How Do You Make Mixtapes?
I've been realizing more and more that mixtapes can be very visual for me. It's probably why I like physical media so much, why I collect records, why I've been making actual cassette copies of all of these mixtapes. I have an image in my head of what the mixtape conveys, and the artwork is at least a small expression of that.
I think a lot about the person who helps someone like Quentin Tarantino (in his case, Mary Ramos) dig for the perfect song for a movie soundtrack. That seems like a really cool gig. How do you get that gig? I think I'd be good at it. Mary, if you're reading this... can I apprentice with you?
Would love to hear how y'all approach crafting the perfect mixtape! Drop me a line!
I'll be making two physical copies of August's mix, Heatstruck Heart, once we're allowed to leave our apartments. Hit me up, as always, if you want it. <3
Heatstruck Heart
Created for neon highways.
Y'all ever seen Drive, lol? That movie had its sound figured out.
I heard Neon Indian's "Fallout", a perfect song, and felt like it could slide seamlessly into that soundtrack's aesthetic. It's such a glossy, chrome, neon type of sound. It's warm and breezy and dark but not particularly menacing. I've wanted to build a mix around that song for years.
So I did.
You'll notice some artist crossover with the actual soundtrack. Some of that was intentional. Some of it was purely an accident.
I really love this mix. It's cheerier than the aforementioned soundtrack, because it's not about murder sprees, I guess. But I think it does a good job underscoring that feeling of driving along under those retro-future neon displays we love so much.
Love you all. Hope you enjoy!
Join Me: Support Artists On The Next Bandcamp Friday
Bandcamp has been doing this incredible thing to support artists during COVID: they've been forgoing their normal share of profits from sales on their site the first Friday of every month.
Bandcamp is already one of the best ways you can support an artist, because they don't have to work around Apple or Spotify etc's predatory profit margin and other gross music industry practices. But putting the full profits into the pockets of the artists who depend on the site to stay afloat is wonderful.
I've picked up some great stuff, and you should definitely consider it the next time it rolls around (already confirmed thru the rest of the year!). That's Friday, September 4th.
Listen to one of my favorite recent buys: Kevin Krauter's Full Hand.
RIYL: supporting artists you love in a deeply impactful way
Read Bandcamp's Update on Bandcamp Fridays.
Other Records on Bandcamp I Love
(that you might love too!)
Brother Theotis Taylor's Brother Theotis Taylor - The song "Somebody's Gone" has been stuck in my head from the moment I heard it first, 8 years ago. Mississippi Records just put out this collection of his music, and it's absolutely heavenly.
Kiko Dinucci's Rastilho - Kiko's a Brazilian musician. Can you believe I'm writing about Brazilian music again? You should. This album is excellent, and my buddy Diego (whom I met while in São Paulo via my wonderful friends down there) hipped me to his old band Metá Metá. It's all good, gang.
Altin Gün's Gece - Turkish psych-rock from Amsterdam. Just an absolute "fuck yes" from me, folks.
Phoebe Bridgers's Punisher - I mean, get out from beneath that rock you're living under and listen to Phoebe Bridgers already. Jesus.