A place in Canada that I’ve never heard of is not where you might expect a lo-fi tape label to be found. Yet it is. Scotch Tapes began not too long ago, but has steadily been growing a loyal following for its unique tape releases. The music is strange—and sometimes not music. The packaging is unique and one-of-a-kind. And the label, run by a single man we’ll refer to as Al to build upon his mystique, is garnering the attention of snobs like Pitchfork for good reason. This Q&A is strange—or weird might be the right word.
> FF Q: Scotch Tapes has been growing a rather loyal following in the
> lo-fi indie since its inception for its unique tape releases. What do
> you think has drawn people to your label?
My boyish good looks. That and the fact that I release great bands. Its pretty much that simple. If the music is good, it doesnt matter what format its released on.
> FF Q: The music industry is always changing. Perhaps part of Scotch’s
> success has been its abandonment of traditional record ideals. Yet how
> do you see Scotch moving forward into a future—perhaps one without
> tape players?
I am hoping to move forward into the future on some sort of laser guided hovercraft but if that doesn’t materialise, I guess I will have to lobby the boys at Nakamichi or Sony or Luxman to start making cassette decks again. And mark my words… within two years, electronics companies WILL start making new decks. I’ve seen cassette decks with USB interfaces so you can rip tapes to your computer… but I think that if the market demands it, they will make new decks… ones with laser guided hovering capabilities.
> FF Q: As far as I know, you are the only record label run by a fisher
> man. Which do you prefer, fish or tapes?
Tapes. Hands down. I have yet to break any bones, tear any ligaments or stand outside in -30 weather while being completely soaked while making tapes. And how much research have you done while looking for fishermen/ label heads? The press is just getting lazy these days… Jeez…
> FF Q: With all the numerous limited releases you have been a part of,
> which one has been your favorite?
I really don’t want to piss off any of the bands I’ve released… so for sure its Oneida. I have been a massive fan for years and to get to release them was a total thrill. But there have been tons of tapes I was super proud of… Plastic Crimewave Sound, Nobunny… But I mean I am also proud of being a label that never releases something based on the band’s fan base. I like releasing new artists that I love and forcing others to love them too.
> FFQ: If you had to re-release a famous record you absolutely hate,
> which one would you choose?
Anything by Celine Dion. BANK! But you can pretty much choose anything from the Garth Brooks catalogue as well. I hate that fat bastard. Yeah… I said it. Garth Brooks is fat. I back that shit up… If Garth wants to throw down, let’s throw down… and then release that Chris Gaines album on 8-track.
> FFQ: Tell me just one thing you hate about music today—and one thing you love.
Hate… Christian Rock. Love… Muslim Rock
> FFQ: Some other questions I had on the list here were most painful
> bowel movements and most awkward interview questions, but I wanted to
> end by asking you what is going to be happening over the next few
> months at Scotch Tapes and what people can watch for?
Most painful bowel movement happened on star filled night back in 1989. I was 14 and had just heard the new Poison album… a perfect soundtrack to a perfect trip to the bathroom…
As for new stuff coming up on Scotch, look for tapes from Roommates, Bitches, Golden Grrrls, Shearing Pinx, Twin Crystals… a bunch of stuff. And Ben Cook (Roommates, Fucked Up, Young Governor, The Bitters, etc) and I started a limited lathe series featuring Toronto bands that Ben has recorded. The first one will be out in like a week. Its a new single from Huckleberry Friends called “Testing.” Other bands on the agenda are The Bitters, Bruised Knee and a Young Guv record cut into a frisbee… seriously… a frisbee…
