There are almost as many reasons to make a mixtape as there are mixtapes in existence. Likewise, there are as many ways to go about making a mixtape as there are people making them.

Many people have silly ideas about what must and must not go into the making of a proper mixtape. For instance, I have a friend who swears that every track list should be concluded with “Asleep” by The Smiths, á la The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Of course, I personally consider this to be utter nonsense, but he considers it a steadfast rule. I've yet another friend who feels it of the utmost importance that all mixes, especially ones which are meant to be a love letter of sorts, must include at least one Manuwar song somewhere ‘round the middle. As far as presentation is concerned, some insist on handmade track list leaflets, whereas others feel using the track list card and numbered stickers provided is sufficient. The advice I will offer about mixtape making in this, the second instalment in a three-part study in Mixtapeology, is not meant to infer it is the only way, but rather to set some guidelines for effective mixtape creation and listening.

Considering a theme is very important in the making of a mixtape. It doesn't have to be exacting, even a broad general theme will give a sense of direction to a tape. A good example of a precise theme would be a mixtape with songs all containing one certain word, like sun or dog. Broader themes are often easier to accommodate though, such as all songs about love or only songs with female vocalists. One of the most challenging themes for a mixtape is songs that have some sort of connection to the next track. For example, if one were to place “Danger: High Voltage” by The Electric6 followed by “Stop Breaking Down” by The White Stripes followed by “Devil In My Kitchen” by Robert Johnson the connection would be as follows: Jack White of the White Stripes sings back up vocals on “Danger High Voltage” and “Stop Breaking Down” was originally written and recorded by Robert Johnson. This theme can make a pretty cool tape, but is can also be a tad difficult to execute. More on point, a mixtape with a well-chosen theme will appear less chaotic than one without a theme and will often exhibit an unplanned but harmonious flow. Flow, you see, will make, or break, your mixtape.

The flow of any given tape can go in any number of directions. As in all art, opposites of the same spectrum will usually work as effectively as the other. Symmetry can be just as successful as asymmetry, order as effective as disorder. However, it is best to steer clear of jarring changes in tone, but rather change the mood gradually. Similarly, following a set of three of Kenny G's greatest hits by a live number by Gwar, although somewhat ironic in construction, will inevitably only lead to confusion. (As an aside, though I am not wholly opposed to it as I've seen it done well, putting more than one track by a particular band defeats the point of the tape being a mix and should therefore be avoided) Also remember, you have two whole sides to work with. Your listener actually has to stop the tape and flip it over, so it is not a necessity that the mixtape be thought of in its entirety. So, if you're on the fence about the mixtape's direction, you can always create a two-in-one hybrid.

After theme and flow comes presentation. There are two main schools of thought about the documentation of the track list; namely, to have one, or not to have one. I say it depends on the reason behind the making of the mixtape. For instance, if your mixtape is a weapon in the ever-ending battle for love, avoid the track list. This will open up lines of conversation between you and your sweetheart — they will want to know who recorded track two on side B. If you are passing along a mixtape of new music to a casual friend, however, it is polite to provide a track list so they can explore a band on the tape further.

Most blank tapes include a track list card for you, but those who have huge or illegible handwriting may opt for making their own. Again, it really is dependent on the reason for making it. If you are trying desperately to impress the cute girl in your physics class with your mixtape of loosely hidden love songs, make a collage insert out of back-issue National Geographic magazines and type the track list with your vintage Remington.

Another key to a good mixtape is etiquette. Proper etiquette of Mixtapeology is sordid and dependent heavily on whom you are asking, but there are few things that need to be addressed. Firstly, if the mixtape includes a track listing, it should be legible and include at least the song title and the artist's name, though providing the name of the album you recorded it from and the song length are nice touches.

Secondly, if you are given a mixtape, try not to read too heavily into a deep, unsaid meaning — this will often result in misinterpretation and heartache. In the same way, if you are making someone a mixtape, try not to insert too much of a deep, unsaid meaning for the same reasons cited above.

It is often assumed that the giving a mixtape requires that the gesture be reciprocated, but this notion is simply untrue; no one should give merely to receive. Having said this, a constant exchange of mixtapes amongst a group of people will result in a healthy and broadening scope of different artists and genres that is somewhat reminiscent of a Baconian search for knowledge and therefore is greatly encouraged. Another important bit of mixtape etiquette to note is making sure that the recipient of your mixtape has the technology available to listen to the tape you've made them. Not everyone cherishes the audiocassette as much as they should, and therefore, the tape player has sadly become a dying species.

All etiquette, presentation and mixtape flow aside, the true significance of mixtape making is that they are all created with the same goal; specifically, the sharing of music, and thusly, the sharing of ideas. If there is too much emphasis on the literal construction of the mixtape, the whole point of it is lost. It is of no particular importance, really, how it is made, but rather just that it is made and shared.

Join the mixtape revolution: cool.tapes.revolution@gmail.com