B3 · Mixtapes
Making a playlist that tells a story
Beginning, middle and end, just like a good album.
Liner notes by Mina Hollis · 5 min read
Most playlists are piles of songs. The best ones take you somewhere. They build, dip, surprise you and land somewhere different from where they started.
Think in scenes, not songs.
Pick a mood or a moment, like a night drive or a rainy Sunday. Group songs into three acts, watch the tempo and key changes between tracks, and put your boldest song about two-thirds of the way through.
Three-act playlist
- Act 1: set the scene (3–4 songs)
- Act 2: build and surprise (4–6 songs)
- Act 3: land it gently (2–3 songs)
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