The Mixtape Movement, And How I Fell In Love With Her

The mixtape (or sometimes mix tape) has been an awkward symbol of affection for many people. A story, a theme or an emotion is usually subtlety spelt out over sixty, ninety or a hundred and twenty minutes. This music art form has gained a new breath of popularity recently, with advancements in the availability of mp3s and the range of marketing available for new bands to publish their work through the Internet.

Since the introduction of the cassette tape, in 1963, and especially after the popularisation of the Sony Walkman brand in the late 1970's, mixtapes began to appear as a way to share new or rare music with friends. The Nick Hornby publication High Fidelity and the film of the same name boosted their popularity further, and created a new wave of mixtape enthusiasts. However, the current trend tends to lean towards the medium of a mix CD, rather than a mixtape. There are the purists who would argue in favour of the mixtape. They would point out the extra time and effort it takes to make a mixtape and the look, feel and texture of a tape as opposed to a CD. These purists believe, and I'm inclined to agree with them, that a mixtape is about more than just music. Mixtapes make great gifts, and as I mentioned in the first paragraph, whilst they may not be a heart shaped box of chocolates, or a bunch of flowers, they are a gift that lingers in the heart and soul of it's recipient. A gift you can create with enthusiasm, and devotion, a gift with meaning.

There have been and always will be countless discussions on what makes a perfect mixtape. Considering the comments I've just made, the perfect mixtape would be something as ineffable as love itself. It would be something personal to you, given by someone who loves you, as you do them. In music terms, there are too many rules to mention in such a short article. Of course, you need to find music that your recipient loves, and also try to fit this into your theme or message.

When creating a mixtape, your must have a strong opening, and the first song is the most important. It must set the scene and tone for the rest of the tape. The last song must also be strong and leave the listener with the full understanding of your message. This does not mean however that the tracks that make up the bulk of the tape can be any song that loosely fits the theme. They must be well thought out, with the receiver in mind. Weaker songs should be weeded out without a hint of mercy, and new songs brought in to replace them. The track listing, that is the order the songs go in, should also be crafted, so as to make the tape flow. With a traditional tape method, instead of a CD you will also have to consider side A and B and the differences between them. You might want to the tape to start mellow, and end with a rockier edge, you might want the opposite. The tracks should be placed in a way that makes them seem as if they have always belonged together.

Many people also go as far as to create cover art and inserts for their mixtape or CD, and this further wraps up the idea of creating a personal one of a kind special gift.

Leaving the idea of trying to send a message or express an emotion, there are also many other uses for the mixtape. I have already mentioned the sharing of new, upcoming music and this is a popular technique used in promoting hip hop, and DJ artists, where the mix refers to the blending of tracks into a continuous piece of music.

Mixtapes however, have the potential to be a promotional tool for any new band, with their fans creating the mixtapes of their favourite independent bands, and then passing these on to their friends. They might also include more well-known bands, with a similar style. Mixtape exchanges are a popular way to make new friends and enjoy new music at the same time.

Mixtapes provide an interesting debate about copyright theft, and this is a very real debate considering the illegal downloading of mp3 files through peer-to-peer and bit-torrent networks. This, obviously, doesn't apply if you wrote the song yourself but even if it's not your music, a mixtape, made for a friend or a few friends, is usually regarded as 'fair use' under the Copyright Act of 1976. This becomes a different matter, when the mix is sold or distributed to thousands of strangers. It seems, in the small scale sharing of music, and mixtapes, there is no harm.

Music after all is made so that it can be played and I think it is this idea of sharing the music that you love, with a friend or someone close to you, that will continue the current fixation of making mixtapes.

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Ed Sumner owns, http://www.edsumner.com - his site combines his love of magic and comedy, along with all the interesting interests of his life - go check it out!

New Gucci Mane Music - What His Fans Think

There are a number of new songs that are set to be released for the artist Gucci Mane who represents Atlanta, Georgia with his rhymes. One song called "She Got A Friend," has gotten him a lot of attention in 2009 due to the fact that Juelz Santana and Big Boi made an appearance. Juelz Santana is an artist that a lot of people respect because he has his own record label called "Skull Gang Records." He doesn't often collaborate with Gucci Mane, which is why this song surprised a lot of people.

What surprised even more people was that Big Boi from the legendary hip hop duo Outkast, was able to step up and get on the track with a fellow Atlanta-based artist. When fans initially heard that Big Boi and Juelz Santana were set to appear on a new Gucci Mane 2009 song, people thought that it was a huge rumor. Nobody ever thought that Big Boi would end up working with Gucci Mane. However, Sir Lucious Left-Foot did end up getting featured on the track and made an appearance in the video for "She Got A Friend" along with Juelz Santana. Everybody had a good time at the video shoot and since then, the actual video for the new Gucci Mane song has been released.

The video was directed by Mr. Boomtown like most of Gucci's others. It is great to hear the response that the song "She Got A Friend" received from the community of hip hop. That was not the only new Gucci Mane song, though. There are a lot of tracks that he has released recently including "My Shirt Off," "Photo Shoot," and "I Think I Luv Her." All of his songs seem to gain the most attention by radio stations because he is able to relate well with people.

Everyone who has heard the new music from Gucci Mane, knows that he always makes it with passion and heart. His newer songs have the ability to change your emotional state from one of sadness to one of happiness and excitement. If you haven't had the chance to listen to some of his music, be sure to take the time to check out the instrumentals that he got for "She Got A Friend" and "I Think I Luv Her." They are all catchy new tunes that are very popular among teenagers and are in steady rotation at the clubs. Gucci Mane fans have considered his new music to be among the most timeless pieces of art that have ever been heard.

Hampton teaches people about new Gucci Mane music as well as new Gucci Mane video related-songs.

The Subconscious Mind & Music

Recording artists often use music as a means for self-expression and people listen to music because they usually can identify with what is being expressed.

There is a song that fits any situation, circumstance, and emotion. Music can soothe, calm, and relax. Music can also, depress, anger, and agitate. It all depends on what you're listening to.

Music strikes a chord within us that taps into our emotions. The melody, rhythm, beat, and lyrics create an experience in which we channel our feelings.

The repetition and reiteration of key words and phrases in music helps us to remember songs so that we can sing along, but at the same time it also invokes the power of suggestion, arousing our subconscious mind.

For so many people music is like medicine. A friend of mine refers to music as her "drug of choice."

A proper dose of music can be just what the doctor ordered, but it's important that we take the time to identify the best prescription and dosage for our particular state of mind.

Unlike medicine or prescription drugs, music does not come with direction labels or instructions. We take in music by choice and at our own risk.

Bob was an alcoholic, with low self-esteem, and he was always depressed. His greatest fear was that his wife would leave him and he would be alone. His music prescription of choice was the blues. Bob got drunk every day and sang the blues. If it wasn't blues he didn't want to hear it. One day Bob came home and found he was actually living out his favorite blues songs. His "baby" left him.

Angie lacked self-confidence, she thought that she was over weight and felt unattractive. She loved listening to R&B and Pop. She listened to India Arie and Christina Aguilera every day. The more she listened to her favorite songs "Beautiful" and "Video" the more she became comfortable in her own skin. Angie now feels good about her self and as a result she is doing well in every area of her life.

While we cannot blame music for the circumstances of our lives we can blame ourselves for not listening to music that inspires us to greatness, encourages our heart, or plants meaningful seeds in our subconscious minds.

When we sing along with songs and repeat lyrics over and over, those words have power and become affirmations. Spoken words including singing are powerful. Our words whether we're speaking, singing, or repeating reinforce universal laws such as the law of attraction.

You've heard the saying "you are what you eat." I think the same can be said about music. You are what you listen to.

What a scary thought if your favorite song is "I'm a Flirt" by R. Kelly; there's hope if it's "Everyone Cared" by Nickelback.

If music is like medicine to you, or if it's your drug of choice make sure you are taking the right prescription and the proper dosage.

I take a daily dosage of "Never Give Up" by Tommy Lockhart.

About the author: Marenda Hughes Taylor is Chief Operating Officer of 1st Love Records, a living life abundantly Motivator, and an Internet Business Owner. To contact Marenda or for more information visit: http://myspace.com/marenda

Learn How to Make and Sell Music Online - Become a Professional Now

Learn how to make your own music online, then sell your music online. Join the new revolution of music, learn how and were to start. Make your own brand of music then sell it online. Top well known famous club DJs have made some popular club music making it online with their own computer.

Anyone can do this and if you are into music and would love to learn how then read this article and follow directions on what to do.

Making music on your computer is very easy to do all it takes is building list of beats, dings, dongs and many other tone templates compile the together and then play the tune in real time to here it as it would be played at normal speed. It is child's play really when you learn the instructions on making music online.

Bass-Hunter is one of many well known DJs that have made music online only to have there tunes become very popular world wide, did you know that bass hunter made his famous song "now your gone" online using his computer? Well it is true he did.

Anyone regardless of age, race or aptitude can make music this way it is easy simple and fun to do. You will get addicted to making music this way once you learn how and who is to say your quality tune wont make the charts.

"It could be just as bass-hunter's has"

"amaze your friends and family with your own home made music"

"cheaper and friendlier to owning a set of decks"

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a dj or musician but can not afford the instruments? Well make your dreams of making music online that you can sell, "if it is good enough to be approved", a reality. Many people worldwide are making a small fortune making music with there computers. Now it is your turn to have some fun learning to make excellent tunes online.

Learn more on the free link below...

http://www.squidoo.com/makeandsellmusic

Instrumental Hip-Hop Music

Indian Hip-Hop is a wonderful mixture of conventional Indian musical rudiments with hip hop music. Hip-Hop changed all the dynamics of world music in 1990s. It's a form of music which focuses more on message or lyrics of the song than the music. To understand Indian instrumental Hip-Hop music we will have to look at instrumental and Hip-Hop music separately. Indian instrumental music is a part of the great tradition of Indian classical music. Indian classical music is one of the prime constituent of wonderful Indian heritage. Whereas Hip-Hop originated from Afro-American culture and now it is more of a global phenomenon. The mixing of these two forms of music results in captivating instrumental Hip-Hop music.

Instrumental Hip-Hop music redefined the music scenario to the extent that it is considered as a genre of its own. It is one of the most experimental forms of music. Slowly India is also catching up with this new genre. Instrumental Hip-Hop uses one or more local music with other instruments. For example, Indian instrumental hip-hop music mixes few of the Indian languages with percussion or other Indian instruments like Veena or Sitar and thus comes out a completely new form of music which is soothing to the ears. Other experiment includes using Indian movies songs with numerous instruments.

Indian hip-hop musical segment is still in evolution stage. Though, few of the Indian artists have managed to make a name for themselves on international scale. One of the most popular Indian Hip Hop artists who is credited to carve a niche for himself is Asoka. Basically a solo performer, he has worked with famous rappers as well. Asoka has worked with one of the world's most popular rappers, The Outlawz. Not only that, he has prominently featured in major mix tapes. Other prominent Indian hip-hop artists are Srik, OBB, Sagar, PRX etc.

You can now learn these instrumental songs or sing our favourite graduation songs using the karaoke system. Check our websites for more details.

How to Mix Music - Using Compressors - The Basics

In the mixing stage of music production, there are a variety of hardware that we can use. These hardware generally fall into either processors or effects. A processor is a hardware that takes the complete signal and manipulates it entirely, completely changing the original signal. An effect however, only takes a part of a signal, applies effects to the signal, then returns the effected signal mixed in with the non-effected signal to produce an effected sound.

In general, a compressor is a processor to regulate the dynamics of a musical performance. It's used to create a more consistent and clear sound. And as in any hardware, there are parameters we manipulate to shape and form the sound character that we want. The parameters of a compressor are:

1. Input Gain. This parameter functions to increase the signal coming into the compressor. Because compression is used to regulate dynamics, raising the input gain knob can increase the silent parts of the signal so we can hear it more clearly without raising the loud signals too loud because of the compression that happens. Which brings us to:

2. Threshold. The threshold is the value where the compressors starts kicking in. In digital music production, the loudest signal is 0 dBFS (decibel Full Scale). So for example, if we set the threshold at -24 dBFS, any signal that is louder than that will be compressed and any signal below that will maintain its original dynamics. How much compression happens is determined by the next parameter:

3. Ratio. The ratio determines how much compression happens by using a ratio such as 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1. What the numbers mean is this: for example, a 2:1 ratio means every 2 dB of signal that's higher than the threshold will be decreased to only be as loud as 1 dB. The same for 4:1, every 4 dB of signal higher than the threshold will be decreased to 1 dB (a stronger compression ratio). Combining threshold and ratio, if the threshold is set at -24 dBFS and a signal peaks at -16 dBFS, with a ratio of 4:1 the signal will be compressed to peak at -22 dBFS instead.

4. Attack. Attack determines how fast the compressor reacts to a signal that crosses above the threshold. Attack is usually determined in milliseconds. For example, a fast attack setting would be around 5 ms: meaning, 5 ms after a signal crosses the threshold the compressor starts to compress the signal. An example of a long attack setting would be 100 ms. The fast and long attack settings determine the character of the transients (or the very early part of an audio signal): fast attack settings mean the transients get compressed also, while long attack settings mean the transient is allowed through while the body of the signal gets compressed. Transients are usually preserved for percussive instruments, such as the early "snap" of a snare.

5. Release. Release is the opposite of attack, and it determines how long the compressor maintains the gain reduction achieved after the signal returns to a level below the threshold. A short release means the gain reduction is let go immediately after the signal drops below the threshold while a long release means the gain reduction stays longer even though the signal is no longer above the threshold. For example, a longer release is usually used to maintain a sustained sound for the decay of a bass guitar.

6. Output Gain. The complement to input gain, output gain (or sometimes make up gain) is used to bring the audio signal back to it's level in the mix after compression. Usually we want to use compression to even out the sound, but not make the sound smaller in the mix. That's when we use the output gain to bring the level back to before compression.

Depending on the hardware or software plug-in that you use, the compressor might have more or less parameters than the four above (there are even compressors that are designed only with a single knob!). Such parameters might include high frequency or low frequency cut, a gain reduction meter, or others. Since each hardware of software has it's own design and characters, the most important quality a sound engineer or mixing musician can have is the spirit of experiment! You never know until you hear it used in the mix.

Hopefully this article can help you to use compression better to make better mixes of your music.

To your compression excitement,
Endy

Endy Daniyanto is a music production teacher who produces his own music from the comfort of his modest home studio. Read more music production tutorials on his website:
http://music.endydaniyanto.net/ezine

Exciting New Female Pop Music Artists - Where to Find Them First

Although we should be seeing great new male artists popping up here and there, and boyband fans will always remain boyband fans, from where I'm looking, female music artists are destined for both topping charts and pushing the boundaries of pop music this year!

Take a look at the scene for female music artists right now - the likes of Taylor swift, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, all solo females, completely eclipsing any group or male act, and delivering some of the edgiest and punchiest new pop music around.

But who to watch for hot new songs?

A queue of other talented female pop music artists are ready to take the stage in 2010 - you will have heard vibrant and fun tracks from Ke$ha, whilst the well known first ladies of pop are dominating peoples playlists once again.

Can anyone honestly tell me they didn't like Beyonce's completely new image, and the way feisty alter-ego Sasha Fierce really came through in her music?

Madonna has once again taken the pop world by storm, increasing the attention on female pop music artists by pairing forces with the infamous Britney - who is said to be releasing some new material this March!

So - you've been watching and listening to the proof for a little while now - female pop music artists are the ones to keep your eye on if you want to be the first to hear brand new pop music.

But if you're a real pop lover, and want to support the ladies in climbing up the music charts, why not go a little bit further to make sure you're the first person in the know about who the next female music artists at the top will be before they even get there - use what is infront of you, the internet!

How do I get my hands on their albums first?

A simple Google search for new female pop music artists, or a browse around Myspace is all that's required for you to discover, listen to - and even contact - exciting new up and coming talent in the pop industry.

This is a great way to do it, and my personal favourite - purely because when your friends are listening to their songs on the radio, you will have already had a few personal chats with the new favourite female. Trust me, it's a good feeling!

There's one tricky side to this - because there is such a vast amount to look through, and so many tracks to listen to, it can be quite hard to stumble on some real, quality stuff from new female music artists you instantly fall in love with without spending quite a bit of time trawling through the rest. But once you know where you should be clicking, it's worth it.

The great thing is, a lot of newer less well known new female artists are more than happy to share their songs with you and even talk to you direct about the latest goings on, gigs, and release dates.

Plus, you can more often than not get your hands on some free prerelease material in the form of a track sent in an email, or downloadable through most new female music artists' personal sites!

That's right, they personally give you exclusive prerelease material just for being nice.

Emma the author is a bit of a pop fanatic herself, and always a lover of being able to sing along to today's new hit before her friends have even heard it! So, here are some links to guide you in your search for tomorrows next hit from upcoming female music talent:

Classic Pop Lovers: This New female pop music artist Lindsey Thompson is distinctly different, but of singing along to powerful melodies and finding songs you can instantly relate to is what you love about pop, you'll like her! You can contact her direct to ask about her songs on her site.

Something A Bit Different: If you like something a bit more edgy, try the heiress of new indie pop music, Ziggiville. She's hit the new female music artists from a new angle and and isn't quite Taylor Swift, but the punky take on pop rock will leave you resting assured that new female pop music artists will continue to dominate for a while to come yet!

Classic Italian Music - Who Are Some of the Composers?

The origins of music on the Italian Peninsula have been discovered back to the music of Ancient Rome. However, the foundations of practically modern and classic Italian music arrived from the Middle Ages. Italy was the region of various important musical developments in the growth of the Christian liturgies in the West. The most primitive existent music in the West is plainsong, a type of monophonic, solo, early Christian singing executed by the Roman Catholic monks, which was chiefly developed approximately between the seventh and twelfth centuries.

Roughly, in the year 1335, the Rossi Codex that was the earliest existent collection of Italian secular polyphony, enclosed the examples of autochthonic Italian genres of the Trecento that includes early ballate, cacce, and madrigals. The Ivrea Codex (dated about 1360) and the Squarcialupi Codex (dated about 1410) were the leading sources of advanced Trecento music that includes the music of Francesco Landini, who was the renowned blind composer. All around the 15th century, Italy got into a slow period in domestic composition, with the exclusion of a couple of bright lights such as the anthologist and performer Leonardo Giustinian.

During the 16th century, Italy reached the advent of published polyphonic music and improvements in the instrumental music, which had been distributed globally as music feature of the Renaissance. The period 1600-1750 comprehends the musical Baroque. During this period, the keyboard was modified, and the creation of stringed musical instruments by Antonio Stradivari developed a great business in Cremona. The extraordinary opera houses La Scala and the San Carlo Theater were constructed respectively in Milan and Naples.

Opera arose in Italy in the late 1500s. In the following centuries, the traditions of opera modernized in Naples and Venice. During this period, the operas of Alessandro Scarlatti, Claudio Monteverdi, Gaetano Donizetti, Gioacchino Rossini, and Vincenzo Bellini grew vigorously. Opera has stayed on the musical form that most closely associated with Italian music and identity.

Italy has a retentive chronicle of music for the Roman Catholic Church. Circa 1800 to 1900 was a century on which a more entertaining, operatic, and renowned type of church music was found out. Italian contributions to the ballet are less recognized and appreciated than in other fields of classical music.

The most noteworthy features of classic Italian music were developed in the 19th century that distinguished it from the developments of music elsewhere in the world. All substantial Italian composers of this century wrote opera virtually to the exception of other forms of music, such as the symphony.

During 19th century, the renowned example of Italian ballet is likely Excelsior -music directed by Romualdo Marenco and choreographed by Luigi Manzotti. It was composed in the year 1881; however, it is still being performed (recently staged in the year 2002). Classical Italian music grew gradually into the mid-20th century.

Veronica Valentine is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about

classic Italian music [http://musictosooththesoul.info/classic-italian-music-%e2%80%93-who-are-some-of-the-composers], please visit

Music to Sooth the Soul [http://musictosooththesoul.info] for current articles and discussions.

Why the Last Generation of Music is Better Than This Generation

I try my hardest to be open minded to new music. It's not always easy as I grow older though. I always thought I would stay open minded to new music. A lot of people gripe and complain about the new stuff.

I'm talking about how our parents don't like our music. Their parents don't like their music and so on. What makes music such a sticky thing for each generation?

As I said, I always told myself I wouldn't be like that and that I would embrace and grow with the popular music trends. Which I do to a certain degree. But I don't enjoy it like I do the music I grew up with.

Why do you think that is? Why is it that, even though I set out to be open minded, I don't really like the new music (I like some of it obviously but for the most part...)? What's so special to me about my favorite music? And what's so special about today's music to today's generation? What's so special about the music my parents listen to?

I have somewhat of a theory on this. And it may explain why each generation has particular type of music that they get their kicks on.

Growing up through the teen years is an extremely influential part of our life. That is when we are finding ourselves and really developing our personality to what it will be. It's also the time for most people to let loose and have fun.

Most of our well remembered memories are from being a teenager and school. It's a huge turning point in our lives. And a very hectic one at times.

I think this part of our lives is influenced by a lot of factors. Including music. The music we listen to in this period of time is attached to some extremely strong memories.

As a teenager we go through some tough times and serious changes. And I think music has a huge effect on us. Either because of being able to relate to the songs or that it was something that you liked and was around at that particular time.

These songs are attached to our memories and feelings. And when we listen to them again, it's a bit of a flashback. Back to the good times and harsh lessons we learned. Music is an integral part of growing as a person.

So as you get older, and you listen to the next generation's music, you don't fully relate to it. And I think that's why we are attached to our own music. The music reflects the times and feelings in us from that particular time.

So it's hard to relate to the new music unless it's familiar in some way. But it will implant into the new generation that listens to it on a regular basis. Just like ours did with us.

Now I'm not saying that I don't like any of the new music. On the contrary there are a lot of really good bands and groups out these days. And I love discovering new music.

But I don't get the same thrill and feel listening to the new stuff as I do when I listen to my favorite band. Or the music I listened to growing up. And I think that just has a lot to do with what we were going through at the time. Music is attached to our memories. I think that's what makes it so powerful.

Who is this Christopher fellow? A passionate writer and always striving to help others. http://whoischrisanderson.com is a great place to learn more about him and his writing services. He is also an avid blogger and is the creator of The Online Marketing Vault. The OMV is a vault of resources for online marketers and is always growing: http://www.online-marketing-vault.com