I mentioned Night-People Records briefly in my row boat post and how I've been pretty obsessed with cassettes lately. Night-People has definitely been one of the top distributors that has been catering to this passion of mine. I think there's something special about tapes, especially when they're being produced by these independent distributors. There's a perfect synthesis of both art and music that's particularly prevalent with the cassettes produced by Night-People Records. All of the artwork for the tapes is handmade and designed by founder Shawn Reed, who works primarily with silk screening, Xeroxing, and hand assemblage. In a recent interview by Jenn Pelly with music blog Altered Zones , he describes his process and this fusion of art and music: "When I'm working on artwork, it's a ritualized thing. I'll spend a lot of time sifting through books at thrift stores, and magazines, and art books at the library. I have thousands of Xeroxes sitting around that I use for collage and inspiration. Over time, I've become really invested in using the history of underground culture-- the history of it in the art world-- and re-appropriating that back into new things, making a thread between what I'm doing and older stuff. In some of the Night-People artwork there are references to obscure Japanese photographers from the '70s that I'm into, or homages to things that probably not many people pick up on. The Xerox machine is my biggest influence. I filter everything through the lens of a Xerox, using it to degrade images to this place where they look interesting. I'll go to the copy store and stay for hours on end with 50 books and piles of images and work from that. That’s connected to the history of underground music."
Based on his process, Night-People Records have created an aesthetic for the tapes that is both distinct and inspiring. I've always wanted to learn how to silk-screen, but after looking through Shawn's work I can't get myself to a silk-screening class sooner! In coalition with the very special handmade tangibility of these cassettes, the bands that Night-People select to release also represent and have the sense of a more underground, handmade, and independent sound. In the same interview, Shawn explains: "I've always wanted Night-People to be about taking chances and putting stuff out that no one had heard." I think that's a huge part of what I appreciate so much about the label; it has been a great source for me for discovering new, independent music. Usually, one band leads to another, and I've got myself happily overwhelmed with tons of great new music to listen to. Discovery has been a huge thing for me--it's something that I'm constantly seeking and believe must be actively done. My recent love-affair with cassettes is definitely derived from this active treasure hunt. When I go to a lot of record stores, most of the tape releases are from current, lesser-known bands I've never heard of before, but I've been taking a lot of risks and finding plenty of gems, which is--I think--the best and sometimes only route to finding some of my favorite things.
Below is the artwork from a few tapes I've bought from Night-People, plus my choice song from each artist:
We Shave- Creem Dream Blues II
(Lantern are currently raising money for a North American tour, if you're feeling particularly philanthropic and would like to help support, you can donate here! )
All artwork and photos of the cassettes by Shawn Reed, from the Night-People website.
xx
8 comments:
I'm really liking these tape-centric posts. I'll be checking out Night-People Records for sure, but my favorite tape source will always be used record/book stores. It's how I discovered my absolute favorite band of all time (and only because I had a tape player instead of cd player in my shitty car). I also bought a tape from a band at show a few weeks ago and have been listening to it pretty much non-stop since.
Do you like mixtapes too? I've always felt there's something a lot more special about a mixtape than a mix cd. I've got a whole box of treasured mixtapes, several of them wearing out from over playing.
Thanks! Yeah--those are always the best places the find them as hidden gems! Ooh that's the best--which band?? I love buying tapes at shows, too!
I loveee mixtapes--I don't really know how to make them, though! I make mix CDs all the time for friends birthdays etc. and usually do the artwork for the cover, but I have always wanted to learn how to do an actual mixtape. There really is something more special about then! That box sounds like a dream!
xx
A bit off the topic but i'm quite sure I saw you in NY at Printed matter, am i right? I work there and recognized you. I didn't said anything cause i felt weird to aproach you like a celebrity, hehe.
OH my gosh....incredible. And I agree with Rachel above...mix tapes much better than mix CDs. Maybe it has to do with the fact that you are kind of forced to listen to the tape in its entirety (the way the creator intended it) rather than being able to skip through from song to song so easily!!!
That was awesomely cool. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed every bit here! Defiantly getting bookmarked!
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Stumbled upon this! Shawn is a buddy (and neighbor) of mine and would love to know he showed up here. He's doing some really rad things with his label.
Anonymous- Oh shucks--haha, yeah! I was there! I go to Printed Matter a lot! You shouldda said something--it would've made my day! haha Next time I go and you're there be sure to say hello! I'll be super awkward, but it'll be great!
Rebekka- Thanks a ton! And I totally agree! It's the best way to listen!
about pajamas and sarabose- Thanks a ton! Glad you enjoyed it!
a.m.c.- Ah! That'd be awesome! His label is my very favorite!!
xx
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