Lost Sound Tapes
An interview with Jon Manning by Mary Duke
What is Lost Sound Tapes?
Lost Sound Tapes is a cassette based record label that I (Jon Manning) started in Seattle, WA in 2005. We have released close to 50 cassettes and records. LST is open minded when it comes to the style of music we like but most of our releases are in the indie pop, folk, punk wheelhouse.
What was the inspiration behind establishing Lost Sound Tapes?
DIY record labels like Unread Records from Omaha, NE, Black Bean & Placenta Tape Club from southern California, and K Records in Olympia, WA were a big inspiration to me! Unread Records specializes in cassette tapes by lo-fi bedroom musicians which was revolutionary to me when I first heard it. BB&PTC mostly focused on one-sided vinyl records with construction paper covers. They were prolific and put out some really good stuff. K Records in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s put out some really essential indie pop, folk, and punk albums. Through them I was introduced to many of my current favorite bands and musicians.
How many bands/musicians has LST worked with?
We’ve released cassettes and records for 38 different bands but that doesn’t include any of the compilations we’ve done.
Some of the notables are Watercolor Paintings, iji, Blanket Truth, Your Heart Breaks, Madeline, Stephen Steinbrink (French Quarter), and MathThe Band
How does Lost Sound Tapes sustain itself?
By selling cassette tapes! Our expenses are fairly low so the label can be sustained while selling tapes for only $5.
What is the biggest reward of working for LST?
I’m a bit of an obsessive music lover, especially when it comes to bedroom recordings and unknown musicians. So I love nothing more than to be able to share music with the world that I consider to be excellent and underrepresented.
What are the major challenges of keeping LST and running?
I feel like I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t have too much trouble keeping the label going. It pretty much sustains itself. The thing that I do find challenging though is promoting bands and making people aware of new tapes we make. If anyone wants to review Lost Sound Tapes releases on their blog or in their zine, get in touch! lostsoundtapes@gmail.com
Stephen Steinbrink
“Yellow Canary Jumpsuit”
Cassette
What is one of your fondest memories of working at LST?
One of the coolest things for me was when Madeline asked Lost Sound Tapes to release her album “White Flag” on cassette tape. I had been a fan of hers for awhile and she had emailed me out of the blue because she thought I did a good job with the Your Heart Breaks “Love Is A Long Dark Road” tape. I’ve since released a second album for Madeline on tape called “Black Velvet” (CD and LP released by This Will Be Our Summer Records).
What advice would you give to someone hoping to start their own music label?
I'd say, don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions from people you respect and admire! Other people who run record labels are usually more than happy to talk shop for a little bit and give you some tips. If you're going to go through the effort of releasing your own music be sure to create the best object possible and keep a high attention to detail. It will separate you from most of the hobbists.
Cave Babies “Green” Cassette
What is your favorite music genre?
Lo-fi bedroom indie pop, I guess! That's a lot of what has been released on Lost Sound Tapes. I can find value in most music though as long as it's inspired and played with heart.
Do you play an instrument and/or have you ever been in a band?
Lost Sound Tapes was started in order to release cassettes for my band called Blanket Truth. It started as a solo music project inspired by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone and The Mountain Goats and then morphed into a full fledged, baritone ukuele, bass, and beatboxing band. I've released 11 Blanket Truth cassettes since 2005 but the band just played our last shows ever. I'm moving out of Seattle and broke up the band because I didn't want to start it up elsewhere with a completely new cast of musicians. Onward to new projects. You can download Blanket Truth releases for free at Bandcamp.
I also play bass in a wannabe-surf-punk band called Sandy City. We'll probably stay together and play our standard 3-4 shows a year. Eli from Blanket Truth plays guitar, Chris from Jigsaw Records plays another guitar, and Zach from iji plays drums. We have an LP on Rok Lok Records, a 3-song 7" on Prty Ngg Records, and an out of print 7" that was part of the Lost Sound Tapes 7" subscription series.
I'm starting a band very soon with Rose Melberg called Imaginary Pants. Look for it. I'm sure there will be a cassette tape in the near future.
