Muxtape is back! Well, at least in name and design. After encountering the wrath of the RIAA last August, the first model — a music playlist site where users could upload mp3s of any artist their hearts' desired — has been retired for good (sigh). This time around Muxtape returns as a so-called "White-Label MySpace" where bands can self-promote by uploading their own songs. And while this change may take some getting used to, it's one that I can definitely see paying off especially with the help of a young, hip following.

For fans of version 1.0 who were still mourning the loss (Wired called it "the most heartbreaking death" of the year), the Mux revival is cause for celebration regardless of the tweaks to its business model. The look (clean lines, primary colors, lots of Helvetica) and feel (indie-centric– the first 12 artists showcased for the test stage include indie powerhouse bands like Of Montreal and Girl Talk) of the site have remained the same. And though the musical options are currently limited to the Pitchfork Media universe, the fact that they are big names in that world is promising of what's to come. This is more than enough to keep former followers tuned in and spreading the word.

So, what does this mean for MySpace Music? If Muxtape takes off with indie bands and fans, who were alienated when MySpace Music launched promoting major label artists, it could spell trouble.

P.S. A quick question for Ypulse readers: what comes next in the way of music recommendation sites for youth? It seemed like the old Muxtape was Gen Y's answer to Pandora and Last.fm, which never really took off with the under-30 crowd. Will the iTunes Genius feature pick up where Muxtape left off? Leave your thoughts in comments.

Categorized under: Movies & Music

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