Do mixtapes count as albums?
The short version is: Mixtapes in today’s music industry are basically a compilation of songs, whereas an album is *typically* a higher quality, more structured story.
What qualifies as a mixtape?
A mixtape (alternatively mix-tape, mix tape or mixed tape) is a compilation of music, typically from multiple sources, recorded onto a medium. With origins in the 1980s, the term normally describes a homemade compilation of music onto a cassette tape, CD, or digital playlist.
Why do artists release mixtapes instead of albums?
Dan” Dan—one of three producers who make up Pittsburgh-based music production and engineering squad ID Labs—record labels will often declare full-length releases as a ‘mixtapes’ or ‘compilations’ to avoid fully compensating the producers who worked on the project.
Why do artists drop mixtapes?
Artists would often drop mixtapes between projects to hold fans over and showcase some new sounds. As those smaller-scale releases have become less popular, artists are continuing to search for a new sandbox. Single releases are the first option that comes to mind.
Why is a mixtape not an album?
When it comes to production, what’s the difference between a mixtape and an album? A mixtape is free, easy to distribute, and is used to gain buzz around an artist or even an upcoming album release. An album is more polished and produced in a way to monetize directly from the singles released.
Why do artist drop mixtapes?
Can mixtapes have samples?
Some individuals believe that uncredited sampling in a hip-hop mixtape is fair use because it’s non-commercial. This is wrong. If you are distributing copies of somebody else’s recording for free, it has the potential to reduce the profits of the original work. Therefore mixtape artists can’t hide behind fair use.
Is a mixtape an EP?
A Mixtape on the other hand can be an Album or EP (in terms of length), but it is not sold (unless on hard copy — to cover the costs of putting the music on disc). It can never be sold. It is given away to promote the artist(s) and generate a fan base.
Whats the purpose of a mixtape?
They are a way to shake things up for fans and give them something fresh to look forward to. Established artists may release a mixtape just for the sake of their fans or to give audiences a sample of what’s to come as they work on new music.
Can you upload mixtapes to Spotify?
Mixtapes could be submitted to Spotify, but it would be up to the submitting company to firstly gain the permission from all the individual rights holders involved, and then to supply all the relevant rights data. There are dance music compilations on Spotify. Many of these have a last track is a continuous mix.