Quick Questions//Cassette Store Day 2013
We asked the originators
of the upcoming Cassette Store Day a few questions…
What
is Cassette Store Day all about?
It’s a day about
celebrating a format that a surprising number of people still have a passion
for.
The
cassette is an iconic design – yet its use has declined until recently. Why do
you think the cassette is still so recognisable?
I think it’s a format
that we’ve grown up with, and even as use has declined, that image and what it
represents, still holds strong.
What
inspired the initial idea of Cassette Store Day?
Record Store Day. We
(the founders) all run cassette labels and thought we should have a day to
celebrate our chosen format. Even though RSD should be more about the stores, a
lot of the focus is now vinyl and we wanted a day for tapes.
The
cassette is fondly thought of by many – what are the advantages of the cassette
do you think?
They are cheap to
produce so you can be braver as a label. You can put your own spin on the
artwork and get really creative. And they’re super durable.
The
idea of the perfect mixtape is still one that is popular – continuing into the
digital realm. What would be on your perfect mixtape?
It would start with
Brand New – Mixtape.
Which
of the releases celebrating the day do you think encapsulates the idea best?
I think they all do
in their own way! There’s the DIY vibrance of Fucked Up, the romance of Los
Campesinos, and the exclusiveness of the Fair Ohs release.
There
are a number of cassette based micro-labels in existence. Can the cassette
compete with the mp3 or even the CD in the label format and come out
victorious?
It’s not about
competing, that’s not the point of this day. It’s just about adding a little
more validity to our labels and perhaps pushing them back into mainstream
consciousness a little.
What
is the message you want those taking part in Cassette Store Day to take away
with them?
Cassettes are fun,
exciting to release, and still occupy a place in people’s hearts.
Interview by
Sebastian Gahan. Cassette Store Day is September 7th 2013.
