Cassette Research
In my first year of college, I decided to write an essay on the history of cassettes for my unit 4 work. Despite already loving cassettes and their unique feel, dedicating my time to learning about them and the culture around the tapes inspired me to research and use them more. That’s why I’ve decided that as part of my merch creation, I’m going to record my final project EP onto cassette tapes myself using blanks and a cassette boombox at home.
Cassette tapes, also known as compact cassettes are a type of analog recording device which is used to store audio. They were the most popular format for audio for a considerable amount of time greatly fue to their convenience of being using with a walkman before CDs rose to popularity and although largely forgotten in the modern day, there is still a percent of people who collect them. The product consists of two small ‘reels’ of tape which are stored inside a plastic case. The tape itself is magnetic and winds one way or another to play the audio which is done magnetically.
Cassette culture itself revolves around all the freedom people had with the tapes. Th reason they were so popular, and the reason they’re making a comeback is because the tapes allow you to record songs and music onto them. With this you can create your own custom playlist or gift a meaningful mixtape to a lover, it gave people the gift of customisation within music. As of recent years, cassette purchases have been on the rise, partly due to indie music fans interest in retro things and tv shows like Stranger Things featuring them I would assume. Taking all of this into account, I decided I wanted to attempt to create some of my own cassette tapes and store my music on it. I’m hopeful people will either buy it to actually use or at least for the aesthetic.
For this entry to my digital portfolio, I've decided to research different cassette blank and case options and compare their prices. I'm looking for a tape which has under 30 mins of playtime as I know my EP won't equal longer. I'll also be looking into how to record onto cassette tapes from my computer.