See It Through

When I began compiling songs for my Winter Mix-Tapes this year I had no idea I would be creating a set. In the end there were just too many songs that I truly love and I couldn't bring myself to edit some of them out. There were also quite a few "sad-bastard" songs and I really didn't want my it to sound like one big pity party. Creating three separate mixes allowed me to break up some of the heavier tracks while ensuring that I didn't have to shelve anything until I break out my razor blades heavy coat again next year. That said, this playlist definitely contains some of the more weighted tracks of the three.

StereoType Winter Mix-Tape Vol. 3 :

Wait It Out

This playlist came together easier than either of the others. Sort of. It was the last to be assembled and I went back and forth on whether or not to make it a "Holiday" themed mix. In the end I felt like the beautifully sad songs that rest as the backbone of the mix didn't mesh well with the happy, "let's all celebrate" sound of the traditional Holiday tracks and I ended up giving them a home all their own. After removing all the traditionally festive tracks I was left with five or so songs I knew had to be on the list. I quickly went to work combing through my music library to find songs to flush out the rest of the playlist, determined to create something of substance and not just those five original tracks and a bunch of "filler."

When I had finished with the initial selection process and began to actually compile the final playlist I was so pleasantly surprised by how little work I actually had to do. Most of the tracks made it on the mix in the order in which they were added originally. Usually it takes me several hours (read: days weeks) to get them all in just the right order. It was great, but still missing something. That one song I usually reserve for the number seven slot. My favorite of the mix. It wasn't until I got to spend some time with my wonderful friend Daniel that I was fortunate to have the song fall into my lap. In truth I've been stealing tracks from him for years but this time I decided it bears mentioning as this particular track perfectly completes the album. So thank you, Daniel, I truly love that song. Since I'm being so generous, I should probably mention that another friend, Miguel, suggested two tracks that I used and absolutely love as well.

So that's it. The not so short story of how this mix came to be and the people who helped me create it. I hope you enjoy it.

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My friend Daniel's site: Not Indie Enough For You. He doesn't update often, but when he does it's oh so very good.

Release The Hounds.

The second volume in my Winter Mix-Tape set was actually the first to be compiled. One of the things I struggle with when trying to compile mixes in the colder months is my tendency to make them sound like a break up letter or worse, suicide notes. Now, admittedly I get a little down when the skies turn grey and there is no green anywhere around me, but to listen to my first several attempts at Winter mixes would have you thinking I'm clinically depressed.

This year I desperately wanted to create mixes that, although have a base theme of my feelings in the Winter time, could be listend to throughout the year without bringing me down. But How?

StereoType Winter Mix-Tape Vol. 2 :

The Hunt

Then I remembered the piano cover version of the bouncy, pop confection that is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" that Greg Laswell put out a couple of years ago. Talk about a re-imagining. He took one of the most bubbly, bright pop songs I can think of and turned it into something that is both absolutely beautiful and incredibly somber. That's exactly what I needed. There were several songs in my collection that fit the bill perfectly. Interspersed with some wonderful new tracks that have a bit of a darker tinge and this mix came together quite easily. It's a blend of gorgeous, heart-string plucking acoustic tunes with silky, seductive electro. There's dirty, guitar driven alternative inter-laced with dark and biting trip-hop. Pulsing, relentless remixes juxtaposed by effortless, ghostly covers. It is both romantic and heart-breaking. Beautiful and dangerous. Both predator and prey. I'm so very much in love with this mix. I hope you will be, too. Enjoy.

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Deep Breaths

Winter's at full pace and I'm doing all I can to ward off the inevitable sadness I always seem to feel around this time of year. At least the Winter gives me the opportunity to funnel some of that sadness into mixes of gorgeous music I can't bring myself to listen to during other times in the year. Inspired by three images I found I decided to create a set of mixes for Winter much like I do for the Summer months. I hope you love them like I love them. Like a cozy blanket. Like the warm sun shining on my face as I look at the barren trees through my window. Like the hug you desperately needed but didn't have to ask for.

StereoType Winter Mix-Tape Vol. 1 :

Awake

The first in the trio is actually the second mix I had complete. I decided to release it first because it's of a slightly brighter feeling than perhaps the others. I tried to keep some of the heavier stuff in check with a bit of optimism. By using a remix of a particularly weighted song or pairing a darker track with something that has a nice bounce to it. All in all I hoped to achieve something that has some mass to it but doesn't feel like a backpack full of lead. Like a long, deep breath of cold winter air through your nostrils. Something to wake you up. Remind you you're alive.


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Vol. 2 Coming Very Soon.

Hark!

It's been 3 years since I last produced a Holiday mix and honestly I could stand to wait a little longer. I'm not big on Holiday music and considering the place I work has been playing it since the day after Thanksgiving this mix-tape almost didn't happen at all. I think it's the repetition that I don't care for. The fact that there are only so many Christmas songs out there being covered and covered with little variation really seems to bother me. (Meanwhile I just found my new favorite song last night and downloaded it, 6 remixes and a cover, so maybe that argument doesn't really hold water.)

Somehow I managed to find some fresh Holiday themed (and a few not so) songs, along with some repeats that I really do like and put them all together for your enjoyment. Because lord knows I won't be breaking any of these songs out again for at least 3 more years. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday and that you know you are loved.

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