The Vital fanzine evolved from hand typed, xeroxed pages to pioneering online distribution, and connected artists from the USA and Europe.

We dive into an interview with Franz de Waard, creator of the Dutch fanzine Vital and the Korm Plastics label to talk about his journey of collaboration in the underground cassette scene. Covering his early zine projects like Nul Nul, growing his label network, work with renowned record store and experimental music label, Staalplaat, and steps into authoring books about experimental music and zines.

Our final segment follows the next steps of Discogs Detective, Tom Gibbs as he travels the UK South Coast to track down members of enigmatic ’80’s improvisors, Omega Ensemble.

Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.

Guests:
Frans de Waard (Vital/Korm Plastics)
Tom Gibbs (Infinite Expanse)

Featured Music:

The Haters, “Performance 12 01 1989”, Puinhoop
Blackhumour “Weeds in Barren Soil”, Poetry
John Hudak “The Talk”, Brainbox
Arcane Device “Live at the Clocktower 27 04 1989” Six
Ios Smoulders “Composition Nr121”, Abstract Art
Big City Orchestra “The Smart Thing”, Everyman is a Volume.

All music released on cassette by Korm Plastics (https://www.kormplastics.nl/)

“Piece 2” by the Omega Ensemble, Sil Lim Tao

Links
Vital Weekly (https://www.vitalweekly.net/)
Vital: The Complete Collection book (https://www.kormplastics.nl/vital-the-complete-collection-1987-1995/)

"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024
https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com

Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)

 

 

The Vital fanzine evolved from hand typed, xeroxed pages to pioneering online distribution, and connected artists from the USA and Europe.
We dive into an interview with Franz de Waard, creator of the Dutch fanzine Vital and the Korm Plastics label to talk about his journey of collaboration in the underground cassette scene. Covering his early zine projects like Nul Nul, growing his label network, work with renowned record store and experimental music label, Staalplaat, and steps into authoring books about experimental music and zines.
Our final segment follows the next steps of Discogs Detective, Tom Gibbs as he travels the UK South Coast to track down members of enigmatic &rsquo;80&rsquo;s improvisors, Omega Ensemble.
Hosted by Martin Franklin &amp; Hudson Graham. Guests: Frans de Waard (Vital/Korm Plastics) Tom Gibbs (Infinite Expanse)
Featured Music:
The Haters, &ldquo;Performance 12 01 1989&rdquo;, Puinhoop Blackhumour &ldquo;Weeds in Barren Soil&rdquo;, Poetry John Hudak &ldquo;The Talk&rdquo;, Brainbox Arcane Device &ldquo;Live at the Clocktower 27 04 1989&rdquo; Six Ios Smoulders &ldquo;Composition Nr121&rdquo;, Abstract Art Big City Orchestra &ldquo;The Smart Thing&rdquo;, Everyman is a Volume.
All music released on cassette by Korm Plastics (<a href="https://www.kormplastics.nl/">https://www.kormplastics.nl/</a>)
&ldquo;Piece 2&rdquo; by the Omega Ensemble, Sil Lim Tao
Links Vital Weekly (<a href="https://www.vitalweekly.net/">https://www.vitalweekly.net/</a>) Vital: The Complete Collection book (<a href="https://www.kormplastics.nl/vital-the-complete-collection-1987-1995/">https://www.kormplastics.nl/vital-the-complete-collection-1987-1995/</a>)
"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024 <a href="https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com/album/premonitions-underground-cassette-network-1989-90">https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com</a>
Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (<a href="http://eastcoaststudio.com.au">http://eastcoaststudio.com.au</a>)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

For two decades during the 80's-90's, the international mail system fostered a network of underground artists, exchanging cassette tapes of music and homemade artwork - all under the radar of main stream media.

Taking the DIY message of Punk as a jumping off point, our travel through the network departs from the bleak 1980's Thatcher-era UK, community radio and fanzines and all points in a journey to a thriving self sustaining culture.  

We track down some key figures in the cassette scene, and follow the web of connections outward from the UK around the world, mapping the impacts and their ongoing effects.

We speak with musicians, label runners, and fanzine writers, who share their experiences of connecting through the mail system and its ongoing effects on their lives.

For two decades during the 80's-90's, the international mail system fostered a network of underground artists, exchanging cassette tapes of music and homemade artwork - all under the radar of main stream media.
Taking the DIY message of Punk as a jumping off point, our travel through the network departs from the bleak 1980's Thatcher-era UK, community radio and fanzines and all points in a journey to a thriving self sustaining culture.  
We track down some key figures in the cassette scene, and follow the web of connections outward from the UK around the world, mapping the impacts and their ongoing effects.
We speak with musicians, label runners, and fanzine writers, who share their experiences of connecting through the mail system and its ongoing effects on their lives.

Cassette Culture

For two decades the international mail system fostered a network of underground artists, exchanging cassette tapes of music and homemade artwork - all under the radar of main stream media.

We track down some key figures in the cassette scene, and follow the web of connections outward from the UK around the world, mapping the impacts and their ongoing effects.

We speak with musicians, label runners, and fanzine writers, who share their experiences of connecting through the mail system and its ongoing effects on their lives.

Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham | Podcast produced by East Coast Studio

Find us on www.cassetteculture.com

For two decades the international mail system fostered a network of underground artists, exchanging cassette tapes of music and homemade artwork - all under the radar of main stream media.
We track down some key figures in the cassette scene, and follow the web of connections outward from the UK around the world, mapping the impacts and their ongoing effects.
We speak with musicians, label runners, and fanzine writers, who share their experiences of connecting through the mail system and its ongoing effects on their lives.
Hosted by Martin Franklin &amp; Hudson Graham | Podcast produced by <a href="https://eastcoaststudio.com.au/">East Coast Studio</a>
Find us on <a href="https://www.cassetteculture.com">www.cassetteculture.com</a>

Underground 'Zines And The Hunt For Lost Music

Unboxing a Cassette Time Capsule sent to us from Steve Gears in the UK.

We find a treasure trove of rare cassette culture artifacts from the 1980s and 90s. From handmade fanzines and photocopied flyers to quirky cassette releases, this episode transports you back to the DIY underground music scene of the pre-digital era.

Martin and Hudson unpack the goodies sent from The Happy Citizen's Steve Gears in Manchester UK and talk through the flyers, tapes and letters inside this amazing time capsule. This is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by music history and the evolution of independent music distribution. 

Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.

Featured Music:

"Incision" Sirius B, (Steve's compilation cassette)
"Track name" Remarimba, (Cordelia Records)
"Church Of Pain" Media: Premonitions, Bad News Bible, (Premonitions Tapes)

"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024
https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com

 

Podcast produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (https://eastcoaststudio.com.au)

Unboxing a Cassette Time Capsule sent to us from Steve Gears in the UK.
We find a treasure trove of rare cassette culture artifacts from the 1980s and 90s. From handmade fanzines and photocopied flyers to quirky cassette releases, this episode transports you back to the DIY underground music scene of the pre-digital era.
Martin and Hudson unpack the goodies sent from The Happy Citizen's Steve Gears in Manchester UK and talk through the flyers, tapes and letters inside this amazing time capsule. This is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by music history and the evolution of independent music distribution.&nbsp;
Hosted by Martin Franklin &amp; Hudson Graham.
Featured Music:
"Incision" Sirius B, (Steve's compilation cassette) "Track name" Remarimba, (Cordelia Records) "Church Of Pain" Media: Premonitions, Bad News Bible, (Premonitions Tapes)
"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024 <a href="https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com/album/premonitions-underground-cassette-network-1989-90">https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com</a>
&nbsp;
Podcast produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (<a href="https://eastcoaststudio.com.au">https://eastcoaststudio.com.au</a>)

The Package From Steve Arrives

1980’s cassette networking branched out into independent radio shows, physical meet ups and gigs. For 14 years Sandy Nys ran his radio show on Antwerp's Radio Centraal, amplifying and connecting the scene. Through these connections, he ran his 3RioArt label, launched Belgian EBM influencers, The Klinik and later, electronic ritual collective, Hybryds.

Mindscan Tapes label owner Rob Maycock talks about quickly building international networks and collaborations with Treble King in the USA and Nostalgia Eternelle in France, plus his connection to a 1988 release on the fledgling Cold Spring label.

Discogs stalker, Internet Detective and Infinite Expanse founder, Tom Gibbs makes progress in his contemporary search for the elusive Omega Ensemble members.

Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.

Guests:

Sandy Nys/Hybryds
Rob Maycock/Mindscan Tapes
Tom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse

Featured Music:

Remarimba "B Bag" (Cordelia Records Sampler 4th Ed.) 1989
Omega Ensemble "Piece 1" (Demo) 1988
"Intro" (Aural Augasm #7)
Attrition "Beast Of Burden" (International Audio Communication Vol#1) 1983
Satori "23 Voodoo" (Mindscan Tapes) 1988

 

"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024
https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com

Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)

1980&rsquo;s cassette networking branched out into independent radio shows, physical meet ups and gigs. For 14 years Sandy Nys ran his radio show on Antwerp's Radio Centraal, amplifying and connecting the scene. Through these connections, he ran his 3RioArt label, launched Belgian EBM influencers, The Klinik and later, electronic ritual collective, Hybryds.
Mindscan Tapes label owner Rob Maycock talks about quickly building international networks and collaborations with Treble King in the USA and Nostalgia Eternelle in France, plus his connection to a 1988 release on the fledgling Cold Spring label.
Discogs stalker, Internet Detective and Infinite Expanse founder, Tom Gibbs makes progress in his contemporary search for the elusive Omega Ensemble members.
Hosted by Martin Franklin &amp; Hudson Graham.
Guests:
Sandy Nys/Hybryds Rob Maycock/Mindscan Tapes Tom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse
Featured Music:
Remarimba "B Bag" (Cordelia Records Sampler 4th Ed.) 1989 Omega Ensemble "Piece 1" (Demo) 1988 "Intro" (Aural Augasm #7) Attrition "Beast Of Burden" (International Audio Communication Vol#1) 1983 Satori "23 Voodoo" (Mindscan Tapes) 1988
&nbsp;
"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024 <a href="https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com/album/premonitions-underground-cassette-network-1989-90">https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com</a>
Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (<a href="http://eastcoaststudio.com.au">http://eastcoaststudio.com.au</a>)

Tape to Tape Tête-à-Tête: The Network Gets Physical

Steve Gears (Pharoah Chromium Sound/The Happy Citizen), Richard Talbot (Marconi Union) and Tom Gibbs, (Infinite Expanse) take us further down the rabbit hole in this episode. We even got hold of some archive radio recording from “On The Wire” on BBC Radio Lancashire in 1989.

Cassette-era music comes from: 

Sirius B, Basie V. Webster, Marconi Union, Richter Band and Omega Ensemble

First, we talk to Steve Gears, the founder of the Pharoah Chromium Sound label, who shares how he stumbled upon this vibrant community and the thrill of receiving contributions from like-minded artists through the mail. Gears recounts the collaborative spirit that fuelled the creation of his own projects, like Happy Citizen,

Richard Talbot, one half of the acclaimed group Marconi Union, reveals how his chance connections in the cassette network ultimately led to the formation of the band, demonstrating the serendipitous nature of these underground musical relationships.

Infinite Expanse label founder Tom Gibbs, takes us on his journey from beginning his label as a YouTube channel. Gibbs' passion for unearthing these forgotten gems leads to his quest to find the remaining members of lo-fi improvisors, the Omega Ensemble.

Hosted by Martin Franklin & Hudson Graham.

Guests:

Steve Gears/Pharoah Chromium Sound

Richard Talbot/Marconi Union

Tom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse

Featured Music:

Sirius B "Incision" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989 

Basie V. Webster "Untitled" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989

Marconi Union "The Contact" Under Wires And Searchlights (Self Released) 2003

Richter Band "Čínský Potůček / Poloviční Chytání" Smetana (Infinite Expanse) 2024

Omega Ensemble "Piece 6" Sil Lim Tao (Self Released) 1988

"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024
https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com



Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (http://eastcoaststudio.com.au)

Steve Gears (Pharoah Chromium Sound/The Happy Citizen), Richard Talbot (Marconi Union) and Tom Gibbs, (Infinite Expanse) take us further down the rabbit hole in this episode. We even got hold of some archive radio recording from “On The Wire” on BBC Radio Lancashire in 1989.
Cassette-era music comes from: 
Sirius B, Basie V. Webster, Marconi Union, Richter Band and Omega Ensemble
First, we talk to Steve Gears, the founder of the Pharoah Chromium Sound label, who shares how he stumbled upon this vibrant community and the thrill of receiving contributions from like-minded artists through the mail. Gears recounts the collaborative spirit that fuelled the creation of his own projects, like Happy Citizen,
Richard Talbot, one half of the acclaimed group Marconi Union, reveals how his chance connections in the cassette network ultimately led to the formation of the band, demonstrating the serendipitous nature of these underground musical relationships.
Infinite Expanse label founder Tom Gibbs, takes us on his journey from beginning his label as a YouTube channel. Gibbs' passion for unearthing these forgotten gems leads to his quest to find the remaining members of lo-fi improvisors, the Omega Ensemble.
Hosted by Martin Franklin &amp; Hudson Graham.
Guests:
Steve Gears/Pharoah Chromium Sound
Richard Talbot/Marconi Union
Tom Gibbs/Infinite Expanse
Featured Music:
Sirius B "Incision" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989 
Basie V. Webster "Untitled" A Tender Tension (Pharoah Chrome Sound) 1989
Marconi Union "The Contact" Under Wires And Searchlights (Self Released) 2003
Richter Band "Čínský Potůček / Poloviční Chytání" Smetana (Infinite Expanse) 2024
Omega Ensemble "Piece 6" Sil Lim Tao (Self Released) 1988
"Premonitions: Underground Cassette Network 1989​-​90" cassette reissue, Infinite Expanse, 2024 <a href="https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com/album/premonitions-underground-cassette-network-1989-90">https://infiniteexpanse.bandcamp.com</a>
 
Podcast Produced by Martin Franklin/East Coast Studio (<a href="http://eastcoaststudio.com.au">http://eastcoaststudio.com.au</a>)

Underground 'Zines And The Hunt For Lost Music

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