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Always have your clock radio or transistor tuned to the Top 40 station. This ensures you’re ready to catch The Songs as they air.
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Make sure your tape recorder is primed and ready (don’t forget to check those batteries!). Pro tip: Keep it on record/pause to save time.
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Find the sweet spot for sound levels on your radios and determine the ideal distance between the speaker and the tape recorder. Your goal? Capture the loudest sound possible while still making out the lyrics. Conduct several test runs in various locations.
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Try to avoid running errands with your mom. Staying home increases your chances of catching The Songs when they play.
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Be quick during bathroom breaks. Pro tip: Take care of business during commercials!
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Sure, it’s tempting to jump into the neighbor’s pool, but resist! You can swim once you’ve successfully recorded at least two Songs.
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Regularly check in with friends like Sarah J. and Mark T. to see if they’ve heard any of The Songs lately.
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Keep a dedicated notebook to track song and commercial patterns that may hint at when The Songs will play.
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Start recording as soon as you hear anything that resembles the opening notes of a Song, or if there’s an unusually long pause after a commercial or DJ chatter. It’s better to record a false alarm than to miss a hit.
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If you start recording but realize it’s not one of the Songs, delete it immediately and reset your tape recorder. And yes, check those batteries again!
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When you’re recording, take a moment to visually check that the tape recorder is functioning correctly. Resist the temptation to press the record button again—trust your instincts!
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After a Song ends, wait until the next track begins, the DJ speaks, or a commercial plays before stopping the recording. You can erase unnecessary bits later, but you can never recover that last moment of a Song.
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Maintain a running list of the Songs you’ve recorded. Occasionally fast-forward through your tape to double-check your track list.
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Once your mixtape is finished, grab a new notebook and write down all the lyrics to the Songs. With the ability to rewind, you can finally learn every word and its meaning!
This guide was originally published on April 26, 2015.
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Summary
Crafting the perfect mixtape requires careful planning and execution. From tuning into the right station to timing your bathroom breaks, these 14 tips will help you capture The Songs you love. Remember to keep your equipment ready, maintain a checklist, and enjoy the process of creating your ultimate mixtape masterpiece.