Today, we have digital-only record labels, CD-only record labels and vinyl-only record labels. Can you imagine that there’s be a cassette-only record label these days? There is.
Tapeworm is a tiny label in London, England, that only releases music on cassette. Production runs are small–250 is a big one–but most sell out. And they’re not alone. The number of cassette-only record labels seems to have surpassed the one hundred mark. In some hipper indie music stores, racks of pre-recorded cassettes are starting to appear.
Some companies like Tape Fiend look upon this near-dead format as art. All their releases are individually numbered to prove authenticity. Why the interest?
Like we’re seeing with vinyl, many people are looking for a more authentic analogue experience. The movement back towards cassettes is infinitesimally small, but you might not want to throw out your Sony Walkman just yet.