Albums, Mixtapes and EPs (Oh My!)

Hola mes amis!

So I admit that I have been watching the music thing for a while.  One thing I have always taken a particular interest into is the difference between the Album, the Mixtape, and the EP.  As I continually work with new clients and continue to watch the music game from the sidelines I have come to several conclusions.  In this post I will share these conclusions and hopefully plant the seed of knowledge…

First off, what is the difference between the three?  An album, by definition is a “collection of recordings issued as a single item”.  Searching mixtape, generally gives the same definition.  The true difference is in who puts it out.  Typically, a single artist will put out an album and a DJ puts out a mixtape.  We all know what an album is so I will focus on the mixtape.  There are three types and one of them is incorrectly labeled.

MixTape 1: The Cheaper Alternative to Flowers.  This is when you give your girl a collection of songs that make you think of her, or that she likes, or that you think she should like, or (of course) songs that will put her in the “proper mood”.  In the 80s they were called MixTapes.  In the 90s they were “Could You Burn These Songs For Me”s and in the Post iTunes World of the Millennium they are most commonly referred to as Playlists.  Personally I would have loved a good Valentines Day Mixtape and I plan on sending my mom a Mother’s Day Mixtape entitled M is for the Many Whoppins That you Gave Me.

MixTape 2: The DJ Showcase. This is where the DJ (of the mixtape variation) compiles songs together blending instrumental and a cappella in new, interesting, and creative ways.  Basically, you know that minute (maybe minute and a half) when you’re at the club and the DJ, if he is good, blends the current song into the next one? And you hear it and you get all excited because you really like the next song and the blend sounds really cool.  It’s that, for a whole hour! BLEND is the key to these particular variations on the mixtape.  The Helpful DJ, could make a name for himself by putting out a Summertime Mixtape featuring local unsigned artist.

MixTape 3: The Street Album. This is where the artist puts together enough music to be considered an album but calls it a mixtape because it sounds cooler (Not So Humble Opinion).  These music compilations may not actually be for sale, some people just give them away in order to get their name out.  Labels call it a Demo, the streets call it a Mixtape.

DJ Skee broke it down perfectly.  He says that a mixtape is “a project that a DJ actually masterminds and controls in an obvious way for the listener”.   Clearly he is a fan of MixTape 2, which makes sense, since he is after all a DJ.

So what about the EP?  The EP or Extended Play Album is less music than an Album but more music than a Single.  Think of it this way, if the single is the Album Sampler, then the EP is the Album Teaser.

T.H.E. Tip#1:

For the purpose of Strategic Music Marketing release all a Single, an EP, and an Album.  Release and promote a single from your album, keeping in mind that you are not Michael Jackson and therefore should not release 8 singles off of a 10-track album.  Beyoncé…I’m talking to you.  If you are in between albums, release an EP containing remixes of the released singles and/or GOOD songs that are not on the album, but will make me excited for it’s soon release. 

Drake warns that the music on your Mixtape (known here as your EP) should not be the music that didn’t make it onto the album.  Your EP is not the dumping ground for bad tracks! Save those for your Post-Death Library Leaks (Michael Jackson…Tupac…Aliyah…).  Again, your EP should be tracks that may not have made it to the album but are of such a caliber that it makes me think, “If this didn’t get on the album then the stuff on the album is 1000x better!  I think I will buy one for everybody!”

If you are not a recognized artist getting radio play, perhaps you should consider submitting your “single” to a mixtape DJ.  Indie Mixtapes are really popular and are a great way for unsigned artists to get their music out there and for newer DJs to make a name for themselves.  The only stipulation…MAKE SURE THAT THE SOUND QUALITY IS GOOD! White noise should be an effect, not an accident!

In conclusion, My Not So Humble Opinion is this: Mixtapes should be done by DJs.  If the term “Album” just seems too White Collar for you then call it a  “Street Album”.  What are your thoughts?  Let me know below!

Por fin!

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The Helpful DJ (Coming Soon)

THE Social Media Beginner’s Guide

Sources and Further Reading:

http://www.xxlmag.com/bloggers/2010/02/mixtapes-vs-street-albums-vs-ep%E2%80%99s-redefinition/2/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Album_(music)

http://rapradar.com/2010/04/26/drake-talks-mixtape-vs-album/

http://www.thebeatjawn.com/2011/06/industry-knowledge-with-akil-esoon-of_23.html

http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape/news_feature_021003/