Artalect

About

Artalect was an independent record label active during the early-to-mid 1980s, dedicated to releasing experimental and avant-garde audio works. Operating primarily through cassette format, the label focused on poésie sonore (sound poetry) and concrete music, positioning itself within underground and experimental music communities. The label's catalog reveals a commitment to innovative vocal and sonic experimentation, featuring releases by notable figures in sound poetry such as Henri Chopin, alongside works exploring abstract composition and performance-based audio art. Artalect's approach emphasized accessibility through cassette distribution, a format well-suited to underground music networks of the era. The label also produced informational materials, including a catalogue and subscription guide, indicating an engaged approach to artist promotion and community building. With seven documented releases spanning 1983 to 1985, Artalect represented a significant node within the European experimental music landscape, particularly in the intersection of concrete poetry, electronic experimentation, and avant-garde sound practices.