I recall a debate on Facebook recently, I think started by DJ Mr cSp, regarding whether the inclusion of a track list with your mix is a good or bad thing.
Personally, I always include a track list, I guess it’s force of habit from the years of having to document my radio show playlists.
My argument for the inclusion is as follows:
Every week I get producers and labels who I have no relationship with contacting me to say thanks for playing their new music on my radio show. I also get people thanking me for helping them find a tune they have been after for months when they hear it in one of my (currently elusive) DJ mixes.
Every week new producers and labels are constantly Googling themselves to see who is supporting them, but more importantly to look for illegal downloads of their tracks. If your name/mix pops up during this search it may turn someone onto you who will get in touch to say thanks for the support (providing you aren’t playing a track you shouldn’t have, of course !!) or even add you to their mailing list.
Without a track list some people won’t listen to a mix and yes, there is the sad factor that some people won’t listen to a mix if the playlist doesn’t inspire them to, although they may miss out on a cracking piece of audio wizardry.
This blog is inspired by a new mix I am checking out by Dylan.. check it here.. it has some nice tunes on that all sound familiar but the names of some escape me. There is no track list. This means that I am less inclined to immediately buy a tune I like if it means I have to ask for the information. You may think this is a little lazy or extreme, but you would be surprised just how lazy people are ! I also would be interested to know who did the edit of the Gregory Porter, the fact that I have direct access to Dylan means I can find this easily, others might not be so successful !
Just thought I’d chuck that out there.
What’s your preference… Track listing or not ? Why ?