The Eighties Uplift: A Design Mix Tape
Design mixtapes are nothing new. I've seen many creatives produce these and I think it’s fun side project, so I had a think about what my own design mix tape would be.
People who know me know I'm obsessed with a broad range of music from the 70's and 80's; mostly funk, disco, pop and R&B have a big place in my heart.
Whenever I've had a tough day, or a whole day of designing is starting to wear me down I can always rely on some great eighties music to get me through. A lot of music from the 80's has a strong energetic feel to it, even if the context of the song isn't feel good itself.
So I felt like the best mixtape to represent my music tastes would be one with plenty of hot, synthetic 80's beats and cool diva lyrics; introducing The Eighties Uplift! (Vol 1). This is the kinda stuff that keeps my spirits high when I'm designing late.
19 songs: 1 hr 19 min.
Highlights from the mixtape
We are family by Sister Sledge. This song has got some awesome feel good jingles and the overall 'we are family' message gives you feel good vibes. It always made me smile and made me feel like I (and the rest of my team) could get through whatever was challenging us.
“We, no we don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong, oh-no...”
Into the groove by Madonna. As soon as I hear those first few beats I get excited because it reminds me how great and energetic this song is, it's always gave me the energy to push through whatever I'm doing and get excited. I mean it is just a song but it kinda always works. This song always makes me feel...free.
“Only when I'm dancing can I feel this free
At night I lock the doors, where no one else can see
I'm tired of dancing here all by myself
Tonight I want to dance with someone else...”
Twist of fate by Olivia Newton-John. That's the lady from the Grease movie for those who might not know. This song is probably less well known but it's got some great classic 80's sounds, the vocals work well with the music and underneath it all there's a sort of tense-energetic beat. This song always makes me bop in my seat and feel like I can do it. Yeah!
“It's gotta be a strange twist of fate
Telling me that Heaven can wait
Telling me to get it right this time...”
I will survive by Gloria Gaynor. A true classic. This song is one of the kings (or queens) of feel good music. It tells a story of overcoming adversity and always makes me feel a little happier and that I can figure out a way around my current challenge, be it design or personal. Enjoy!
“At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along...”
Let me know if you like it. The great thing about music from any genre or time frame is that there is so much of it you can constantly discover more, so there's a chance their might be a vol.2 in the future!
Hope you're all having a great week!
