Synthetic Tapes

About

Synthetic Tapes was an independent record label active in the early 1980s, operating at the intersection of industrial, experimental, and avant-garde music. The label's output consisted primarily of cassette releases, reflecting both the DIY ethos and practical economics of underground music distribution during this period. The label's seven documented releases showcase a commitment to unconventional, boundary-pushing work, with titles such as "Coherent Noise," "Music that doesn't exist," and "Beamed Down by Starship Enterprise" suggesting an embrace of conceptual and provocative artistic approaches. The roster included acts such as Al Robertson, the Klingons, and 100% Manmade Fibre, alongside other experimental musicians working within post-punk and industrial frameworks. Beyond cassettes, Synthetic Tapes also released work on reel-to-reel tape and produced promotional materials to document the label's catalog and vision. The label's significance lies in its documentation of early 1980s underground experimental music culture and its role in fostering the creative output of artists working outside mainstream commercial channels.