Mix CD Etiquette: Just a 'Thanks' or Something More?

Make the Perfect Mix

I read an article from NPR recently that I found to be very thought provoking, as up until right after I graduated high school, I was a “mix” kid; mix tapes and CDs that is. The article asked, “What is mix CD etiquette?” I never actually considered that even though growing up it was one of my favorite past times.

NPR nailed it; it’s “an art form like any other.” CD mixing was a task I did not take lightly and something I spent a large amount of time doing, usually when I should have been focusing on something else. Making mixes for my friends was enjoyable and rewarding. Every time I passed one of my mixes along I couldn’t wait to hear how my friend felt about it. Of course as I painstakingly spent time over each one, oftentimes I’d only get the, “it’s cool” response. This was difficult for me at times as I wanted it considered in the same way that I put it together. Alas, that just wasn’t feasible; I guess that’s a good sign as to why I work in the music industry and the majority of my friends do not.

NPR put it well, “It’s important, with mixes, to remember that you’re giving a gift and not a homework assignment.”

Which is very true. At some point you just have to hope that you give your perfect mix to that one person who will appreciate it the way you do. But if they don’t, they don’t, and there’s nothing you can really do to try to drive up their interest if it’s just not their thing or they honestly just don’t care very much.

However, there is a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. Because what is even more awesome than giving a mix CD? Receiving one. I had a friend in college that typically made me a mix CD each month. At a time when I’d basically moved onto iPod and streaming playlists, it was exciting to have that feeling of nostalgia again. The physical aspect of having a mix CD really gives a reason to hold on to a piece of the past. Especially because PwC just reported that the CD is most likely dead to it’s sharp decrease and is most likely never coming back.

To answer NPR’s question, “When you make someone a mix, what do they owe you?” In my opinion, really nothing but a thank you… And hopefully to listen to it. It’s unlikely that the receiver will ever have the exact passion you had for the mix as you were putting it together. But if you’re lucky, they’ll appreciate not only the mix itself, but also the time and effort you took to put into it.