Puremagnetik is pleased to announce a new release from our friends at FOIL Imprints.

Tape Pieces Vol. 1 represents the first in its series — a collaboration between composer Chris Child (Kodomo) and sound artist (Puremagnetik owner) Micah Frank. 

The EP began with a question: “How can we move away from our familiar tools that govern the structure and precision of creating loop based music?” While the DAW offers virtually limitless control, it can also be stifling, leading to predictable working methods and results.

The answer became apparent through Frank's four-track cassette recorder. The two decided to use the four-track as the main recording mechanism, creating tape loops in the studio from a few hand-played synths, a Rhodes, and a piano.  The loops were naturally asynchronous due to the lack of control over time and tempo. 

The tape loops were then layered and re-recorded through effects pedals, building up a slow, hypnotic mass of sound.  The artifacts introduced from the tape shaped the sound of the pieces, giving them a warm and nostalgic  quality. Frank and Child also made use of their time field recording in and around Portland, weaving the ambiences into the music. Both artists were inspired by the landscapes, light, and slowness of the environment.  

Chris Child (left) and Micah Frank in Brooklyn 2019

The physical release of Tape Pieces Vol. 1 features a high bias cassette tape and artwork from Portland Maine based artist Bryan Graf.  Only 50 copies are available. The first 20 sold will ship with a 10.5" W x 13" L poster print featuring the cover art. All poster prints will be signed and numbered by the Bryan and Chris.

Chris Child is an Emmy award winning composer based in Portland Maine and produces electronic music under the moniker Kodomo. In 2018 he founded the label Foil Imprints with the intention to release inspired electronic music, highlighting the diverse interests among its artists.  Child’s music has appeared in numerous TV shows and video games, and is regularly played on NPR.  

Micah Frank is an award-winning electronic sound artist that uses algorithmic, generative and stochastic methods to build sound sculptures. Much of his work incorporates field recordings, hand-built software and real-time synthesis techniques. Micah is a 2019 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow in music and sound from The New York Foundation for the Arts.