mix tape is that the listener or love monkey has to listen to every song on the tape and can't simply skip around as easily like a CD.

Of course, doing this is easier than awkwardly having to say, "Umm I kinda like you…"

The plus side for the advancement to CDs is that you only have to worry about creating the perfect playlist and decorating a cover. Typically, creating the perfect mix takes about five minutes to burn depending on the size of songs, which gives the creator more time to get in touch with their artistic side and create an awesome cover.

Picking out the perfect songs for your mix is time consuming, but there is no way around that.

So, consider your audience: is this your unrequited love? A friend that loves hardcore tunes and the Spice Girls? Or is it simply for your enjoyment on long car drives?

Make sure you pick songs according to your intended audience or you will forever be cast out as "that guy" with bad music taste and horrible mixes.

Be sure to include some classics, preferably from your younger days, that you know the majority of your age range enjoyed. Mix in some of your favorites as well, along with unique and catchy tunes that a group can sing to.

Follow these rules and you'll be sure to create a mix worth keeping on the shelf.

You're not done just yet.

It's time to name your mix, which is the most vital step.

Don't settle for something like Love Mix or I Wanna Do You in the Back Seat of a Mazda. Those are simply unacceptable. The more random the title, the better. Create something simple, humorous -something that makes people curious about the creator and the music that the disc contains.

If you want the mix to be memorable, one that the receiver keeps for years to come, the artwork you create will seal the deal.

A creative way would be to make a fold out album cover from cardboard. Using a glue stick, and whatever else your artistic heart desires, make a masterpiece that you know your friend or lover won't throw away (unless they're a heartless demon). Spending time and effort on artwork will show your dedication to the mix CD, because a store-bought CD doesn't show that you spent hours picking out the perfect songs.

The artwork always has the potential to say: "I spent a lot of time and a few late nights making this, so you better enjoy."



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools