If you're a long time reader you may notice a difference; more pages, ads for gear, and a new look. This is because we have a new publishing deal with my friends at Substance Media Works. They've agreed to take on the design, ad sales, printing and distribution of Tape Op and I'll retain the editor's role. This is a good thing since the business end of the magazine has become a bit overwhelming, and this will allow us to print more pages and more copies. This means we'll reach lots more people and allows us to offer Tape Op free to qualified readers like you! Adam Selzer, who helped dig us out of the overload, remains a fixture at the Portland office, filling back orders, picking up the mail and checking out new CDs. There's also a lot of new writers; some of them avid readers and some former interviewees. We thank them all.
There's many projects still in the works here at Tape Op World Headquarters. The proposed collection of back issues into a big magazine compendium will now include issues 1 through 10 and we'll be trying to get that together soon. Until then, only 8 through 10 are available as back issues. We're also collecting the final tracks for a Tape Op compilation CD. This will be out soon, available separately from the magazine via mail order or from your favorite local record store. There is a great variety of artists and recording mediums on this album, from Bill Fox's 4 track cassette work to Robert Poss' Akai 16 track digital recording. The cool thing is that a lot of these songs were recorded at home or at private studios and they all sound great! Look for it soon. Anyway, enjoy Tape Op, and I hope everyone learns something new and starts tracking!
Larry Crane, Editor
P.S. If this is your first issue of Tape Op; Hi and welcome aboard!