Mixtape: meaning, definitions and examples

A 'mixtape' is often used in the context of amateur or underground music culture. It originally referred to a cassette tape of songs typically created by a DJ or an amateur musician, but now it can also be digital. It's often used for showcasing an artist's unreleased tracks or blending different styles of music.

• She gave me a mixtape of her favorite underground rap songs.
• His mixtape gained popularity on SoundCloud.

A 'playlist' is a collection of songs organized by a user for listening in a specific order or on shuffle. Playlists are typically seen in digital music platforms and are usually curated based on themes, moods, or personal preferences.

• I added that song to my workout playlist.
• Her road trip playlist had the perfect mix of old and new songs.

A 'compilation' refers to a collection of songs or tracks brought together from various sources, usually by a producer or a record label. It's often used in a more formal and commercial context to describe albums that feature various artists or the best tracks of a certain genre or period.

• They released a compilation of the greatest hits from the 80s.
• The album is a compilation of jazz classics.

A 'mashup' is a song or composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs. These are usually created by DJs and have a creative and sometimes humorous twist. The term is typically used in the context of electronic music and remix culture.

• The DJ played an amazing mashup of old and new pop hits.
• Her mashup of rock and hip-hop tracks was a hit at the party.