Tape Op Magazine - Issue #147

Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

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JULY 22, 2025 INTERVIEWS

Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe: In-Between the Notes

BY CHLOE ALEXANDRA THOMPSON, DESDEMONA DALLAS, IAN BRENNAN, DESDEMONA THOMPSON

Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe is one the most innovative composers working today. With his experience in punk and metal bands, and as a vocalist, his compositions are grounded in a way that is usually sorely lacking from conservatory fare. Startlingly prolific, he has released over 20 albums in 17 years since 2004 – often performing solo under the pseudonym Lichens – and also with the likes of the bands Om and Singer. He has collaborated with such heavyweights as Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo [Tape Op #17], Genesis P-Orridge, and the late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. Robert was also the lead singer and trumpet player on three albums and an EP for Chicago's 90 Day Men, and he provided vocals on albums for Drag City groups U.S. Maple and Town & Country. Using field recording in his work, he has now provided the score for director Nia DaCosta's remake of the cult film Candyman, the latest in Jordan Peele's (Get Out, Us) Monkeypaw Productions' run of smash-hit, socio-political, arthouse horror.

JULY 22, 2025 INTERVIEWS

Roland Orzabal: Staying “Absolutely Vital” with Tears For Fears

BY LARRY CRANE, FRANK OCKENFELS

If you look at the history of Tears For Fears, the original duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith only made three albums – The Hurting, Songs from the Big Chair, and The Seeds Of Love – before splitting in 1991. But what albums they were! The Hurting proved that new technology could be harnessed in service of very emotional music. Songs from the Big Chair became a massive hit, with expanded production and goals. The Seeds Of Love was a studio tour de force and a massive production. After their breakup, Roland carried the band on without Curt, but a reunion in 2000 led to the album Everybody Loves a Happy Ending. Now, 17 years later, here's the follow-up, The Tipping Point, and some interesting stories to go with it.

JULY 22, 2025 INTERVIEWS

Gavin Brown: Producing Results

BY ROMAN SOKAL

If there is anyone out there who is meant to be working in music as a producer, engineer, and songwriter that would be Toronto's Gavin Brown. For years, he has been Canada's go-to producer. His list of credits is long; he's ultra-enthusiastic and spares no expense. He utilizes practically everything out there (plug-ins, gear, etc.) to make a song the best it can be. He's worked with Metric, Barenaked Ladies, The Tragically Hip, and Three Days Grace. He's an inspiration in the number of things he achieves in music. Recently he co-wrote and played guitar on Sting's song, "Rushing Water.

JULY 22, 2025 INTERVIEWS

Taylor Young: Valley of the Palm Mute

BY SAM RETZER, KYLLA PARSONS

There is a portal inside of a garage in Van Nuys, California, that leads to another world. A world of crushing heaviness, monstrous sounds, and violently compelling breakdowns. Despite its modest size, The Pit Studio has drawn decibel disciples from across Southern California and beyond in search of the ultimate in slam-ready sonics. Inside the blood red live room, a dizzying selection of modded out Marshall amps and punishing Mesa Boogie heads stand at attention in custom wooden carpentry. In the corner sits a well-loved, carefully mic'd SJC drum kit, outfitted with sinister splash cymbals. Lording over The Pit from his control room throne, Taylor Young has spent over a decade creating a space where heavy hardcore, death metal, and '90s "hard alternative" melt into a mutant stew of impossibly hard music. Perhaps best known as the former drummer for grindcore darlings NAILS, Taylor and his brother, Colin, have also led their own band, Twitching Tongues, through four albums of aggressively melodic and romantic metalcore. In a sure sign of global moshification, the recent Pit-produced God's Hate album (self-titled) snuck up to #13 on the Billboard Hard Music chart, with steady airplay on SiriusXM Radio's Liquid Metal show. Plus, he's been producing records for iconic labels like Southern Lord, Metal Blade, and Revelation Records. Step now with me into The Pit, and if you see anyone going down… help them up! Feature Image: Taylor and Duke (818) Style Kyla Barsell

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