DAIMLER AG - Mixed Tape, the free download platform offered by Mercedes-Benz, acts as a springboard for the very best newcomers on the international music scene, providing music fans around the world with specially selected sounds and fantastic beats. In ten years of activity, the platform has launched almost 600 hand-picked tracks to its enthusiastic fans. More than 40 million downloads and some 100,000 Facebook fans are testimony to its success and have earned Mercedes-Benz the particular respect of young music lovers and progressive music channels. The 50th release continues this tradition, with an impressive compilation of trendsetting music. The cover art for the anniversary compilation has been created for Mixed Tape by New York artist Craig Redman / Darcel Disappoints.
With no wish to be pigeonholed in any specific genre: from hip-hop and glitch pop to the more fragile folk music, jazzy soul, piano jamming, indie rock or electrifying electronica – everything is allowed; all that matters is that the sound is right. This current, 50th compilation concentrates on the sounds of the future and the most promising up-and-coming talents in the field. The line-up on Mixed Tape #50 includes, for example, folk rock from the New York band Steady Sun, powerful soul from the "German Adele", Miu, electronic music by the German producer Kurare, French trip-hop with Kognitif, indie pop from the Canadian group Paradise Animals, alternative folk music from Ireland with Red Sails, a little wild west blues from England's New Desert Blues, tropical dreamwave sounds from Young Hare and dream pop from the American band Vows, along with energetic indie rock from the band The Sea Life, all the way from Washington, D.C.. This multi-faceted compilation is available for listening or download http://mb.mercedes-benz.com/en/ . Further information about all the artists behind the compilation is also available there.
Each Mixed Tape compilation features specially commissioned cover art by a particular artist. For this 50th release the commission was awarded to New York artist Craig Redman / Darcel Disappoints: his instantly recognisable cartoon cyclops figure has become a popular character all over the world and, following appearances in galleries and on posters and buildings, can now also be seen on this latest compilation cover.
On the scene – and always one step ahead – since 2004
In search of those talents who will influence the music scene of the future, the Mixed Tape editorial team is constantly following up on international blogs, live stage performances, radio channels, magazines and tip-offs from those in the know to hunt out the bands, songwriters and producers who are introducing new ideas and sounds to the world of music. This process also gives rise to features such as the in-depth reports and interviews that appear regularly in the lifestyle magazine mb! by Mercedes-Benz, taking a close look at the lives and creative processes of the artists involved.
Mixed Tape milestones
Ever since the platform was first created, Mixed Tape has acted as a springboard to an international career in music. Artists featured in the compilations have made it to the top of the charts, or won awards such as the Grammy. In addition, some of the tracks have since been produced for international stars such as Nelly Furtado and Destiny's Child, while various artists have appeared alongside stars such as Lauryn Hill or Stevie Wonder. On average, one artist from each Mixed Tape release goes on to sign a recording contract.
Playlist for Mixed Tape #50
Track title/ Artist
1. Coastal Lines feat. Allie Hughes / Paradise Animals
2. Lover/ Young Hare
3. Nocturnal / The Sea Life
4. Unreal Love / Vows
5. Sure Enough / Red Sails
6. Turn Around / Miu
7. Rocket Trip / Kognitif
8. Just A Place/ Kurare feat. Theo Steuernagel
9. Actress / Steady Sun
10. Donnie / New Desert Blues