all for one and one for all: Tape or Die record label interview

1. Could you tell a bit more about tape or die record label?

Tape or Die record label said :

Sure! The history of Tape Or Die began way before the tape label itself. Some years before, I had a record label for vinyl and CDs. But the costs for vinyl seemed to explode so I had to decide if I want to release stuff which will sell definitely or just stopping the label. The first decision would have been a compromise, so I stopped it. After some time, I realized that I “have to do something”. It was already the comeback time of the tapes so I tried this – und succeeded. Tape Or Die is running since 2013 and has 60 releases already. Plus some 2nd and 3rd presses. The Idea is to keep it fun and simple – but with quality and heart. We mostly work with bands which are friends of ours or which had an impact on our life. An example for the second: I always loved the Broken Bottles from California. Sadly, their singer died on an overdose. But I met his brother who was also in BB when he was roadie for another band. We talked and some months later, we released the last album of the band on tape. I stamped the covers with a broken arm haha – but it was an honor and kind of a dream coming true. Same with Vodka Juniors: Julie, who is not only my better half but also the better half of Tape Or Die, knew them from a crowdfunding campaign. I liked their music, we wrote them, we made a tape, they came on tour and now they are a part of our family. That’s what I love about the label. Beside the music of course – it’s always about the people behind. For the music, it’s mostly Punkrock, some Hardcore and something in between. We even have a Hip Hop tape and some acoustic releases. When we like the music and we think, that it should be heard, we release it. Sometimes we add some extra stuff as well like a LEGO figure for one release, special stickers, pins, we had a chewing gum…if it fits with the band, we’re open for everything. Especially for our own stupid ideas.

2. When did you start with the tape or die record label and are the bands satisfied with your services?

Tape or Die record label said :

Oops,
I already answered the first part. For the second: I hope so. But I think so. At least that’s what they tell us when they receive their copies haha.

3. What bands can expect from you?

Tape or Die record label said :

Let’s start with what they should not expect from us: They won’t get rich with a release on our label. We poorly can help them with gigs (well, sometimes it works in Berlin because we have a good connection to Cortina Bob. This is a club near our home and we always celebrate our annual party there.) We are no big promo agency. And we will never release a CD or vinyl – if we would do this, we would die as you can see in our name. What they can expect from us is total support. All of our releases are coming from our heart and the same goes with the promo we do. We help the bands with artwork, help them with contacts or some ideas. And we pay for the tapes of course. The bands gets 10% of the pressing for free and if they want more tapes, they pay the production costs. I think this is fair. We don’t make any money with Tape Or Die, we mostly pay for it. But it’s fun. But of course: I know that my daily job pays for this. It’s our hobby. Nothing more and nothing less. And still better than taking drugs haha.

4. Could you give some advice to bands the underground scene?

Tape or Die record label said :

Be nice! Most of the active people in the underground scene are doing this in their free time and without getting paid. You don’t have to act like an asshole. You will not earn anything from it but a bad reputation – and I don’t mean the cool Joan Jett-version of it. Same goes with clubs. I think to give bands bad food for example is disgusting. When our bands play in Berlin and we have something to do with the concert, we cook for them. Nothing special, but more than rice with sauce. It doesn’t cost so much more, but the band is happy. And a happy band is playing better. Back to bands: Play and record. If no one wants to release your stuff, do it on your own. Use bandcamp (I love bandcamp!). Try to get in touch with other bands. Invite them and visit them in return.

5. Could you say something at the end for the blog “All for one and one for all”?

Tape or Die record label said:

Thank you for the interest in Tape Or Die and for the questions. I have no idea about the scene in Bosnia Herzegovina but I guess it’s exciting because it’s relatively young. It’s great to see that young punks (like you) “make something”. Blogs, Fanzines, Bands, Labels – making is always more fun than consuming. (Which doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy our tapes.)