I recently had the chance to ask Jed Shepherd, owner of POST/POP records, some questions. POST/POP is part of a wave of smaller independent labels that are putting cassette tapes back into circulation, alongside the likes of labels like Already Dead and Negative Fun. These labels find and put out obscure and exciting acts from all across the musical spectrum, and Post/Pop have added immensely to my personal tape collection. Speaking to Jed offered an exciting perspective from someone at the heart of the so-called ‘cassette culture’ movement.

Jed, why would you say the cassette tape format matters to you?

It’s always been my favourite format. I’ve always made tapes for friends and people I’m trying to impress. I guess POST/POP is an extension of that. Basically I’m trying to convince people that tapes are still a viable format by putting all my favourite bands on it. I feel lucky that I can do that.

What is your favourite part of the cassette listening experience?

The physicality of the format. The connection you get with the artist when you have a tangible object in your hand rather than the ephemeral cold digital experience. I also think it sounds rather lovely.

What would you say tapes offer as opposed to digital or vinyl?

It sounds better than digital and it’s cheaper than vinyl. Vinyl will always be king. I just don’t want to pay £30 to take a chance on a band I might not like. With cassettes you can pick up the album at a show for perhaps £5 and take it home to listen to without feeling obligated to like it. If you don’t like a tape you can just smash it with a hammer and make art!

Do you see the tape resurgence becoming as big as the vinyl comeback?

For my sake, yes! It’s all down to bands adopting it and people like me breaking down the myth of bad quality and convincing bands that the format has so much to offer. Also more places are stocking tape players so now there’s no excuse!

With high street stores like HMV now selling vinyl, would you like to see them carrying tapes?

They do in Japan already! I have tapes in lots of independent record stores from Torquay to Tokyo so I’m not too worried about HMV. Rough Trade were the first guys to embrace my tapes. I met one of the owners in New York and pitched it. Now they have tape sections in all of their shops so something must have worked!

For me, a big part of the fun of the format comes from the ‘cassette culture’, how do you feel about cassette culture in the UK?

It’s definitely growing. Every time I take part or go to a record fair, more and more labels carry tapes. Tapes sell well, they are cheap to produce, fast to produce, and so collectible. Why wouldn’t labels adopt it? The more labels that do, the more people will have access to it and then collections start. I’ve also helped at least a dozen tape labels to start as all you need to know is how. I’m happy to be the person to do all the legwork for a new label as growing Cassette culture will ultimately help my label. So get in touch!

Reddit’s r/cassetteculture has led to the ‘Adventures in Home Taping’ compilation albums, do you see collaboration as important to cassette culture in general?

The r/cassetteculture subreddit is one of the most important resources for a tape label there is. Not only is the knowledge there, but also your main customers AND bands. Almost everyone on there is in a band or runs a label. Collaborations are a natural progression and I have done 4 so far! The ‘Adventures in Home Taping’ series is a snapshot of what tape culture is at that particular time. I find 20+ bands and ask them for 1 song that represents them right now. It’s a living document of how cassette culture has grown over the years and I’m very proud of it. As far as I’m aware, I’m the only one doing this and I have no plans to stop.

What tapes are you listening to the most right now?

From the stuff I’ve released, I always go back to the gold Gunship tape. That band are just about to blow up, I can feel it. As soon as I put their tapes up for sale, they sell out within hours. It does help that the album is a sure fire hit. I also often listen to the Neverlove EP from HETTIE a lot and the new album from Kenny Lee (as it features guest vocals from about a dozen POST/POP artists!)

And lastly, what would you say to anyone curious about getting into the format?

Invest in a decent Walkman and just buy some tapes! Go to a charity shop and start with the classics. Buy some Bowie, buy some Smiths, buy some Pixies. Then when you’re in love with the sound, check out the bands on POST/POP as there’s something for everyone there! Most importantly, if you want to start a tape label, get in touch and I’ll help you, as I never had anyone to help me at the start and it was hell! Also, if you are starting a label, just because your friend is in a band, it doesn’t mean you should release a tape for them. Only release tapes you would buy yourself. Fill your label with love and it will never be a chore.

I’d like to thank Jed again for taking the time to answer my questions.

Visit POST/POP here