Ep365: The Return of the Cassette Tape

The Cassette tape audio format is having a minor renaissance with artists & labels turning to the format in the wake of supply chain issues and a thirst for nostalgia. Today we talk to Jean-Luc Renou, CEO of Recording The Masters - RTM - about this phenomenon and how music lovers should think of the cassette tape. Topics include: Why are cassettes being revisited? The history of RTM The arc of cassette sales over recent decades The difference between cassettes of the 80s and now Record Store Day cassettes releases Do we start w analogue tape? The changing formulas for magnetic tape Is there a finite amount of cassette tape? The durability of cassettes Can I play a cassette decades after last use? Common mistakes in caring for cassettes Aging parts of a cassette tape Sourcing parts for cassette manufacturing Were companies making cassettes in the last few decades? Number of cassette manufacturers Differences in cassette types – formulas, various noise reductions, etc The history of the compact cassette format The impact of the Sony Walkman Was there a cassette format war? Who is making cassette players today? The niche industry helped cassettes survive the last 30 years How long can cassettes last? People purchasing cassettes with no means to listen to it The biggest challenges to the modern cassette industry Cassettes have benefitted due to the vinyl backlog Creating pre-recorded cassettes Modern demand for reel to reel tapes Comments on VHS tape Partner network for pre-recorded tapes RTM’s new cassette tape player Interview wrap up Extended, High-resolution & Commercial Free version of this interview available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8 Follow our Podcast: https://linktr.ee/vinylguide Facebook: www.Facebook.com/VinylGuide Instagram: www.Instagram.com/VinylGuide Support our show: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide If you like records, just starting a collection or are an uber-nerd with a house-full of vinyl, this is the podcast for you. Nate Goyer is The Vinyl Guide and discusses all things music and record-related