Musicians Revive Obsolete Tape Decks with Innovative Sound Art

Three musicians from Japan have transformed obsolete technology into living instruments, breathing new life into outdated tape recorders. The trio, known as the Open Reel Ensemble, is redefining the boundaries of musical performance with their latest project, “Magnetic Folklore.” This project showcases their unique ability to extract haunting melodies from vintage reel-to-reel machines that many consider relics of the past.

Using equipment from the 1970s and 1980s, the group, composed of Ei Wada, Haruka Yoshida, and Masaru Yoshida, engages in a form of artistry they call “magnetikpunk.” This term encapsulates their exploration of forgotten auditory landscapes through the tactile nature of analog media, contrasting sharply with the digital perfection of modern sound production. The experience of their performances resembles a dialogue with the ghosts of technology, as they manipulate tape loops across bamboo bows, merging technical skill with artistic expression.

Innovative Techniques and Instruments

What distinguishes the Open Reel Ensemble’s approach is their inventive use of recording equipment as active performance tools. They do not merely play back pre-recorded audio; instead, they have developed methods to program sounds directly onto the recorders. This allows them to switch individual tracks on multi-track machines on and off, much like a guitarist strumming notes. By recording blocks of sound at various pitches, they can trigger and silence these sounds in real time, creating intricate musical patterns.

A notable aspect of their work is the JIGAKKYU, an instrument they describe as a traditional folk tool, despite being entirely their own invention. The JIGAKKYU consists of magnetic tape stretched across a bamboo bow, connected to a reel-to-reel deck. As the performer draws the bow, they deftly control the tape’s movement, adjusting speed and tension in ways the original manufacturers could not have foreseen. This technique creates a dynamic interplay of sound and motion, resembling a fishing expedition where the catch is not fish, but elusive sound waves.

The revival of analog technologies in creative fields is not merely a nostalgic trend; it represents an acknowledgment of the unique qualities that different mediums can offer. Digital audio workstations possess capabilities that tape cannot replicate, yet the physical limitations of analog tape create distinct auditory experiences that digital technology often loses in favor of precision. The imperfections and unpredictable nature of tape contribute to a warm sound that resonates with audiences.

Challenging Conventional Definitions of Music

The Open Reel Ensemble embodies a spirit of exploration and innovation. In interviews, Ei Wada has emphasized the importance of experimentation, stating that each performance serves as a new opportunity to discover techniques and engage with the machines’ individual characteristics. This relentless pursuit of creativity allows them to redefine what music can be and where it can originate.

Their work transcends mere retro aesthetics or the hipster fascination with old technology. It challenges listeners to reconsider the essence of music in a world where artificial intelligence can generate flawless compositions in moments. Instead of relying on algorithms, the ensemble embraces the imperfections of their equipment, finding beauty in the friction and patience required to produce their sound.

The essence of “Magnetic Folklore” lies in its contradictions: it is experimental yet steeped in tradition, a tactile art form built on discarded technology, and a cutting-edge performance that honors the past. This project serves as a reminder that innovation does not always mean moving forward; it can also mean revisiting and reinterpreting what has come before.

For those intrigued by the intersections of design, technology, and art, the Open Reel Ensemble offers a compelling perspective. They have looked at outdated equipment—once considered obsolete—and asked, “What stories remain trapped in these spinning reels?” The answer, it seems, is a wealth of mesmerizing sounds that continue to captivate audiences and redefine the landscape of modern music.