Although better known in the world of hip hop, the mixtape (or mixcd as appropriate), is a great tool for additional promotion to create a fan base or maintain your current fan base. A mixtape can be a way to keep the public's attention when you or your band are on tour or between albums. It can also be a great way to use all of that material that was recorded but didn't make it to the album.
Instructions
1. Gather a selection of songs that will not be put on any albums. You want your material to be original and not just a remixed version of your album. Some artists/bands have to record material for a mixtape. That's perfectly acceptable to do but it will make the process take a little longer, however if you have the time then record away!
2. Find a really good DJ. A good mixtape not only features original songs but a talented DJ. You can find someone who does a lot of scratching and mixing of the music or someone who enjoys talking over the music. Do some research here. Make sure you find a DJ that will best represent your music style and taste.
3. Work with the DJ to put the songs in the best order. You should have a basic idea about how you want your mixtape to flow but be open to hearing the DJ's suggestions. DJs tend to have musical insight that an artist or band won't. The pairing of your creative ideas about the mixtape with the DJ's can be a great combination.
4. Stand back and let the DJ do his/her thing. If you followed steps 1 and 2 properly, you should really like the DJ that is doing your mixtape. Let the DJ do what you brought them on board to do.
5. Take the mixtape to a studio and let your professional and trustworthy audio engineer clean it up. It doesn't have to sound like an album but it should be clear and crisp. The sound levels should balance throughout the mixtape. A good audio engineer will know make your product the best it can be. This is for your fans so don't give them something that doesn't have good sound quality.
6. Call up the talented artist or graphic designer. Get them to make you a really cool cover for your mixtape. It may be good to let the cover designer hear some of the music on your mixtape. It will help with the inspiration behind the cover art. Work with the cover designer to get exactly what you think would best represent your project.
7. Take your finished project to a cd duplication company and get at least 1000 copies printed up. You can either sell your mixtape or give it away. It's up to you.
