What is a mixtape you might ask? In today’s music industry a mixtape has a few different meanings. It can contain one single artist’s musical works with other featured artists, many different artists on a compilation mixtape, or even just instrumental tracks from one producer or many producers. This article will discuss each of those topics.
When a music artist releases a mixtape, they are either signed to a major music label and want to keep fans interested or is an unsigned artist and is looking to sign a recording contract. When an already established major recording artist releases a mixtape, they are letting fans know they still have what it takes to make hits and also hype up their next album release at the same time. A great way for unsigned artists looking for a record deal is to release a mixtape. With the internet, mixtapes and music can be heard by anyone at little to no cost. Music artists do not have to know someone on the ‘inside’ of a recording label in order for someone to sample their music. It’s as easy as taking a few minutes to go on the internet and give a listen. Some artists that have just been signed to a major recording contract may be required to continue to release street products before they actually release their debut album. This will help the record companies get a feel for how this artist will perform for them in the long run. Some unsigned artists that have signed a deal with a record company and have released a underground product or two after that, may find that they no longer can live up to the hype they had before signing a recording deal.
Sometimes these music compilations contain many different artists and their musical work. What this does is help save the record companies money by releasing a few of their artist’s tracks and seeing which gets the most positive feedback. They will let the streets help them make a decision on what is the best track to release as the next single. This will make sure the record companies do not waste money on releasing a single that will just become a flop.
Music producers also use mixtapes to let record companies they are serious about making beats for major recording artists. Half of a hit song is the instrumental part. Although not nearly as popular as a recording artist’s mixtape, they still aid record comapines that are seeking star talent.
References:
http://www.buymixtapes.com