#tapelabels

Recently, I came across the independent tape label bringing us quality tune-age out of Philadelphia, PA and Roanoke, VA, Hope For The Tape Deck.  Hope For The Tape Deck is a new tape venture founded by Matthew Marcinowski of Big School Records, and Stephen Cort Smith, bringing us "limited edition cassettes with a DIY mentality." And I have to say, I could not agree with them more. I was instantly blown away by the unique features and inspired branding identity they brought to the label.

One of my favorite things about the cassette/analog era is the 'do it yourself' aspect of mix tapes, hand drawn cover art, and handwritten track-lists. HFTTD encapsulates that aspect and blows it into oblivion, creating a whole new world of one of a kind additives, truly redefining the idea itself. Hope For The Tape Deck is creating exceptionally handmade, limited edition collectibles, in addition to gnarly, quality cassettes, bringing DIY and creativity to a whole new level.

First up, my first two cassettes from HFTTD, starting with Hussalonia; a white cassette filled with "19 pop nuggets from the elusive/reclusive hit-making machine out of upstate New York." I love the steady road trip rhythms and surf rock melodies pouring out of these guys. The art/track-list combo style artwork is perfectly reminiscent of the original cassette pressing days, and really drew me in. But overall I could not get over the epic-ness of the limited edition slipcover.

These covers are each handmade and hand numbered in sets of 22 per release. Each of these is painted and screen printed to add mad flare and accompany each album. I love the cohesiveness and exclusivity of these slips; they truly add a one of a kind, collective feature to each release. 

Next up is the "noisy drum-and-organ duo," Grape Soda [Form A Sign]. I have to say I'm a sucker for bold, yellow tapes, but I'm an even bigger sucker for killer synth and shoulder swaying snares, wow. I wasn't lucky enough to be one of the first 22 to grab a ltd. slipcover for this jewel, but luckily HFTTD is releasing more pre-orders as we speak. These guys are also throwing an incredible deal at their fans, with the 4 for $20 option, any 4 tapes new or old, for $20 plus shipping, a fucking fantastically generous steal.

I'm anxiously awaiting my next two tapes from these Cassette Gods, and I literally cannot wait to jam what's coming my way. I can say confidently that HFTTD is shaking up the world of cassette labels, and bringing you a whole new era of analog. I'm without a doubt addicted to what they're delivering, and am absolutely pumped for what they'll have for us in 2014.