Mixtapes of the Ancients: How People Made Playlists Before Spotify

Before Spotify wrapped your year in shameful pop stats, people had to get creative with how they shared their tunes. The ancient Greeks, for instance, basically invented the power ballad—poetry set to music played on a lyre. It wasn’t exactly Beyoncé, but for its time? Absolute banger. The ancient Greeks used a variety of fascinating instruments and tools to create music, many of which had both cultural and mythological significance. Here's a few of their main musical tools:

Instruments Used by Ancient Greeks

1. Lyre

• A string instrument made from a tortoise shell and animal gut strings, often associated with Apollo.

• Played by plucking strings with a plectrum (early pick).

• Used in poetry recitations, education, and formal events.

2. Kithara

• A larger, more sophisticated version of the lyre.

• Often used by professional musicians.

• Stronger sound; played in public performances, especially competitions.

3. Aulos

• A double-reeded wind instrument, similar to an oboe.

• Played with a strap around the head (called a phorbeia) to support cheek pressure.

• Popular in festivals, dramatic performances, and religious rituals.

4. Panpipes (Syrinx)

• A set of reed or wooden pipes of varying lengths tied together.

• Associated with rustic life and the god Pan.

• Used in folk music and pastoral scenes.

5. Tympanon

• A type of hand drum, similar to a tambourine.

• Played mostly by women during religious rites like those for Dionysus.

6. Krotala and Clappers

• Wooden or metal castanets used for rhythm.

• Used in dances and theatrical performances.

7. Salpinx

• A long brass trumpet used more for military or ceremonial purposes than for melodic music.

In medieval Europe, traveling bards were the original DJs. They’d roll into town with their lutes and perform songs tailored to the local gossip. On their way into your town they might of heard a thing or two about what to expect or what's popular in that particular town. This how they kept up with the trends, and then sang about it. Think of it as “medieval Spotify,” with a side of plague and ale. You couldn’t skip songs, but you could throw a turnip if it sucked. And because there were no Without nosebleed seats you were definitely getting hit..

Folk songs were the mixtapes of peasants and commoners. Imagine the guy waiting around by the New York subway singing songs he wrote waiting to be discovered. That was the vibe except they weren't expecting to get signed by Capitol Records. Music passed down through generations, they chronicled heartbreak, rebellion, and questionable sheep-related lyrics. No two performances were ever quite the same, which was part of the charm—and the confusion.

By the Renaissance, wealthy families started hiring musicians to create live playlists during dinners and social events. Want a breakup anthem? Hire a madrigal group. Madrigal groups are typically composed of singers who perform without instrumental accompaniment (a cappella). It would probably feel like a very aggressive intervention.  Need background vibes for your roast peacock? There's a lute solo for that. Lutes are similar to guitars, like an ugly cousin.

So the next time you curate a playlist for your crush or your cat, just remember: music has always been about sharing your story. Whether it’s a Spotify link or a singing monk on a horse, the heart wants what it wants—preferably with a beat.