Mix Theory
Charis Huling
Playlists are a cultural phenomenon. Making a collection of songs that feels right together and creates a mood — what could be more powerful? The original High Fidelity (2001) discusses the significance of mixtapes while the reboot modernizes the story through playlists: “Making a playlist is a delicate art. It’s like writing a love letter, but better in a way. You get to use someone else’s poetry to express how you feel.” Someone might not have the words to say, but playlists have the power to take on a voice of their own. It’s knowing someone in a different way, pinpointing their preferences and the way they think. It’s a form of intimacy unmatched by anything else.
Mix Theory is a project that invites people to submit playlists, which are then curated according to different moods ranging from broad to hyper-specific. Through each collection, it is possible to see a small microcosm of the music people turn to when they feel a certain way. The Internet is an archive in itself and with a website, it is possible to collect these playlists as an archive of its own. By creating a zine to accompany the website, those listening online can read simultaneously, understanding the effort that goes into each playlist while also approaching the subject matter through a more personal perspective. Drawing on late ’70s post-punk aesthetics and the DIY punk ethos, Mix Theory highlights the universality of playlists as a lasting cultural form.