The Subtle Art of Mix-Tapes

I think one of the surest signs of compatibility is a similar taste in music. If you share a favourite song with someone, it is an instant attraction. Why? Because you have both made a connection with that piece of music.

It doesn't have to be a romantic connection, or a deep passion for the artist; just a simple agreement on what good music should sound like.

This connection can come over a simple discussion or in the much more personal and complex form of a mix-tape.

Being presented with a mix is like opening a diary. It is a private revealing of a person's tastes, a window into their life. It is a coded message, written with someone else's words, but framed within your own.

Choosing songs and crafting a mix takes time and thought. You have to think about what the other person likes, but at the same time what you share. It should include music that the intended listener may not have been exposed to. You can include your favourite artist, but you can't rely to heavily on their work alone. You need to include a variety of music styles, genres and tempos. It needs to have a beginning, middle and an end. It needs to be fun, yet endearing. But most importantly, it needs to reflect how you feel. That's the hard part.

No pressure.

Receivers, you need to respect the time it took to create. Give it at least three listens from start to finish before you comment. If you're blown away, you've probably found yourself a keeper. If you're completely confused by the song choices, you're probably on two separate pages. If you're creeped out…yikes! End it.

Mixers, don’t give it all away at the start. Hold back a few tracks. Mystery is sexy.

Hold off on the Ryan Adams tracks...

At least for the first mix.