Tape Trust

About

Tape Trust was a German independent record label based in the early 1980s, primarily focused on cassette releases and the documentation of contemporary underground music. Operating during a formative period for European experimental and post-punk scenes, the label established itself as a curator and distributor of avant-garde, new wave, and punk material through the cassette medium, which was economical for independent releases. The label's catalog reflects a diverse artistic vision, encompassing live recordings, compilation series, and studio documentation across multiple genres. Notable releases include live performances from 1980-1981, compilation series such as the "Nur Hits" and "UK Wave" volumes, and the band ZK's studio and live work. Beyond audio releases, Tape Trust published annual catalogs that served as crucial documentation of the underground music landscape of the era. The label's commitment to cassette culture and its role in preserving and promoting experimental European music makes it significant within the history of independent, underground, and industrial music distribution networks of the early 1980s.