Celebrating 5 years of exemplary DIY passion and work ethic, independent record label Tarantula Tapes releases Tracknaphobia Vol. 5. Established in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, Tarantula Tapes quickly became a beacon of hope during very grim times as local venues were shuddered, and musicians were left with nowhere to perform.
Geared towards punk and the many genres inhabiting the underground scene, Tarantula Tapes became the anti-mainstream go-to place to get music out both physically and digitally. Starting with cassettes and downloads, the first handful of releases showcased local talents who had a new avenue to continue pursuing their passion.
Since 2020, the label has over 50 releases under its belt (cassette and vinyl), has hosted countless events, over 15 recording sessions, and has produced material for bands across Canada and the US.
Founders Casey and Core reflect on the past 5 years:
“Five years has felt like a blink but also a lifetime when we consider what we were doing in 2020. The world was different, the scene was different, we were different. This time five years ago, days lagged and months dragged. A grim period for many of us, especially musicians. We didn’t know it at the time but this label was the bundle of joy that would carry us through the next few years. Thinking about where we’d be, what we’d be doing without it, is kind of dreary.”
As is now a beloved tradition, the latest addition of Tracknaphobia has been released and boasts a collection of songs that reflect the relentless work and unmistakable talent that the label attracts. Choosing 10 tracks from the ever-growing catalogue of songs must have been no easy task, and the final tracklist demonstrates the versatility and eclectic acts the label supports. From deathcore to synth-punk, grunge to dreamy acoustics, Tracknaphobia Vol. 5 has something for everyone.
At the heart of every release there is love and a resilience that cannot be toppled by external forces. From its inception, Tarantula Tapes has made a positive impact on the local music scene, and 5 years later it continues to do so on a larger scale.
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Bio:
Tarantula Tapes is a Canadian based, independent record label, geared towards punk and the underground.
