A chat with emerging Ohio producer, Sound on Tape

Sound on Tape is an artist rooted in house’s halcyon days. A native of Ohio, his moniker pays tribute to the analog gear and tape recordings integral to his texture-rich sound.

Heavily influenced by local club Crobar and artists such as Larry Heard, Marvin Gaye, and Pastor T.L. Barrett, his is a layered, cultured sound that’s indicative of a brilliant DIY aesthetic currently emerging from the US’ midwest. 

His latest EP, ‘Hush Harbors’, featuring powerful vocals by Kyle Kidd, is a case in point. As is his similarly well-worth-checking edit of Peven Everett & Roy Davis Jr’s iconic ‘Gabriel’; another piece of work that showcases his affinity for the jazzier side of the house music spectrum. 

In addition to all this, Sound on Tape also manages the 904L World Class Sound label, which we’re sure we’ll be hearing more from soon. With ‘Hush Harbors’ set for a release soon (check out the brilliant video here by the way), we tapped up the man himself to learn more…

Can you tell us about your alias, Sound on Tape, and how you came up with it? Is it a nod to analogue gear? ‍

It is a nod to analogue gear, and also my creative process. A lot of elements in my music are cut to tape and you can hear that in the texture. All my sounds are analogue keyboards. Also I was born in the era of the cassette tape, so I thought it was fitting. 

‍What do you believe is the future of electronic music in Ohio and the Midwest as a whole? ‍

My label - 904L World Class Sound! 

‍Are there any specific venues or events in Ohio that hold a special place in your heart and have been pivotal in your career?

‍Definitely need to mention Crobar. It’s the cultural home of electronic music here in Cleveland. It’s a small 300 cap venue, but any weekend you go you can catch DJ’s from literally all over the world spinning and discover something great. It’s a really great mix of folks and weirdos from all walks of life coming together. One time I went back to the green room after my set and Father John Misty was just hanging out. Gerad does a great job of curating nights, and gave me my first shot at a Sound On Tape show. Really grateful for the place.‍

Are there any Midwest artists, such as DVS1 and Titonton Duvante, who have had a significant impact on your musical style? ‍

I do spin Titonton, but I wouldn’t say he’s an influence. Specifically in the midwest, Larry Heard, Marvin Gaye, and Pastor T.L. Barrett have been paramount for me. Aside from a few others, TL is really the only gospel music I can listen to and believe. He has a transcendent and arcane element to his music that’s missing in Gospel today, and really captures the essence of the push and pull of the Black church of that era.‍

Your latest EP, "Hush Harbors," is brilliant! Can you share some insights into the creative process behind it?‍

I really appreciate that, thank you. It was great to work with Wilfy D and MPH on remixes. As far as the track Hush Harbors, it features really powerful vocals from my friend Kyle Kidd and speaks to the position of the Black man/woman in the USA. Kyle repeats “Free” throughout but it’s a bit tongue in cheek. Is it just the illusion of freedom that we have? (Similar to Hush Harbors during slavery) or do we have actual freedom? And I’m not just talking about outside oppression. 

‍We've heard your edit of "Gabriel," which you premiered on SoundCloud. What drew you to this particular track, and how did you approach the edit? ‍

The spiritual element of the original, the raw vocal delivery from Peven, and the horns really drew me in. The unchanging nature of the bassline and chords has a great quality to it but for my cover I wanted to go further. I replayed everything, added a more expansive chord progression, updated beat, and sang the vocals myself. 

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You mentioned Mr. Fingers, who is obviously an iconic figure in the world of electronic music. Can you tell us about your introduction to his music and how it has influenced your own work? ‍

Just like TL Barrett, also from Chicago, Larry’s music has that transcendent quality to it. I have a background in Jazz, so his marriage of those beautiful chords with house music was right up my alley. Plus such an honest and vulnerable vocal delivery when he did decide to sing. It really opened my mind up to where the genre can go.. ‍

Many musicians find music to be a form of escape. Do you share this sentiment, and if so, how has it impacted your life and creativity?‍

I wouldn’t say it’s escape, it’s more discovery for me. I’m going in instead of out if that makes sense. A lot of what you hear on these records is informed by my immediate surroundings here in Cleveland. I live right on the border of East Cleveland and I’ve put the city sounds, sirens, conversations, and sermons into the music. Making this stuff has really made me more present.‍

Tell us a bit about your label, 904L World Class Sound label and your plans for it. Will it mainly be for your releases? And where does the name come from?‍

904L is the label we started last year to house what I was releasing. The name comes from my affinity for vintage Rolex’s, 904L is the metal they use. It was initially intended to capture the small but vibrant scene we have going here in Cleveland, but has since expanded to global releases. Over the next year we’re putting out records from Wilfy D (Bristol), Mike Nasty (NYC), Unknownphrazes (CLE), and Sullivan! (CLE). Hoping to work with a few others as well.

‍"Hush Harbors" explores various electronic music styles. How do you manage to incorporate diverse influences into your work while maintaining a cohesive sound? ‍

I have tons of influences outside of electronic music, I believe the only way to push a genre forward is to look outside of it. I try my best to put elements together like a Magritte painting. Really different objects that can come together and make something beautiful. ‍

How do you approach collaborating with other artists, and are there any dream collaborations you'd like to pursue in the future? ‍

I’m still a bit new to collaboration, but I really think Bjork and I could make something incredible. Her album Vespertine informs a lot of what I do.‍

Can you share any upcoming projects or releases that your fans can look forward to?‍

I am currently working on my full length album that I’m really excited about that will be out this year. ‍

Keep up with Sound on Tape on Soundcloud. Sound on Tape’s first single, ‘Hush Harbors’ is out 25th January, the full EP is out on February 9th. Buy/listen to the single here