This week, I need Industry Knowledge From YOU!
Check it out,
So I sit back and observe the Music biz as a whole. I keep an eye on it's ever changing trends, styles, and sales and what not. I especially keep my eye on Hip Hop and The Local Pittsburgh scene (Say412!) and all I see is local artist putting out Mixtapes, Mixtapes, Mixtapes!!! So I'm curious about why independent artists incessantly put out Mixtapes. What is a Mixtape these days? I tried to answer that question myself and started to realize that there are so many definitions. There are Mixtapes where artists record over another national artist's or producer's beats. Then there are Mixtapes that DJ's distribute. Then there are Mixtapes where the music is original, and only one artist is featured, but isn't that an Album? If so, why call it a Mixtape? This list goes on...
My Questions:
1. What is YOUR definition of a Mixtape? And how do you decide whether you are putting out a Mixtape or an Album?
2. Why would an independent artist put out only a Mixtape, and never an Album? Is it more cost effective?
3. Has it become a prerequisite to release a Mixtape before putting out an album? (Almost as if you have to graduate to a spot of releasing albums)
4. Do Mixtape and Albums separate the "boys from the men?"
You tell me...
