This is a question as much for consumers as for producers of cassette releases: what physical and artistic features do you value in a cassette release?
The context is as follows. I’m considering rebooting my old tape microlabel under a new name, in effect starting a new one altogether. With the previous imprint I often revised presentational format between releases as well as other practices such as promotion. This gave an inconsistent image with inconsistent results and although I liked the indifference to recognisable identity and style, I think it was unsurprisingly unsuccessful in generating enough interest to feel like I was doing my artists any justice.
I intend to take a much more focussed and consistent and realistic approach this time. My plan at the moment is for every tape to be a split between two artists. This also opens up some interesting options regarding packaging.
I realise that judgements on the success of these things come down to individual cases and contexts, and that painstakingly made DIY sleeves need not necessarily be preferable to professionally printed inserts, but I suppose I just would appreciate hearing any suggestions or anecdotes of memorable or well-appreciated presentation of these rather small, light plastic things we like to bung our tunes on.
