Cassette Culture

Music mix by Joshua James Amberson drawing on cassette releases reviewed in issue #3 of the Copy This Cassette zine. Joshua is publisher of the Basic Paper Airplane zine, and curator of the Antiquated Future store/distro and label. He is based in Portland, Oregon, USA.Theme music "Hesatative" Jack Hertz VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast LINKSJoshua James Amberson/Antiquated Future (https://www.antiquatedfuture.com/)Copy This Cassette (https://copythis.bandcamp.com/)MUSICOther Worlders "Hidden Energy Positive Light" Aural Canyonhttps://auralcanyonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/hidden-energy-positive-light Machine Go Boom "When We're Ghosts" Just Because Recordshttps://justbecauserecords.bandcamp.com/album/when-were-ghosts Zeiss Ikon "Cybernetic Anarchy" 2025 Reissue, Magrit Recordshttps://zeissikon.bandcamp.com/album/cybernetic-anarchy Big Fat Head "BoBo Rising" Clean Demon Recordshttps://cleandemonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bobo-rising Charles Rice Goff III "Language For Unstated Thoughts" Taped Rugshttps://archive.org/details/LanguageForUnstatedThoughts/ Cody Brant - Carl Kruger "Smoke Detail" Copy This 2025https://codybrantcarlkruger.bandcamp.com/album/smoke-detail Yaara Valey "our liberation is" Antiquated Futureshttps://antiquatedfuture.bandcamp.com/album/our-liberation-is Guidon Bear "Internal Systems" Antiquated Futurehttps://antiquatedfuture.bandcamp.com/album/internal-systems THANKSImmense thanks to Joshua James Amberson for curating this mix,(https://www.antiquatedfuture.com/)  and to the artists for use of their tracks.   Produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the worlds of mini-comix to independent music, D. Blake Werts is the creative force behind the fanzine, Copy This Cassette. Martin Franklin and co-host Jerry Kranitz sit down with Blake to share the surprising story of how he discovered cassette culture only a few years ago, and how that discovery inspired him to launch a new publication devoted entirely to underground cassette releases. He explains the philosophy behind Copy This Cassette, including its tactile, analogue-first ethos and the importance of short, descriptive "snapshot reviews." We also learn about Blake's deep roots in the world of mini comics, how he taps into regional cassette scenes from the Pacific Northwest to Europe, and the editorial decisions that keep the zine focused and accessible.  You can find Copy This on Bandcamp at copythis.bandcamp.com and catch our unboxing video of issue 3 on the Cassette Culture Podcast YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast Keep updated on the Second Edition of "Cassette Culture: Homemade Music and the Creative Spirit in the Pre-Internet Age" by contacting Jerry. jerrykranitzwriter.com/ Hosted by Martin Franklin & Jerry Kranitz.Theme music “This Is Concrete” by The Happy Citizen/"Hesatative" Jack Hertz VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast MUSIC”Step On Me” Hydrone - Live at Nelsonville 2022 (Clean Demon Records) “n-0”, Kozo Inada,  Kozo Inada & Frans de Waard (temporary mountain)“Post Surgical Blues” Versioning, Cloud Plateau (Ingrown Records)“Alamogordo” FUZZ UNLIMITED, Journey To The Seventh Planet (Illuminated Paths)“Hippie” Versioning, Cloud Plateau (Ingrown Records)“Under Garbage” Cody Brant - Carl Kruger, Smoke Detail (Copy This) LINKSCopy Thishttps://copythis.bandcamp.com/ Clean Demon Recordshttps://cleandemonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-nelsonville-2022 temporary mountaintemporarymountain.bandcamp.com/ Ingrown Recordsingrown.bandcamp.com/ Illuminated Pathsilluminatedpaths.bandcamp.com/ Basic Paper Airplanewww.antiquatedfuture.com/zines/basic-paper-airplane-13-the-cassette-tape-issue/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3D glasses at the ready, we speak with Richard Allen, editor of psychedelic magazine Freakbeat, founder of Delerium Records, and Michael Dog of Club Dog, Megadog and Planet Dog Records. Together, they helped define an era of fanzines, home-recorded cassettes, underground parties, and independent music distribution. This episode, we’re hearing the inside story of a telephone call to Timothy Leary, the artists behind Freakbeat’s unique 3d page design,  Club Dog’s rare live cassette releases and the birth of Planet Dog Record’s legendary electronic compilations like Feed Your Head. This episode closes Season One of Cassette Culture—but don’t worry, Season Two is already in production. We’re working on a Bandcamp subscription offer that will give you some exclusive custom cassettes and provide a means to donate to help us keep the reels turning with the podcast. Hosted by Martin Franklin.Theme music: “This Is Concrete” by The Happy Citizen/"Hesatative" Jack Hertz.VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast FEATURING: Richard AllenMichael Dog MUSIC “Operation Apricot” Ring, O De Dun Dun (Self released cassette)“What Do You Turn On When You Turn On” Timothy Leary, You Can Be Anyone This Time Around From Psychedelic Psauna (Delerium Records):“Black Ferris Wheel” The Coloured Plank,“Mind Train Jam” Sun Dial,“Erp Riff ’83” Ozric Tentacles “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” Webcore, The Great Unfolding (A Real Kavoom)“Nodens Ictus, Live At Club Dog (Woof Distribution)“Medicine Wheel” Eat Static, Prepare Your Spirit (self released cassette)“Nightmare” Treatment, Psychedelic Psauna (Delerium Records) LINKS Planet Dog Records http://www.planetdogrecords.com/Club Dog Memories https://www.pooterland.com/looking_glass_dead_dog.html Delerium: https://www.discogs.com/label/3338-Delerium-Records AVAILABLE NOW"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989 - 90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com *Cassette Culture* is produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio. (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Armed with fanzines, cassette tapes, and a fierce DIY spirit - two teenagers from Herne Bay helped shape the UK’s underground music scene. In this episode, host Martin Franklin traces the journey of Gary Levermore, founder of Third Mind Records, and Richard “Richo” Johnson, the force behind Grim Humour fanzine and Fourth Dimension Records. From their early days frequenting a local record shop to trading zines and music through the post, their story captures the energy of a grassroots movement that gave voice to some of the most experimental and influential acts of the 1980s. We explore how fanzines like Tone Death and Grim Humour connected a sprawling network of artists and fans, and how this evolved into Third Mind’s legendary cassette compilation “Rising from the Red Sand”—a defining moment for underground electronic and post-industrial music. The episode offers inside perspectives on artists such as Nurse With Wound, Test Dept, Attrition, and Legendary Pink Dots, while also shedding light on the support they received from key tastemakers like Rough Trade, John Peel, and Dave Henderson of Sounds. Along the way, Gary reveals the moment he turned down the newly formed Skinny Puppy, and how that decision—and others—shaped the future of Third Mind and its eventual partnership with Roadrunner Records. Richo discusses the evolving mission of Fourth Dimension and his enduring dedication to artists with a distinct sensibility, both sonically and personally. Passion, persistence, and a love of experimental sound helped two independent labels make their mark on music history—one photocopied zine and dubbed cassette at a time. Hosted by Martin Franklin.Theme music “This Is Concrete” by The Happy Citizen/"Hesatative" Jack Hertz VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast VOICESRichard “Richo” JohnsonGary LevermoreDave HendersonMartin Bowes MUSIC“Mansonik No 1” Konstruktivists, Psyko-Genetika, Third Mind Records 1983“Song Of The Flame” Tone Death, Rising From the Red Sand Third Mind Tapes 1983“Love Is….” Legendary Pink Dots, Basilisk, Third Mind Tapes 1984“Page After Page” I’m Dead, Grim Humour#3 7” Flexi, Fourth Dimension Records“Gdansk” Test Dept, Rising From The Red Sand, Third Mind Tapes 1983“Onslaught” Attrition, Onslaught, Third Mind Tapes 1983“At Set Points” Ian Boddy, Visions, Third Mind Tapes 1983“Strange Play Of The Mouth” Nurse With Wound, Rising From The Red Sand, Third Mind Tapes 1983“Grow Dark In The Sun”  Mummies & Madmen, Winter Hill Recordings 2024“Not Me” Thurston Moore w/Tom Surgal, 10” EP, Fourth Dimension“Film-o-sonik” Konstruktivists, Psyko-Genetika, Third Mind records 1983“Bite My Head” Portion Control, Rising From The Red Sand, Third Mind Tapes 1983 Herne Bay ambient recordings by Damon Hart-Davis used by permission.https://www.earth.org.uk/Herne-Bay-ambient.html LINKS Third Mind Recordshttps://www.discogs.com/label/2746-Third-Mind-Records Fourth Dimension Recordshttps://www.youtube.com/@FDRecords2023fourthdimensionrecords.bigcartel.com Dave Hendersonhttps://23ears.co.uk/ Attritionhttps://attritionuk.bandcamp.com/ THANKS TO:Damon Hart-Davis for capturing the ancestral ambience, Dave Henderson & Martin Bowes for going the extra mile, Alan Rider for this months package. AVAILABLE NOW: The project that started it all."Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989 - 90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com *Cassette Culture* is produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio. (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tales of handmade 'zines and the cassette underground with two key figures: Martin Bowes of the electronic-industrial band Attrition, and Alan Rider of the Adventures In Reality label and fanzine. We trace their trajectory from the early days, as local Coventry fanzines "Alternative Sounds" and “Adventures In Reality” evolve into bands and cassette labels and build grassroots distribution networks that span the World. Bowes and Rider reflect on how out-of-hours Art College facilities, post-punk energy, and the rise of affordable recording technology like the Tascam 4-track empowered musicians to bypass the mainstream and do it themselves. Connecting with our previous episode (EP09 Wild Planet 1983: The World Gets Weirder) with Dave Henderson, writer of the Wild Planet column in Sounds, there’s more about how *The Elephant Table" LP came together. Plus, the usual tales of copying tapes in real-time, mailing music around the globe, and even embedding ZX Spectrum programs onto music cassettes.  Hosted by Martin Franklin.Theme music “This Is Concrete” by The Happy Citizen.VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast FEATURING - Martin Bowes (Attrition)- Alan Rider (Adventures in Reality)- Dave Henderson (Sounds/Wild Planet ) MUSIC Attrition “Dead Of Night” Death House - Adventures In Reality Recordings (1981)Hawkwind “Jam 2” UK Electronica 1983Attrition “Mariannes Dream” In The Realm Of The Hungry Ghost - Third Mind Recordings (1986)Attrition/Audio Leter “Talkback” Action And Reaction - CNLF (1983)Nurse With Wound “Someone Others Garden” Rising From The Red Sand Vol #1- Third Mind (1983)Muslimgauze “Trans Time” The Last Supper - Adventures In Reality RecordingsAttrition “Monkey In A Bin” John Peel Show - BBC Radio 1 (24 April 1984)Legendary Pink Dots “Surprise Surprise” The Elephant Table - X Tract (1984)Attrition “The Black Maria” The Black Maria - Two Gods (2025) LINKS Attrition (https://attritionuk.bandcamp.com/music) | (https://attrition.co.uk)Adventures In Reality (https://adventuresinreality.bigcartel.com/) "Adventures In Reality, The Complete Collection" book reprints all issues of the fanzine in a 500 page softbound book. Order directly from Alan Rider via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/alan.rider.161) See the ARR ZX Spectrum program from "The Last Supper" on YouTube:https://www.journaldulapin.com/2023/01/12/last-supper-spectrum/ THANKS TO:Steve Cammack for the “The Elephant Table” vinyl.https://remuhmuration.blogspot.com/ Our old chums at SoundArt Radio 102.5FM for digitising services.https://soundartradio.org.uk/ AVAILABLE NOW"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989 - 90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com   *Cassette Culture* is produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio. (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the provocative performances of Throbbing Gristle at the Lyceum to Einstürzende Neubauten's infamous stage-demolishing concert at the ICA, this episode captures the moment when musical boundaries were not just pushed, but completely obliterated. The Wild Planet column, written by Dave Henderson started as a cut-out-and-keep centre feature in Sounds, the UK’s biggest music weekly, but soon became a focus for the new breed of cassette artists and labels across Europe. Guitars were OUT, Synths were IN, sunglasses got darker, and the music became.… weirder. Music journalist, curator and label runner, Dave Henderson takes us out on the streets of London in the days when you could bump in to a leather clad Cabaret Voltaire, or find Test Dept. in full force playing an underground station. More than just a music column, Wild Planet became a cultural conduit for artists working outside traditional music industry constraints. Henderson's narrative reveals a vibrant ecosystem of bedroom musicians, experimental performers, and avant-garde creators who were reimagining what music could be. A must-listen for music historians, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the raw, uncompromising spirit of artistic innovation. DAVE HENDERSONA UK based music journalist, editor, curator and label runner, Dave has a rich variety of roles within the UK music industry. These include running the New Talent stage at Glastonbury Festival, Managing director for Q, Mojo and Kerrang!, creating labels Dead Mans Curve, X Tract and currently running Cherry Red sub-label, Righteous Hosted by Martin FranklinTheme music “This Is Concrete” by The Happy Citizen. VIDEOWe'll be publishing our 'Unboxing" of a vintage copy of Sounds from May 1983 - with the original Wild Planet feature, on our YouTube channel.https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast THANKS TO:Steve Cammack for the “The Elephant Table” vinyl.https://remuhmuration.blogspot.com/ Our old chums at SoundArt Radio 102.5FM for digitising services.https://soundartradio.org.uk/ MUSIC23 Skidoo, Hacienda Live (Remix)SPK “Despair” The Elephant Table, X Tract (1983)Hawkwind “Phone Home, Elliot” Live at UK Electronica Festival, bootleg tape (1983)Attrition “Dream Sleep” The Elephant TableKonstruktivits “Andropov 84, The Elephant TableCabaret Voltaire “Voice Of America”, Live Granada TV 1980Cabaret Voltaire “Seconds Too Late” Berkeley Keystone 25.10.80Einsturzende Neubauten, Live ICA unreleased cassette (1984)   "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989 - 90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com Podcast produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au/)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazing artworks, CDr's and a mystery device. The full unboxing experience of the package sent to us from Belgium by Sandy from the Hybryds. This is the Bonus version of the recordings which opened Episode 8 "Universe Of The Wyrd: The Cold Spring Story" - just for our curious listeners who want to hear more. Episode contains these tracks from CD:"Euthanasia" Rabbits Wear Boots, No Style No Rules"Why Are you Hear?" Rabbits Wear Boots, Trans Human Distopia (USB key)"Once I Dreamed" In The Wake Of The Witch, Hybryds"From The Papyrus Of Nu" I Am The Eye Of Horus, Hybyrds"Be Mine" Mythtopia, The 7" Remix Album, Hybyrds"Wanderers Without Destinations" Mythtopia, Hybryds (USB key) After the recording session we asked Sandy what the mysterious object was and he let us know that it was indeed a cool mini USB bank card-style device, with a fold out connection to put in a USB port. Like this:https://www.imprintnow.com.au/product/custom-usbs/credit-card-usbMore from Hybryds: https://hybrydsmusic.bandcamp.com/More from Rabbits Wear Boots:https://rabbitswearboots.bandcamp.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the forefront of Industrial and dark electronic music since the 1980s, Cold Spring Records emerged from the cassette underground to become a significant independent record label. We unpack the story of label founder Justin Mitchell, an underground music dot connector who started in the UK tape trading and mail art networks, and working within  the influential Temple Of Psychic Youth. Cold Spring stayed close to it’s underground ethos to become a respected purveyor of the strange and the obscure, championing artists like Genesis P.Orridge, Psychic TV, Coil, Satori, and taking in releases by giant talents like William Burroughs, Lull, Merzbow, Mark Almond, British Electronic Foundation along the way. Along the way, we explore the label's transition from cassettes to vinyl and CD, the importance of context and curation in their releases, and the organic way in which Cold Spring has connected the dots to create a universe of the wyrd. Episode hosted by Martin FranklinTheme music: ”This Is Concrete” The Happy CitizenVIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast MUSIC Rabbits Wear Boots “Why are you here?”  Trans-Human Dystopia, 3Rio Art Hybryds “Wanderers without destinations” Mythopia, 3Rio Art  Psychic TV “Unclean” Live, INRI, Cold Spring cassette (CS 001) Angels Ov Light and Thee Angry Love Orchestra "VI” (CS002) William Burroughs, Brian Gysin, Genesis P. Orridge, extract from “Interview & Readings” Cold Spring (CS006) cassette The Hafler Trio & Willem de Ridder “Report”, ...And The Wolf Shall Lick The Jewels From Your Belly… Cold Spring (CSR 1LP) Sandor Kalios “Northern Tale” ANS Electronic Music, Cold Spring Sleep Research Facility “B Deck”  Nostromo, Cold Spring The Horses Of The Gods “John Barleycorn”, John Barleycorn Reborn, Cold Spring The Sea Of Wires “The Nightmare continues”, The Sea Of Wires, Cold Spring   LINKS Cold Spring Recordshttps://coldspring.co.uk/https://coldspring.bandcamp.com/ Rabbits Wear Bootshttps://rabbitswearboots.bandcamp.com/ Hybrydshttps://hybrydsmusic.bandcamp.com/   "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989 - 90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com Podcast produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au/)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DIY passion, artistic discovery, and the power of community. This is a story of the kind friendly networking that typified the cassette scene and it shines through in this episode. We dive into the fascinating history of the ND fanzine and influential label, founded by Daniel Plunkett in Austin, Texas. ND became a hub for the international mail art and cassette culture scenes, connecting artists from around the world through its fanzine, events, cassette, vinyl and CD releases. Through his early correspondence with artist, Phillip Johnson in the UK, Dan got backstage to hang out with Mark E. Smith and The Fall. Moving on to becoming a stop over for European artists looking for a local Texas gig, he promoted performances by artists like Bee Queen/Frans de Waard and staged “Undercurrents” a Mail Art exhibition at the Mexi-Arte Museum (https://mexic-artemuseum.org/). The ND label published releases by Jeff Greinke, PBK, Vidna Obmana, Maeror Tri, Alio Die among others.N D 11 was a project which featured work filmed and submitted from 1986 to 1991. Michael Northam mastered and edited the material in Bloomington IN Sept 1991. Included material originally sent and shown at Mexic-Arte Museum in October 1988. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIjpg9a1IuUDan now runs the End Of An Ear record store in Austin, Texas and goes out of his way to stock significant obscure recordings even if he knows they won't sell in large numbers. Episode hosted by Martin FranklinTheme music: ”This Is Concrete” The Happy CitizenVIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast Music Phillip Johnson “Helmetpoofy” 0714, Year Zero Records  Phillip Johnson  Tracks from “Heartache’s Worst Assistants Versus the Genius With the Secret of Making Gold Into Dynamite!”. Year Zero Records ND 7 “Performance In A Staircase” Haupunkt Fix (Cassette Issue) ND11 Lon Speigelman, Lon Spiegelman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) ND7 “Psychotic” Die Form (Cassette Issue) Maeror Tri “Desiderium” Myein ND CD008Now available from Infinite Fog Productions  Jeff Grienke - ND Fragment 01   Links End Of An Ear(https://endofanear.com/) Year Zero Records/Phillip Johnson(https://year-zero-records.blogspot.com/p/ohilip-johnson.html)Infinite Fog Productions(https://infinitefog.bandcamp.com/)"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" SoundImage Tapes cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com Podcast produced by Martin Franklin for East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au/)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a pile of scrap metal and a disused railway tunnel nearby, unemployed youths Dave Kirby and Rob Maycock began recording sounds that they’d use as material for their Throbbing Gristle-inspired noise project, Psychopath. Forty years later, on the eve of his international tour we speak with Dave about his early cassette scene releases and continued artistic evolution in Satori. Touching on his motivations, artistic confidence… and his sample library of road drill sounds. His early meeting with Justin Mitchell of Cold Spring Records led to his music finding a worldwide audience. Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast Music: “Pressing Down” Satori, The Woods (Cold Spring Records)‘The Kill”“Post Mortem”“Heavy Sadist” Psychopath, The Final Bow “The Entity” Satori, Kanishibari (Cold Spring Records) ”This Is Concrete” The Happy Citizen The recording "How things used to be in Margate" at 0:51 used by kind permission of Stuart Fowkes/Cities And Memory. (https://citiesandmemory.com/) LinksCold Spring Recordshttps://coldspring.co.uk/ Satorihttps://satori-industrial.bandcamp.com/Mindscan Tapeshttps://www.discogs.com/label/18022-Mindscan-Tapes "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com   Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We share the news of the preservation of the Cassette Culture podcast by the British Library Sound Archive and talk about some upcoming interviews.  Coming Next: Psychedelia in the Home Counties with Richard Allen of Delerium Records, and Texas' ND fanzine and label with Daniel Plunkett, plus the evolution of experimental/Industrial music with Davie Kirby of Satori. Our new "Cassette Culture" stickers get unboxed ready for distribution to anywhere we can get them. Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham Links "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com   Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vital fanzine evolved from hand typed, xeroxed pages to pioneering online distribution, and connected artists from the USA and Europe. We dive into an interview with Frans de Waard, creator of the Dutch fanzine Vital and the Korm Plastics label to talk about his journey of collaboration in the underground cassette scene. Covering his early zine projects like Nul Nul, growing his label network, work with renowned record store and experimental music label, Staalplaat, and steps into authoring books about experimental music and zines. Our final segment follows the next steps of Discogs Detective, Tom Gibbs as he travels the UK South Coast to track down members of enigmatic ’80’s improvisors, Omega Ensemble. Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcastGuests:Frans de Waard (Vital/Korm Plastics)Tom Gibbs (Infinite Expanse)Theme Music: "This Is Concrete" The Happy Citizen Featured Music: The Haters, “Performance 12 01 1989”, PuinhoopBlackhumour “Weeds in Barren Soil”, PoetryJohn Hudak “The Talk”, BrainboxArcane Device “Live at the Clocktower 27 04 1989” SixIos Smoulders “Composition Nr121”, Abstract ArtBig City Orchestra “The Smart Thing”, Everyman is a Volume. All music released on cassette by Korm Plastics (https://www.kormplastics.nl/) “Piece 2” by the Omega Ensemble, Sil Lim Tao LinksVital Weekly (https://www.vitalweekly.net/)Vital: The Complete Collection book (https://www.kormplastics.nl/vital-the-complete-collection-1987-1995/) "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com     Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unboxing a Cassette Time Capsule sent to us from Steve Gears in the UK. We find a treasure trove of rare cassette culture artifacts from the 1980s and 90s. From handmade fanzines and photocopied flyers to quirky cassette releases, this episode transports you back to the DIY underground music scene of the pre-digital era. Martin and Hudson unpack the goodies sent from The Happy Citizen's Steve Gears in Manchester UK and talk through the flyers, tapes and letters inside this amazing time capsule. This is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by music history and the evolution of independent music distribution.  Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham. Featured Music: "Incision" Sirius B, (Steve's compilation cassette)"Track name" Remarimba, (Cordelia Records)"Church Of Pain" Media: Premonitions, Bad News Bible, (Premonitions Tapes) "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com   Podcast produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1980’s cassette networking branched out into independent radio shows, physical meet ups and gigs. For 14 years Sandy Nys ran his radio show on Antwerp's Radio Centraal, amplifying and connecting the scene. Through these connections, he ran his 3RioArt label, launched Belgian EBM influencers, The Klinik and later, electronic ritual collective, Hybryds. Mindscan Tapes label owner Rob Maycock talks about quickly building international networks and collaborations with Treble King in the USA and Nostalgia Eternelle in France, plus his connection to a 1988 release on the fledgling Cold Spring label. Discogs stalker, Internet Detective and Infinite Expanse founder, Tom Gibbs makes progress in his contemporary search for the elusive Omega Ensemble members. Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham. Guests: Sandy Nys/HybrydsRob Maycock/Mindscan TapesTom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse Featured Music: Remarimba "B Bag" (Cordelia Records Sampler 4th Ed.) 1989Omega Ensemble "Piece 1" (Demo) 1988"Intro" (Aural Augasm #7)Attrition "Beast Of Burden" (International Audio Communication Vol#1) 1983Satori "23 Voodoo" (Mindscan Tapes) 1988   "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Gears (Pharoah Chromium Sound/The Happy Citizen), Richard Talbot (Marconi Union) and Tom Gibbs, (Infinite Expanse) take us further down the rabbit hole in this episode. We even got hold of some archive radio recording from “On The Wire” on BBC Radio Lancashire in 1989. Cassette-era music comes from: Sirius B, Basie V. Webster, Marconi Union, Richter Band and Omega Ensemble First, we talk to Steve Gears, the founder of the Pharoah Chromium Sound label, who shares how he stumbled upon this vibrant community and the thrill of receiving contributions from like-minded artists through the mail. Gears recounts the collaborative spirit that fuelled the creation of his own projects, like Happy Citizen, Richard Talbot, one half of the acclaimed group Marconi Union, reveals how his chance connections in the cassette network ultimately led to the formation of the band, demonstrating the serendipitous nature of these underground musical relationships. Infinite Expanse label founder Tom Gibbs, takes us on his journey from beginning his label as a YouTube channel. Gibbs' passion for unearthing these forgotten gems leads to his quest to find the remaining members of lo-fi improvisors, the Omega Ensemble. Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham. Guests: Steve Gears/Pharoah Chromium Sound Richard Talbot/Marconi Union Tom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse Featured Music: Sirius B "Incision" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989  Basie V. Webster "Untitled" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989 Marconi Union "The Contact" Under Wires And Searchlights (Self Released) 2003 Richter Band "Čínský Potůček / Poloviční Chytání" Smetana (Infinite Expanse) 2024 Omega Ensemble "Piece 6" Sil Lim Tao (Self Released) 1988 "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com   Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decade before the widespread adoption of the internet, a group of artists and musicians established an underground network to share their work with kindred spirits via the mail system. Starting our story from a dark, isolated UK in the late 1980's, with mass youth unemployment. We take a journey with some key figures from the Cassette Scene, who provide a firsthand account of the collaborative spirit and sense of discovery that permeated the cassette culture scene. Guests: Martin Franklin/SoundImage TapesDon Campau/No PidgeonholesSandy Nys/HybrydsRichard Talbot/Marconi UnionRob Maycock/Mindscan Tapes Featured Music: "This is Concrete" by The Happy Citizen (A Tender Tension, Pharoah Chromium Sound, 1990)"Untitled" by Vitamin B12 (Premonitions, SoundImage Tapes, 1990)"Piece 6" by The Omega Ensemble (Omega Ensemble)"Sahara" by Richard Talbot (Devices & Desires, SoundImage Tapes 1991) "Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking the DIY message of Punk as a jumping off point, our travel through the underground cassette network departs from the bleak 1980's Thatcher-era UK, community radio and fanzines, and all points in a journey to a thriving self sustaining culture.  Communication was valued over commerce. For two decades the international mail system fostered a network of underground artists, exchanging cassette tapes of music and homemade artwork under the radar of main stream media. We track down some key figures in the cassette scene, and follow the web of connections outward from the UK around the world, mapping the impacts and their ongoing effects. We speak with musicians, label runners, and fanzine writers, who share their experiences of connecting through the mail system and its ongoing effects on their lives. Notes:In this episode you hear the voices of Don Campau, Rob Maycock, Sandy Nys.Presented by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.Music by: The Happy Citizen, The Vitamin B12, Omega Ensemble, Attrition, Richter Band.VIDEOYou can find video of some of the fanzines and cassette releases we discuss in this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CassetteCulturePodcast AVAILABLE NOW: The project that started it all"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com Podcast produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.