Label
Only Tapes
Only Tapes was an underground cassette label active in 1981, releasing experimental and industrial music artists.
About
Only Tapes was an underground record label active in 1981, operating during a formative period of experimental and industrial music production. The label demonstrated a strong commitment to cassette tape format, releasing its entire known catalog exclusively on tape—a choice that reflected both the DIY ethos and practical economics of 1980s underground music distribution. The roster comprised avant-garde and experimental artists working across diverse sonic territories, from industrial and noise music to experimental composition. Notable releases from the label's 1981 output include works such as Aqua, Nachtmusik, Luoghi di Culto, and Antipyrine As Himself, indicating an eclectic approach to artist selection and genre exploration. The label's significance lies in its documentation of the early 1980s underground experimental scene through the accessibility and affordability of cassette distribution. Though minimal archival information remains about the label's founding principles, geographic base, or operational history, Only Tapes' concentrated 1981 release schedule suggests a focused operation during a pivotal moment in independent music production. The label's catalog represents an important snapshot of underground experimental music during this era.