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So, there you are, bending over your laptop, working out a niggly bit in a playlist you’re building for an upcoming gig, when the phone rings. You hesitate for a minute wondering if you should just let it go to voice mail. But, at the last second, you figure you need a break, and you pick it up.

At the other end of the line is someone you don’t know asking you to host their mixtape. Huh?

how to host a mixtape

It’s simple, really. You’re a DJ, and you’re a master at introducing songs, adding ad libs, dropping sound effects, mixing tracks, etc. You do that every time you work a gig. That’s what hosting a mixtape is basically all about. You might even run into the odd client who wants your input on cover design.

But, wait … your hosting job’s not quite done yet. If you’re working with artists who create their own original music, they might ask you to do one more thing. They may want you to play their mixtapes at your events. Whether you do or not is entirely up to you. Whether or not you even decide to host their mixtape is also entirely up to you. If you’re not too keen on the artist’s style or music, you may want to think twice about laying your voice down on the tape. Hosting a mixtape isn’t just a job. It’s a marketing opportunity for you. You will be forever associated with that mixtape, so make sure it fits your brand.

it’s all about you

Rather than hosting an artist’s mixtape, maybe what you’re really interested in is creating, hosting and promoting your own mixtapes. Isn’t that what you do every day anyway? Whether it’s mixing other artists’ music in novel ways or adding your own scratch bits and other techniques that maximize audience experience, your mixes should be promoted, too.

where to host

How do you go about promoting your mixtapes? The obvious option is playing them at your own events. But, don’t stop there! Go big. I’ve listed five of the most popular hosting websites here. Whatever you do, don’t try taking it all on yourself. In other words, don’t host your mixes on your own webspace! Save your bandwidth and try these instead:

SoundCloud

This one might be the most popular and well-known of music-hosting sites, but it’s not without its complications. Most recently, SoundCloud enhanced its copyright protection policy. It now uses an automated system that picks out songs (and even parts of songs) that have been used without permission. If you’re interested in placing a mixtape on SoundCloud, make sure you’ve been proactive about settling all music rights.

MixCloud

Want to be in good company? Wired, Barack Obama and TED Talks among others regularly use MixCloud. Though founded in London, England, this service has gone worldwide since its inception in 2008. By all accounts, this site is the one to be on. DJs who have become disillusioned with SoundCloud are turning to MixCloud in droves. You still can’t get away from copyright laws. But, the company is really good about offering strategies to help you expand your listener base. As long as you don’t use too many songs from the same artists in your mix, and you tag your uploads properly, you should find your DJ business quickly growing.

House-Mixes

Unlike the two I mentioned above, House-Mixes doesn’t have any restrictions limiting what and how much you can upload. It offers a networking capability that connects you to other DJs and listeners. House-Mixes has a much smaller community, about 500,000 users. The fact that it’s smaller in comparison to SoundCloud and MixCloud can actually be a good thing. You’re competing for an audience in a smaller market which, if your uploads are really good, can mean the difference between being heard and being buried under the weight of a million other uploads.

MixCrate

Developed by DJs for DJs, MixCrate has become a top world player when it comes to providing DJs with a platform to upload their work and to build a solid DJ community. The company claims to take on all the responsibility for dealing with copyright issues so that DJs can be left to do their thing. Word of warning: always read the fine print. When it comes to legalities, you want to make sure that you fully understand what you’re required to do regardless of what the company claims.

Datpiff

Specializing in a lot of different kinds of music, Datpiff is very popular among DJs who want to upload their mixes and listeners who want to download great music. It offers layered levels of membership. Basically, users who don’t register on the site are allowed only limited access, while premium users have access to lots of free downloads and access to Datpiff’s extensive music collection.

Tell us what your experience with any of these sites has been, and let us know if you’ve got a favorite site where you like to house your mixtapes.