An ever growing number of brave souls go OLD-school every year, collaborating on songs using #4_track #cassette recorders and the post office. One person starts the song by recording their part onto track 1, along with a click or beat on track 4, then the physical tape is mailed through the post to the next person on the list, who adds another part and repeats the process. The last person records their part over the click/beat and then mixes the four tracks and uploads the song.

Burr put together videos for tapes in 2021 and 2022, showing each step of the process:

2021
"Sleep It Off" https://youtu.be/P75NJXmbpuE
"What Had I Lost" https://youtu.be/58QzEtHJX_s
"Psychedelic Circus" https://youtu.be/tpLVeJ_Xjfk
2022
“I Am A Nightingale” https://youtu.be/Bt0JWeCeh8Q
“Wax Wane Repeat” https://youtu.be/1wIWOHK_CDg
“Love On 2 Wheels” https://youtu.be/9eAHkM6thWY

Some additional info: we try to make it as universal as possible, so all tapes are recorded at standard speed (not 2X, if possible) and without noise-reduction, since not all players have these features. Of course, not all players play at the same speed either, so there are always some unexpected sounds and effects, which is part of the magic. Also, it is a good idea for the first person to record an 'A' note before the song, so others can tune to it (or adjust the speed on their machine if possible)

If you have a functional 4-track cassette recorder you should join the fun! Comment below if you want to start a tape or join an existing one. Let us know if you're starting a tape and your deck is only 2X, so that people with 2X or multi-speed recorders can join.

Songs should get tagged with #4_track #analog #cassette and have @fourtracktape as one of the collaborators.

You can email your mailing address to @nancyrost or @zecoop and we'll keep it in a private doc to make sure everyone knows where to send their tape next. When you need to send a tape, get in touch with us.

Yes! Count me in, John!

Also, I have a tape that I started last year and mailed to @wobbiewobbit.

@elesimo - We will definitely have some 'leftover' tapes to finish off. List what you have and I'll add them. :)

I'm in! Happy to start or finish a tape.

(Just gotta make sure my 4-track is still working OK)

Count me in! Can start or finish but probably not in the middle unless it is a Canada-only tape.

I'd like to give this a crack, though I have a Tascam Porta02 which I think only does 2X. I've not done this before so I figure going 2nd or 3rd might be a good idea.
FYI - I'm in the UK

@oddbod - 2X is fine if we can find other 2x'ers. I know @vomvorton can and there are likely others. It's all in the communication and lining up tapes that can work with all participants. :)

Also, if you get right on it, you can make it international. I have 2x and many others do too.

@oddbod I believe the Porta02 is 1-7/8 ips which is "normal" speed!

@zecoop @whispermouse 👍 thanks for confirming

already on tape 1, but happy to be part of a UK only tape, if there is interest?

Hey @zecoop! Don't forget Tape 8 from 5090 that I totally snoozed on :D

I'm in. I'd like to start a tape this year if possible.

I can probably handle at least a couple more (in addition to the video one), I could join leftover tape 5 and I'm happy to be involved in a 2x one if @oddbod needs oddbuddies?

I'm in for track 1,2, or 3 on anything 1x.

I secretly replaced my wife's makeup case in the motorhome with my 4-track player....... I'm in!!!!

Marvsmooth reporting for duty :-)

I've added tapes with @nancyrost and @yarimurray starting them.

As always, just let me know if you are planning on starting a tape and I'll get it on the list.

Sign me up, any track, any tape. 1X tape drive. Video is possible too.

@swampjaw - Sweet!! Want to start one, or wait to join one?

Sign me up, I'm nervous but willing to try. As far as gear, the Tascam 424MKII I have can handle double speed if that is needed.

@mostlymediocremusic _awesome! Nearly all tapes are 1X, just so they can go to anyone else, but occasionally a 2X tape is planned ahead.

The way this thread works is you just tell me what tape you want to join (list is in the 2nd and 3rd post in this thread) and I'll add you. If you have a specific track you want, let me know, but remember if you are 4th, it is up to you to mix and release the song. :)

Good to see you back @marvsmooth !!

@zecoop - it’s been a while, John.

@zecoop Either way -- I can start one off if we're full up, or fill in on a tape that's in need of another track.

@zecoop -- alrighty. I'll start one off. And you can put me on another one -- I can hop on tape 5 if that's still going, but am willing to go anywhere.

Put me down as track two on the tape that swampjaw's going to start... tape 9

@zecoop I'll sign up for any slot on any tape 😀

@dugganensis - Generally, I don't like to assign slots, but since we are just getting things started, I'll add you in. Remember if you are Track 4, you need to be able to mix it down and post it on FAWM. :)

I'll put you second on Tape 8.

Thanks. Can I be on tape 7 please?

Tape 2 - US to Japan? RAD!!!

Actually the tape speed of my Tascam Porta02 MkII according to the manual is 1-7/8 ips as @whispermouse confirmed.
So I guess that means it's standard cassette speed after all and NOT 2X speed

@zecoop @vomvorton - see above

thanks for adding me on one of the tapes i have in my possession. I also have another one with @vomvorton on track 1

I will definitely start at least one tape...

@mostlymediocremusic @metalfoot @wobbiewobbit
Done, done and done!!

@zecoop can I go after wobbie on tape 5?

I got my 4track working now! Count me in.

My Porta 02 is working fine! Count me in.

@erbaer and @whispermouse - just let me know here what tape/track you want to go on and whether you’ll be starting a new tape. Remember that you need to mix it if you are fourth.

@zecoop happy to start or finish a tape as needed, with the caveat that I can't play drums so if someone is hoping for a track four drum track, it won't be me 😀

Slot me in to the first convenient spot - maybe tape 6? I don't have a strong preference.

@zecoop -I'll take the 3rd spot on tape 10...if that's still available. I'm not sure quite about mixing the final mix.

So, I forgot to order tapes until yesterday, but I may have gotten the old 4-track working. (Testing was at least a partial success but there was a fair amount of warble. But I used a 90 minute cassette from the 90's so it very would could be a problem with the medium rather than the recorder.) I feel it would be foolish to volunteer until a full test could be completed. (AKA I don't want to accidentally eat the tape.)

@whispermouse - Got it!
@erbaer - Tape 10 is in the UK and I am not sure if it is crossing the pond, so I can put you after me on the UK to US tape that just started
@marvsmooth - Done!

ok then!

😄

Would tape 7 #3 and tape 12 #4 be okay?

Tape 5 looks like a UK tape, very happy to take the 4th place on that one (if the others are ok with it)

Hey not sure if this is how it works but I’d like to join tape 5 if possible (looks like you’re all in the UK too?).

@wehappyfew - That is *exactly* how this works - welcome to the fun! I am really glad you are here! I have added you on Tape 5 to wrap things up.

@jimdgreen - Sorry, saw the other post for that tape first, but I added you to another UK tape (tape 10) on track 3, if that works for you. If you'd rather be 4th, I can change it. :)

@zecoop If it’s ok, can I move to track 4 on tape 10? Really enjoy the ”production” bit of the last slot.

I'd like to participate in this! I'm in CA. I don't have any particular preference which tape I go on, I see 7, 8, and 9, are in the US so I'd be happy to join one of those. I also have the gear to mix the tape onto the computer if the 4th spot is needed 😄

@zecoop can you add me to tape 9 (track 3) and then maybe @patmad to tape 9 (track 4), since we're both in the Bay Area?

thanks @elesimo that sounds perfect to me!

Add me to tape 10, spot 3?

@elesimo @patmad @sw1n3flu - done! Patmad, are you good with mixing down and posting the song?

@wehappyfew - I started a new UK tape for you and @jimdgreen I added you on track 2 (@vomvorton @wobbiewobbit @sw1n3flu and any other UK folks, let me know)

@zecoop yup, I'll mix it and upload it! thanks :)

@zecoop I'm UK so any chance I can get a slot on tape 13?
As I confirmed above, my Tascam runs at 1-7/8 ips (standard speed) so presumably this makes it compatible?

As always, everyone, I’m not just going to randomly assign you unless you ask me to. If you want a track, or want to start a new tape, just say so here in this thread. We already have a FAWM win if tapes planned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan some more!! Jump in whenever you want.

(@oddbod - done!)

@zecoop I'd be happy to finish off the newly added UK tape if that suits! That will probably be enough for me (although I will be poised and ready to jump in if any are short on personnel of course).

@zecoop Can I be on a tape with @metalfoot ?

@robheron1 - now you are!

Did this tape from last year ever get finished? I didn't download a song for it

UK Tape 5
1: @Sorby69<
2: @wobbiewobbit
3: @fonte
4: @rollasoc

Last I heard it was being mailed to @rollasoc

Woohoo - just got a decent working cassette 4-track recorder yesterday. It does 4.8ips too.

So count me in! Any space left in a UK-based tape? I don't mind being the stitcher/publisher at the end either

I've not volunteered to start one yet this year, so I will do that now and you can get in on that action @tobermory ?

@vomvorton indubitably! Get your drums on

@vomvorton @tobermory - it is official 👍🏼

Hey everyone - any UK-proximate double speed action going down? I’m happy to start one if not, if anyone fancies it.

And did Tape 13 from last year ever get finished? I can’t remember where that got to, and I’m too lazy to dig into email archives…

We could do double-speed on tape 16? Would just need one more interested participant to finish it off.

cc @thedutchwidows @tobermory

@vomvorton - I'm game if the technology all lines up!

@thedutchwidows @vomvorton Count me in :)

There are still openings on tapes up above for whoever would like them. Take a look and let us know here if you'd like to have one of the tracks. Also let me know if you'd like to start any other tapes.

@zecoop can you add me to track 2 in Tape 14? Thanks!

@elesimo - Done! Yay

@zecoop I’ll be on tape 8 if you don’t mind. Thanks!

There's a chance my neighbour Mike might jump in on my cassette before I mail it on to @robheron1 so that might be 2 tracks counted for-- I need to doublecheck with him.

@guatecoop - You've got it. :)

Anyone want to be the closer and mix them down? Got a few of those too!

I'll do track 3 on tape 14, if its still available

@zecoop Did we lose someone on Tape 7 or did @bachelorb just get lost in the mix?

@mikeskliar - You are in!

Here's what we have left (barring any new tapes)
Tapes 6, 7, 8 and 14 need a US Track 4 person
Tape 16 needs a UK 2X Track 4 person
Tape 11 will be coming to the US from Canada and needs Tracks 3 & 4

@mostlymediocremusic - Brad asked for track 3 on Tape 7, which he has. We still need a closer (unless I missed something, which is possible)

When I went to his page to wish him a happy fawm/introduce myself I get a 404.

@mostlymediocremusic - OH!!!! I didn't understand, but I get a 404 too! I will check into it. Thanks!

@mostlymediocremusic - He changed his FAWM handle and it screwed up my list. I am kicking @the_bachelor off all tapes from here until.... ok, that's not true. But I did figure it out. ;)

I knew you could crack the case. :-)

Hi @zecoop! Could you add me to track 4 of 14?

@patmad - I’ve got you in there!!

Oh my ears and whiskers, I'm late! UK-based and standard speed if anyone wants to put me on a tape. Very bad at starting and finishing but ok in the middle.

Maybe a kind UK analog loving friend will start another tape for you @fourzeroes - things got hectic quickly this year and things filled up!

Sorry fellers….. I’m just toodling around in fawmland not realizing I’ve reimagined myself into a dreaded 404 error…….

@zecoop maybe. No worries if not.

@eargoggle - as requested, I added you to a couple

I could finish tape 16, as i can double speed and love being fourth . . . but as I'm already on 3 tapes, if someone else wants it that's fine. at least we know the tape can/will be finished one way or the other.

At this moment, I am not certain how and if my 4 track recorder works but please add me to the Canada tape with @metalfoot and @robheron1

looks like @sw1n3flu on tape 10 might of had a handle change as well

@jimdgreen - right! I will change it to @beej

@ductapeguy @jimdgreen - changes have been made!

@zecoop Finally checking in here, thanks for adding me! You know I'm down for any and all 4 track shenanigans.

17 tapes (so far) and three of them only need the closer for 4th track! Tape 17 is wide open in the US, though for anyone who wants to get in.

(I mainly posted this to get to 100 posts (before FAWM!!!!) - the 4-tracks are flying this year. :)

@zecoop I'd be down for spot 2 or 3 on tape 17. Dang, is it Feb already?

This just came up with a collaborator, and we'll add this to the intro post: you can email your mailing address to me or @zecoop and we'll keep it in a private doc to make sure everyone knows where to send their tape next.

@metalfoot Think I got it ...you and neighbour' Mike are doing 2 tracks before mailing to me, then I send to @ductapeguy for final track

@robheron1 If that works, it'll be great!

I gotta be out this year and it bums me right TF out. I got this musical project I'm gonna try to do. You guys kick all the ass for me. I'll be back next year!

@metalfoot @robheron1 Got it. I am the 4th track/producer/poster. Looking forward to it. Now I gotta figure out my 4track.

@ductapeguy @robheron1 This is my hope... I will try to have it all figured out no later than this weekend so the mail has time to work its 'magic'!

@metalfoot @robheron1 @ductapeguy - I have changed the O Canada tape to reflect Alex’s neighbor. If Rob feels more comfortable mixing, you could reverse the last two, since Sean is still figuring out the machine. Just a thought

Can I jump on tape 17 in slot 3?

@harryklippton - you are in! Welcome to the fun. I have a private list of addresses so tapes can get where they need to go. Please email me yours: zecoop at yahoo dot com
🤘🏻

@jimdgreen @oddbod @vomvorton I’m going to get track one recorded in the next few days and will pop it in the post at the weekend. Looking forward to hearing how it works out! 🤘

@wehappyfew noted, cheers
@vomvorton I presume you'll forward your address as and when
@jimdgreen I left a note on your page

@oddbod will send it on!

Just finished my first song of the year so will see if I can get something started for tape 16.

Not doing FAWM this year..... So not taking part in new tapes.

BUT!!!!
I have two tapes from last year, that turned up after Feb 28th. I have yet to listen to them....

Tape #13 This is a double speed tape. Which has @vomvorton on acoustic on track 1 and someone put a bass / shaker on track 2 and / or bass on track 3. Not sure who to send this to, when I add track 3.

Tape #5 Normal speed. Which has @sorby69 on guitars @wobbiewobbit on vocal @fonte on bass.

So I look forward to firing these up and doing something with them at the weekend.

@rollasoc ooh nice! had forgotten about that one. @thedutchwidows and @tobermory are UK double-speeders who might be interested?

@vomvorton / @rollasoc - I think I was the mystery bass/shaker player on last year's Tape #13. Probably better for it to go elsewhere rather than back to me. unless no-one wants it, in which case I can finish it off!

@rollasoc I could finish the double speed tape from last year if needed.

@rollasoc @vomvorton @thedutchwidows @wehappyfew
I’m assuming these two are not on the list yet? I will add them, if that’s the case, and add wehappyfew to end the 2x

@rollasoc Yay! Great news re the tapes - but sorry to miss you this year. Hope you're well mate.

Just need a reminder. Do I get the address to send the tape off from the next FAWMer in line or from @zecoop?

Either works @yarimurray - you can ask them or ask me (or Nancy). Whatever gets you the address fastest. :)

Tape 7 has the first track recorded, and the cassette is in the mail to @mostlymediocremusic !

@zecoop Please add me as spot 4 to one tape, I’ll be traveling much of Feb but get home on the 24th and have time to finish one.

@chinacat - Tape 7 has your name on it now! :)

@metalfoot @ductapeguy I'll fire up the 4 track and test everything and let you know. Then we can decide who does final mix. I'm chill either way. Woo-hoo!

@zecoop looks like all systems are go for my neighbour to try to start a tape for us! I'll be slot 2 in the Canada tape.

@jimdgreen I’ve finished my part so ready to post to you once I get your address. 🤘

@wehappyfew there is no email on your profile, do you want me to send you my address via your facebook? or do you want to email me and I can reply with the address?

TWO pieces on tape 12 ready to travel across the miles to their destination.

Tape 4 in the post to @sorby69 !

@wobbiewobbit Whoop-whoop!! Nice one, thanks. Looking forward to this!

Tape 16 going off to @tobermory now!

Hello, I just joined and I would like to participate on a tape. I'm in the UK and have a Tascam 246, so I can do either speed. I can also start a new tape if anyone is up for it.

@mike_degali - There are not currently any UK tapes with open slots (see list at the top), but what do you think about starting a new one? I can talk you through what needs to happen. Or, perhaps another UK would like to start one?

Things filled up crazy fast this year, but there can always be another tape. :)

One thing I would ask is to e-mail me your address at zecoop at yahoo so that I can add it to the private address list I maintain.

@zecoop I'm well up for starting a new tape, I'll send you my details over email.

Can somone send me @straknine 's mailing address for tape 17? Maybe @zecoop ? I'm gonna try and put "something" on a cassette tape tomorrow and make it to the post office before school pick up. Which might happen, and also might not (in which case Monday)

@mike_degali I’m in the UK and happy to join in with a new tape (double speed or normal is fine).

@wehappyfew @oddbod @vomvorton Tape 13 just landed!

Will try and have a first listen this lunch time, and work on it over the weekend.

Been informed we have weekend visitors but will try and work round them . . .

@jimdgreen - No, the correct response is "Hi visitors, I have a special surprise you'll be participating in..." 😂 😄

@jimdgreen wow that was quick for a 2nd class stamp, only posted it at 4.30pm yesterday!

That was quick work! @wehappyfew
@jimdgreen no need to rush on my part, we're still in the first week 😃

@wehappyfew That's awesome, I'll get started recording something over the weekend. (normal speed to make it easier on whoever comes after) :)

@cts @jimdgreen @vomvorton tape 1 is in the mail!

Tape 14 went out this morning! (expected arrival is Tuesday, Beto)

Tape 14 (US)
Track 1: zecoop
Track 2: @elesimo
Track 3: @mikeskliar
Track 4: @patmad

I did it! Got Tape 17 done and on its way to @straknine today.

I love seeing the videos that come out of these. I hope one day I can participate. Haha

@djclark - The first four of these will be the videos this year. Quite a lot of miles this year!!

@mike_degali cool, looking forward to hearing it!

Tape 8 shipped today to @dugganensis scheduled to arrive Tuesday. We're still waiting for a Track 4 FAWMer for this one.

@yarimurray and @dugganensis i have a friend coming in on the 11th for a full day of fawming, so if I get the tape by then we can do 3 and 4 (and mix) if necessary.

Awesome @guatecoop!

How are we doing? Hopefully all the track one folks have gotten their parts done or are in the process, so they can get in the mail soon!

Tape 1: US to UK (4T1T Video 1)
Track 1: @burrsettles >
Track 2: @cts

Tape 2: US to Japan (4T1T Video 2)
Track 1: @stevenwesleyguiles
Track 2: @burrsettles

Tape 3: US (4T1T Video 3)
Track 1: @elesimo
Track 2: @guatecoop

Tape 4: UK to US (4T1T Video 4)
Track 1: @wobbiewobbit >
Track 2: @sorby69

Tape 5 (leftover tape 1)
Track 3: @vomvorton
Track 4:@wehappyfew

Tape 6 (leftover tape 2)
Track 2: @carleybaer
Track 3: @whispermouse

Tape 7
Track 1: @nancyrost >
Track 2: @mostlymediocremusic

Tape 8
Track 1: @yarimurray >
Track 2: @dugganensis

Tape 9
Track 1: @swampjaw
Track 2: @mikeskliar

Tape 10 (leftover 3)
Track 2: @wobbiewobbit
Track 3: @beej

Tape 11 (The O Canada tape)
Track 1: Neighbor Mike
Track 2: @metalfoot

Tape 12 (UK to US)
Track 1: @marvsmooth
Track 2: @zecoop

Tape 13 (UK)
Track 1: @wehappyfew
Track 2: @jimdgreen <

Tape 14 (US)
Track 1: @zecoop
Track 2: @elesimo

Tape 15 Leftover Canada/US
Track 3: @erbaer*
Track 4: @elesimo

Tape 16 UK 2X speed tape!
Track 1: @vomvorton
Track 2: @tobermory

Tape 17
Track 1: @eargoggle
Track 2: @straknine

Tape 18 (1X UK tape)
Track 1: @mike_degali
Track 2: @wehappyfew

The Morden tape is in process! Since there is no mail between step 1 and 2, I gave my neighbour till Sunday

@metalfoot @ductapeguy I have a problem! My 4 track only plays/records at 2x speed. (Fostex XR4). Let me know if you can accommodate me and record everything 2x. If not I'll take a quick look around if I can get my hands on another 4-track and let you know. The good news is it functions well. I checked the transport operation and recorded a few tests. Sorry I didn't notice the 1x, 2x instruction in the guidelines. Who knew this was even a thing?

@metalfoot @ductapeguy @robheron1 - It's a thing. Lots of people are 1X only. If the other two can't do 2X, then we might need to send that one to someone else (or you can play really really fast and/or sing an octave up) ;)

@zecoop - I have received Tape 4: UK to US (4T1T Video 4) from @wobbiewobbit and will sort over the next couple of days.

What’s this video thing?

@marvsmooth Burr started doing videos documenting the process of 4-track collaborations, you can find them on https://www.youtube.com/@fawmrocks.

@elesimo - ooh, I actually did video myself recording for the tape as well!

@marvsmooth - definitely check out the videos from the last two years, because they are rapids fun. Burr does a great job. This year’s videos should be really interesting and fun. Lots of miles on those four tapes!!

The tape 11 (O Canada) has made it across the street to me! I'll work on it in the next couple days. @zecoop do you want me to send it to @ductapeguy because of the speed issue?

Tape 2 Update:
Tape went in the mail this afternoon for mr. @burrsettles
Good luck. My bridge is a hot garbage fire of chord changes that I didn't really map out very well.

#settingexpectations
#thatsnowaytotalkaboutmyself
#yourenotbadatbridgesyourejustbadatcounting

does anyone recognise this tape, it is one of the 2 i have here...it has just track 4 recorded on... and is a very dirty rhythm track and maybe elect guitar mushed in with it. lots of distortion but fairly quiet in with the drums. it is about 7 or 8 mins long I have not a CLUE what to do with it!!!
@elesimo is it yours??? cos you sent me one that i can't find so it might be

@wobbiewobbit that is mine! I remember it now, I recorded drums on track 4, with some melodic percussion as well. It was supposed to be 3:36 long, so I recorded in 2x by mistake. My bad!

I have the digital file for it, I can send you the file and you can re-record on track 4 in 1x, is that OK?

mystery solved! and that reminds me that i didn't do a digital copy of the tape i sent to @sorby69 - could you take a digital record of that please @sorby69? in case it gets into trouble crossing the atlantic? It is ok for me to re-record the file over it, or i could forward it to a 2x-er?? But easy enough for me to re-record.

Hey everyone,
A little late to the party. Anyone need someone to write over a track?

so here's something interesting- on tape number 9, swampjaw has track one, he was in NYC this weekend and we thought he'd hand it off to me but he didn't get a chance to record yet (he will do it tomorrow, he said, and mail to me). so i should get his tape 9 later this week and will then record and send to the next person (elesimo)
However, just in the event that swampjaw he had needed more time, last night I took another tape and recorded a track one (rhythm guitar) and put the click on track 4. So I've got a tape ready to go, if there are volunteers for tracks 2, 3 and 4. I'm in the US (in NYC, specifically) so best that I don't try to mail overseas as it will take too long to get there, probably? but if anyone wants to get involved in another tape, let me know and I'll mail this wherever!

@lstlvs you should ping @zecoop, there are still open spots and @mikeskliar started a new tape.

Congrats everyone! We have officially entered the second page of tapes, as we ran out of characters in the first post!! :)

@mikeskliar - I added your tape
@lstlvs - Let me know if you want on any of the open US slots.

@vomvorton - Were there other tapes around that are not on this list? I couldn't keep track of the 'lost' ones

@zecoop I'm not aware of any others, but I can't say I've kept track either...

If theres another one left, I'd like to have a go

In UK

In UK

In UK

@zecoop - did you add the ones that @rollasoc said he found from last year that he would add to this weekend? Couldn’t see them in the list…?

@thedutchwidows - ahem... not sure what you are talking about... er... they seem to be in the list up above! ;)

@tunecat - Here are the current UK options! Jump in - depends if you have 2X speed on your deck.

Tape 18 (1X UK tape)
Track 1: @mike_degali
Track 2: @wehappyfew
Track 3:
Track 4:

Tape 20 (leftover 2X UK tape)
Track 1: @vomvorton
Track 2: (Mystery bass player)
Track 3: @rollasoc
Track 4:

@zecoop - I’m the mystery bass player! And I played a shaker too (but left the option for those coming later to record over it)!

As we get closer to the end for some of these tapes please remember these tips:

1 - Mix so that ALL the parts can be heard. Use EQ to make each track sound the best that they can. Listen to each one individually!
2 - Mark all participants as collaborators and ALSO mark @fourtracktape so that all the tapes show up in one place
3- Mixing can be straight from the 4-track deck with or without extra effects, or you can take the four tracks into a DAW and mix the song there. Whatever works for you.

Tape 9 to @mikeskliar should go out tomorrow. I was actually in NYC yesterday, and if I had gotten the tape done before the trip, I would have handed it off in person (and he was thinking of handing me the tape he had, as a swap). 9 is gonna happen real soon. And I'm going to get the gears moving on other stuff real soon too.

@metalfoot @robheron1 @zecoop I managed to record a track on my Fostex X28H today. https://write.fawm.org/songs/14377
It looks like I can do 1Xspeed or 2Xspeed but I haven't figured out how to switch between. I printed the original manual (and even spiral bound it) I will keep learning. I think I'm OK for 3rd or last, but If it is going over the border, then I should probably be 3rd. No sense paying international postage twice. Alternately I could see if @moonraccoon wants to borrow my 4 track and we can do it all in country. What do you guys think?

The first two tracks are definitely 1x, @robheron1 and @ductapeguy. So if you can do 1x, that would be good with me. I like the idea of keeping it in country if possible. If @robheron1 wanted to still play, the part is probably slow enough that at 2x he could record something which would sound slow and drawn out and therefore extra cool, slowed down to 1x!

And if I recall, me and @robheron1 live only 45 min apart. Given the snafu with the 2x tape speed, we might want to consider a Simcoe County 4-Track and we could meet in the middle (say Wasaga Beach or Elmvale) to swap tapes and bypass Canada Post. @metalfoot I will get back to you tomorrow about figuring out 1x speed recording.

@Metalfoot, I just tried with the tape I made and it slows down to half speed (1X) just fine. In fact I may need to do another mixdown of my instrumental at half speed and release it as a #slothcore remix.

@ductapeguy @metalfoot @robheron1 @zecoop
If Sean's got a 4-track machine, I'm down to do anything.

@wehappyfew I'm going to my studio today to record my track, if you could send my your address I should be able to ship it tomorrow morning if all goes well.

@zecoop my machine can do x2, so if @tunecat doesn't want the last track on tape #20 I can finish that one.

@mike_degali - I emailed the address to you.

Also, I’ll put @tunecat in the 1x and you on the 2x

@zecoop brilliant! thanks a lot!

@mike_degali @zecoop Cool, I’ve emailed my address but notice that @zecoop beat me to it! 👍🤘

Sorry, I am a bit late to the party, but I'm down for this if there's a tape knocking around.

@metalfoot @ductapeguy @moonraccoon @zecoop
You guys are going to a lot of work. Thanks! I'm perfectly happy to be on the tape or not. Whatever gets it done! Use somebody else if you want. I can't do the mix of the 1x tracks, but I could add a track at 2x on my fostex, then return the tape to ductape for mixdown, or mail it to someone else. If you want to do that I'll need to be next. I'll send my address. I can hand deliver to ductape as suggested.

Tape 3 (a and b) are on the mail to @guatecoop, should arrive Thursday!

Tape 15 arrived today for me, it's one of those lovely tapes that sounds just perfect with 3 tracks (it's a leftover from 2022). I'll see what I can add and post it soon. 😄

@robheron1 If you're of a mind, let me know if you're doing the hand off. I'm just a couple blocks from @ductapeguy. If schedules align, it'd be cool to meet up.
@metalfoot @zecoop

@fonte @zecoop …… I’m always up for a “late to the party” tape

@the_bachelor - You are now getting Tape 19 from @mikeskliar

Tape 17 made its way to me here today. I’ll get to work. So many possibilities.

Tape 15 is up! https://write.fawm.org/songs/14880

This is your warning @the_bachelor, I got Tape 7 this afternoon so it will be heading your way in the morning.

….. @mostlymediocremusic …..
I do not accept any tapes where the headphones use a 1/4” to 3.5 mm adapter 😀

OK, ok... I'll go re-record it with my cheap headphones. There are some pretty bad mistakes in there (Em is the same as E major, right?) any way. I'm sure the 128th time will be the charm. 😄

….. man……I love this stuff…… if 3/4 of the group aren’t saying “what was that about”, then I feel wronged…… 😁 (….I actually did a collab song at 106 bpm….. because I forgot to time the synth 😁)

Hahaha, I've heard that collab song at 106 BPM! 😆 I worked on it today!

@mostlymediocremusic if you wait long enough Em will turn 18 and stop being a minor chord.

@elesimo …… gwadddds….. I’m sure I will never use that dad joke anywhere in the future…… especially around musicians ……. 😁

@zecoop yup hand me a tape. I’m down

@lstlvs - here you go… you have now been added to a tape, following @the_bachelor

@elesimo... just an FYI @mostlymediocremusic chuckled at your joke and thought it good enough to share with me before bedtime (and I can see him using it again in the future). I boohed and called him an old dad geek (as I felt obligated to do) - he laughed at that too :D.

I think you're all getting a little punch drunk at this point :D.

I'm not affiliated with them, but I started using https://www.pirateship.com/ to ship my cassettes and I love them!

You put your package info and they will tell you all the options across UPS/Fedex/USPS, and they even give you a discount (so it's cheaper to send USPS mail through them). It's also nice to have a single place where you can track all your shipments, if you ship a lot (I don't, except during FAWM).

Also, it's the only place online that I found that will let you ship USPS Media Mail. Media Mail can be used to send cassettes at a much cheaper rate ($3.50, I think), though it does take longer, so don't use for 4-track collabs. It's not possible to print Media Mail labels on the USPS website, you need to do it in person, but you can do it in the Pirate Ship website. I've used to ship cassettes and minidiscs that I sold with my music.

@elesimo - I just saw them and was looking into it for bigger packages, which definitely seem to be cheaper.

In other news, I successfully transferred the parts from @marvsmooth onto a cassette, since the price was prohibitive for him to ship across the pond. It's a two for one tape (two songs) and I added drums to them both. @erbaer - I have not heard back from you and need to before I ship this tape. I tried FAWM message and e-mail. Since there was some confusion on the last tape you were on, if I don't hear from you by the 8th, I am going to have to swap out someone else. Communication is *critical* to the success of the 4-track challenge.

@lstlvs - I had to swap around a couple of the tapes, due to stuff, so you are now finishing up this one.

Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor
Track 3: @erbaer
Track 4: @lstlvs

@wehappyfew Tape is on it's way to you now, hope you have fun with it!

@mike_degali Cool, looking forward to checking out what you’ve done and adding my bit. Thanks 🙌

@zecoop alright coo. I’m ready

I picked up Tape 14 at the post office today, @zecoop! Excited to work on it tonight!

@elesimo (scrolls up to list...) Oh yeah!!! I started one!! ;)
FAWM = Frequently Absent Waning Memory

@guatecoop @yarimurray Tape 8 status: Wednesday night, still watching the mail here in Illinois. Hope I might get it tomorrow! But schedule's looking tight for the 3+4 twofer this weekend. 🫤

@dugganensis thanks for the update! It isn’t crucial for Saturday, but would be fun because I would be including a guy who’s been a great musical partner in the past. Really, I will have plenty of time to send it off to someone or just wait until the 20th when my brother comes here and he can join in.

tape 9 just received from @Swampjaw and tomorrow I should be able to add to it and then mail to @elesimo

@guatecoop ….. man……..my brother just drinks my beer……. 😁

@mikeskliar our tapes will wave to each other over Kansas... I'm sending you tape 14 tomorrow!

Tape 17 track 2 is finishing up now. @harryklippton I'll be sending it your way soon!

@zecoop I can take last track on tape 18 if ya want? :-)

Tape 3 is out for delivery to @guatecoop.
Tape 14 is on the mail to @mikeskliar and should arrive Monday.

@dugganensis FedEx says Tape 8 is out for delivery today by 8:00PM (it was supposed to there Tuesday).

@mike_degali @tunecat @zecoop Mike, your tape arrived today (cool beats btw!) and I’ve added my part. Tunecat, I’m ready to post it to you now.

I just got tape 3 today— Thanks @elesimo !

tape 9 was received from @swampjaw yesterday, and I added a track and today mailed to @elesimo

@fonte - You are in!

@tunecat - It looks like i do not have your address, so if you could e-mail me at zecoop at yahoo I will add it, so that we can keep tapes moving. :)

@guatecoop what's your address? (dugganensis at Gmail. Com)

@dugganensis - sent!

Considering tape 1 has an international jump to make, I'm already slightly concerned about getting this done in the month BUT I believe @vomvorton is just over an hours drive away so if needs be I'll hand deliver to save some time . . .

@jimdgreen happy to meet in the middle if it comes to that! Good material for the video 😀

I'm not on as many tapes as I thought. Any UK folk find that they're struggling, let me know and I'm happy to sub in.

Calling @cts - how’s the tape going?

What's the status of tape 6? Not sure where it actually is since it's leftover

Same question re: leftover tape 5 - is that one with you @wobbiewobbit?

@whispermouse - it is still with @carleybaer as far as I know

@zecoop - going out into the wild blue yonder over the weekend! 😄

@vomvorton yes i have it cued up, sorry i have struggled getting into the FAWM swing of things so far, but just posted my first "proper" song so hopefully i have broken through that now, i have been mulling ideas for this one though

@wobbiewobbit no worries, looking forward to it whenever you get time! best wishes blasting through the creative roadblock.

Tape 16 has arrived at Dutch Widows Towers! Will get on it over the weekend hopefully..!

@stevenwesleyguiles @lanasolyluna @santadharma tape 2 is on its way across the pacific! looking forward to hearing it all fleshed out...

@wehappyfew Glad to hear it arrived and that you liked it.

I did a bounce on track 4 of the rums with some effects but it turned out to be too noisy at low speed and no noise reduction.

Whoever ends up doing the mixing, feel free to use it as a reference on what sound I was going for or take it in a completely different direction.

I'm really excited to hear what it ends up sounding like :)

@whispermouse @zecoop I had a faulty piece of equipment throw a wrench in the works this week and no time to run out to replace it, until now! Lord willing and the creek don't rise, it'll be en route before end of day.

@carleybaer - What?!?!! A 30-40 year old piece of outdated (ahem) equipment was faulty!?!?! Well, there's a first for everything I guess. ;)

Tapes 7 and 19 are now sitting comfortably in the Rolling Truck Stones Thing….. There was some Casio goodness on one of em 👍🏻.

I have a question….. one of the tracks has some pretty low levels. First thing I did was clean my heads, but the levels are still low. I am bowing at the feet of the powers to be and asking if it would be alright to bring the tracks into a DAW and clean em up, then replace them on the tape?? Is this heresy?? Should I just let it ride?

@the_bachelor one thing you can do that I did with "Blank invitations" is bump the fader to the max, and use one of the sends to amplify the signal (though I'm not sure how you're going to do that in your RV... I used a pedal).

But you can also leave for the person doing the final mix, no? They can load all the tracks into their DAW and increase the gain.

@the_bachelor - Yeah, it is pretty common for people to put the levels right in the middle, like they do for their DAW. That is a good way to get REALLY low levels on playback. When recording everyone really has to make sure the signal is bouncing in and out of the red consistently to get the maximum analog tape magic mojo.

As long as you can hear it, I would leave it for the mixer instead of redoing the tape tracks in and out of the DAW, but it's your call, since you need to record to them.

@zecoop @elesimo WHAT???? I can pass it down the line??? 😁 This is the greatest challenge ever 😆 (…. I might be getting punchy…..)

Elesimo… that’s a good idea using a send….. That may be helpful later this month👍🏻

@vomvorton oh! tape 5- no i have got stuff to do on that still! but Tape 10 (leftover tape 3 with track 1 from Vom) is done now and ready to send to @beej - wanna send me your address wobbie at wobbiewobbit.com... can get it in the post this weekend to catch the monday morning collection.

Tape 19 is done, and headed to @erbaer on Monday morning.

@zecoop @whispermouse Leftover Tape 2 got dropped off at the post office today!

tape 13 in the post to @oddbod

@sorby and @cts - Hopefully the weekend treated you right and the tapes are soon to be headed overseas?

Got tape 14 from @elesimo , just recorded something on it, and in the next day or two should be able to mail to @patmad who gave me his address, so I'm all set.

@jimdgreen cheers I’ll let you know when it arrives

@vomvorton (tape 5) and @beej (tape 10) both your tapes just went off with the postman :)

Tape 17 is here @straknine @eargoggle

I just received tape 9 from @mikeskliar, going to record something tonight and send it to @patmad tomorrow!

One of our new 4-track challenge participants is a FAWMling and just posted their first FAWM track! He also runs a great multitrack group on Facebook. 🎵🎶

Check out the song from @wehappyfew here:
https://write.fawm.org/songs/17644

just mailed tape 14 to @patmad

Tape 8 has been received! Thanks @dugganensis I will check it out. Also, tape 3 is done and will be sent tomorrow to @burrsettles !

I got Tape 12....two songs, ok then. I'm gonna try and get into this tomorrow and send it out asap

@tunecat tape 18 is heading your way! 🤘

Received tape 5! Will check it out this afternoon.

Tape 6 (leftover tape 2, labeled "50/90 2022 Tape 8") is in my hands! I'll get it turned around this week.

Tape 5 has been added to! Will get it off to @wehappyfew in tomorrow's post.

@vomvorton quick work and can’t wait to get stuck in with track 4 and the mix! Thanks

@jimdgreen @vomvorton @wehappyfew - Tape 13 just landed on the doormat.
Will have a listen later on today.

I forgot to mention that tape 1 is making its way to @jimdgreen. Left the US Monday.

@oddbod always reassuring to see the "I received it" post. thanks.

@ctc now the nerves have really set in.

@oddbod cool, thanks for the update and really interested to hear how it pans out!

Tape 9 is on its way to @patmad — a very short trip.

It's only Feb 15th and I'm done with all my tapes... 🐼

@zecoop can I take that last spot in tape 8? 🙂🙃

@elesimo - you are in!

And with that, all 21 tapes are filled up. Under half the month to go, so please take care of your tracks and get them in the mail, everyone!

21 tapes! Wow.

Tape 13 has left Oddbod Manor and is on its way to @vomvorton

FYI - @jimdgreen @wehappyfew

@oddbod ooh, exciting! looking forward to hearing it!

@vomvorton tape 5 has just arrived, looking forward to having a listen later!

@wehappyfew best of luck! it's an odd one 😁

Hey tape 5 crew! @elesimo @wobbiewobbit @vomvorton Just checking if its okay for me to upload the finished track on SoundCloud to share here, or is it better to do it another way?

@wehappyfew absolutely, go for it whenever you're ready!

edit: ooh, and add @fourtracktape as a collaborator too so they all appear on that page 😄

@vomvorton cool thanks, and I’ll add the hashtag. Got a few ideas at the mo so will see what works best.

yep fine by me :)
@wehappyfew

@wehappyfew - Just to clarify, add @elesimo @wobbiewobbit @vomvorton and @fourtracktape as collaborators in that section at the bottom of the new song page (with the @ not as # )

@zecoop oh yes will do, thanks for clarifying. 👍

Tape 13 is up!

https://write.fawm.org/songs/18882

FYI @wehappyfew @jimdgreen @oddbod

Tape 6 is on its way to @eargoggle this morning, delivery expected on Tuesday

Tape 7 is on its way to @chinacat this morning also

@vomvorton thanks for the heads up and I’m delighted with the way it’s panned out.👌 Well done everyone! FYI @jimdgreen @oddbod

Tape 12 and BOTH of its songs are on it's way to you Professor @the_bachelor

@eargoggle ...... well.... the TWO songs is something I'm not sure I want to hear...... and yet........ I am extremely intrigued 😀

@zecoop tape 17 is going out to you tomorrow. I just finished up my contribution

Hey, Tape 5 is up! @elesimo @wobbiewobbit @vomvorton. Took longer than I thought it would 😊

@burrsettles / @cts / @vomvorton

Tape 1 has landed - work starts tonight.

oh and I'm told tape 16 is enroute to me as well . . .

@jimdgreen nice! looking forward to receiving one of those and hearing the results of the other one 😄

Tape 8 has been received here at Eargoggle HQ....I will do that thing that we do asap.

Has Tape 4 made any moves lately?

I thought Tape 8 was going to @elesimo next?

@yarimurray - I’m pretty sure @eargoggle has a different tape. Rob worked on tape 8 this weekend and I gave him the address for @Elesimo. He sent that tape off yesterday

@sorby - any updates for tape 4

@yarimurray @zecoop Fascinating…I’m pretty sure that tape says tape 8, but I’ll check when I get home, maybe I got it wrong

@eargoggle it's labeled "50/90 2022 Tape 8" but it's Tape 6 (leftover tape 2) here.

@zecoop - Do we know the status of tapes #18 & #20 ?

Tapes 9 and 14 are up, thanks to @patmad!

https://write.fawm.org/songs/20776
https://write.fawm.org/songs/20740

"50/90 2022 Tape 8, Tape 6 (leftover tape 2)"

I can see how that's confusing! 😆

@mike_degali - I haven't kept up, so I'll post the tapes below and hopefully whoever has it will chime in

Tape 18 (1X UK tape)
Track 1: @mike_degali
Track 2: @wehappyfew
Track 3: @tunecat
Track 4:

Tape 20 (leftover 2X UK tape)
Track 1: @vomvorton
Track 2: @thedutchwidows
Track 3: @rollasoc
Track 4: @mike_degali

All: I forgot to add to the posting instructions to list who played what. The easiest way to do that is to copy the tape listing from above into the liner notes and add what they played/did. Your adoring fans want to know!! :)

All: Also just wanted to mention that we have one week left and we only have 5 out of 21 tapes up. Please be sure to keep the tapes moving and get your parts done as fast as possible. We are all busy, but this challenge takes a lot more dedication than most for it to succeed. :)

@elesimo gosh, I wonder how I got that wrong? :)

@zecoop If that last slot on Tape 18 is still up for grabs, I'll take it

The O Canada tape (#11) was last spotted with @ductapeguy and I think he and @moonraccoon were going to tagteam to finish it!

@oddbod - (edit) actually @fonte asked for it, but the post above got cut off so i didn't have that info when I pasted in the missing tape.

@tunecat - what's the status of that tape? I am assuming you have it?

@zecoop ah okay, no worries

@metalfoot @zecoop The recorder and the tape are @moonraccoon 's house. I am just waiting for my turn (soon).

Tape 12 has arrived…. With a surprise….. I am pretty almost sure it will be done on time……

How’s things going with Tape 18 @tunecat and @fonte ? Looking forward to hearing what you’ve done with it! 🙌🎵.

@elesimo tape 8 is on the way!

Just curious how tape 19 is doing? (I started that one off, but it was started late, so no worries) (and cc @zecoop - maybe you know?)

Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor
Track 3: @erbaer
Track 4: @lstlvs

@mikeskliar - I suspect it is with @erbaer - I think @the_bachelor mailed it

A ping for tape 7. Last I heard @the_bachelor had mailed it. @chinacat do you have it?

@the_bachelor - I apologise that it’s two songs.

tape 1 is done and in the post to Mr @vomvorton.

tomorrow work on finishing tape 16 will start.

W00t! I just posted tape 11 (All Canadian) https://write.fawm.org/songs/21821 Thanks for a great collab @metalfoot, @odinsbird @moonraccoon . And thank you @zecoop for herding all the cats here.

I have received tape 1! Think it needs vocals and I'm currently down with the FAWM flu, but will work on the lyrics and hopefully after a weekend of rest I should be good to get it finished off. And naturally I'm recording video of every step of my recovery, lol.

cc @burrsettles @cts @jimdgreen

OK Tape 6 (leftover tape 2) is up!!! Glorious tambo rock right here! @zecoop , @carleybaer and @whispermouse , nice job!!
https://write.fawm.org/songs/21927

@zecoop I got tape 19 and I guess i’m the 3rd slot then? Lol. @mikeskliar @the_bachelor ?

THIS looks like an amazing bit of fun - I just came upstairs from making sure I still had mine...
Of course, it is waaay too late for this year, but I have a feeling I'm going to be removing the inch of dust off my recorder, and making sure it is still fully functional before next year!
1st timer here, and going in, had no idea all the "over and above" events, beyond solitary writing, that goes on here. So freaking cool.

Tape 2's up! @lanasolyluna @stevenwesleyguiles @burrsettles https://write.fawm.org/songs/21946

@eargoggle @zecoop @marvsmooth Tape 12 is up...... all 8 minutes of it...... The ambient guys shouldn't have all the fun........ 😀 https://write.fawm.org/songs/21955

@eargoggle Tape 6 sounds lovely! Thanks for finishing it up!

Could you make it downloadable so I can save a copy for the whispermouse archives?

@kosch ….. be careful….. this thing will grab you….. besides my Tascam 424, I bought two 4 track tape decks for my studio….( A Tascam 234…. Then when they started saying 1x only, I bought a 134…..) My wife is still wondering where her Bahamas trip went 😀

re- tape 19, which was planned as:
More Tapes:
Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor
Track 3: @erbaer
Track 4: @lstlvs <

I had left a message with @erbaer as to whether he had sent to @lstlvs , erbaer replied that he wasn't able to record due to tech problems, and had just sent the tape on to @lstlvs .... so as @lstlvs is doing slot 3, is someone available to do slot 4 and mix? (I don't have the tech ability, plus i did track 1).. attn @zecoop ! (who has been so great about getting all of us on track, no pun intended)

@mikeskliar - I won’t be able to finish that one. My power has been out since Wednesday and hopefully is back Monday. But soon after FAWM is done, my wife and I are heading on vacation and won’t be back for a bit.

re- tape 19, which was planned as:
More Tapes:
Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor
Track 3: @lstlvs
Track 4: ????

Alright I had finished my slot. Let me know who I should send it to

Wow!!!…… you win Zee…… my wife won’t talk to for a couple of days after FAWM ends……. 😀

@lstlvs @zecoop I'm happy to finish it if there's no alternative, but I'd rather wait to see if someone else wants it... I'm already doing 6 tapes this FAWM and I don't want to be greedy. 😝

@the_bachelor
Hahahah - well, I guess I'll just have to take my chances. (and maybe keep it to the recorder I already own, just in case 😆 )

Apologies for
Tape 20 (leftover 2X UK tape)
Tape 21 (leftover 1X UK tape)

I didn't think I would get much time this month, so was limiting my FAWM to these two tapes.

However, after several bouts of flu / cold / stomach isses / headaches and a month full of massive tiredness. So far all I have achieved is backing the two tapes up to Cubase, just in case I messed them up. Then went and had a long lie down.

and all the things I thought I would be doing this month... Not done any of that either.

So annoyed!

Here is to a healthier March!

@kosch - we do normally stick with normal 1x speed to be more universal, but we also have 2x speed tapes too, as long as they are officially planned that way so that all involved are able to do 2x. Communication is the key but hopefully you’ll join in next year!!

@erbaer - hopefully we can get you in on one of the 2x only tapes next year

@zecoop @the_bachelor
I've only got a 20ish year old Korg CR4 (bought by my, one day to become, wife, because I was always complaining about forgetting stuff) - not sure how finicky these machines are about playing well together, but I'm pretty sure this one is 1X only, so, that's one issue I won't need to worry about.
...and I seem to remember buying a bunch of tapes, not too long before losing interest...I'll have to take a look. I'd "assume" they may not be as readily available these days?

@kosch - decks playing finicky with each other is part of the fun!! Tapes dot com has type II and good customer service. Or people have gone to thrift shops, purchased commercial tapes for cheap and recorded over them. (@metalfoot) - also not ideal, but sometimes type I gets used too and those are available in stores.

@zecoop I just had a peek at the website you mentioned and it just has a notice that they have gone out of business

@harryklippton - oh no!!! It’s been tough to get tapes. National Audio is (was?) also making new type II though they were kind of expensive.

National Audio tapes that I got last year. They seem ok, though not as good as our old Maxell XL2
https://www.nationalaudiocompany.com/product-category/audio-cassette-tapes/c756-cobalt-cassettes-type-ii/

I've bought tapes here, and although the shipping can be slow, the product is legit.
https://www.duplication.ca/Pre-Loaded-Type-II-Cassettes/

I’ve had terrible luck with the National Audio tapes and my Tascam 234 and 424. They seem to leave a residue on the heads that take constant cleaning. I’ve resorted to buying old maxwells and others whenever I can find em.
@metalfoot How have those tapes been from duplication.ca??

I have had OK luck with them, @the_bachelor. I don't do enough 4-track work to really have a quality opinion!

I've had tapes made for release from both NAC and duplication.ca but never thought to buy blank type ii from them. Last year, tascam released some kind of new formulation type Ii I think for some anniversary or something and I bought a couple just because. Those may still be available

If I'm just messing around, I use type I for better or for worse because I have a closet full of them

@harryklippton - Word on the street was that the Tascam tapes were actually made by NAC and were the same as the Cobalt tapes listed above. I've had good luck, but have not used them as much, and the reviews online were decidedly mixed.

Tape 17 is up - Full band that started with acapella bounced vocals!

Tape 17
Track 1: @eargoggle
Track 2: @straknine
Track 3: @harryklippton
Track 4: @zecoop

Be My Missing Piece
https://write.fawm.org/songs/22562

I wasn’t that impressed with the new cobalt type II unfortunately. I did this comparison with a Maxell type II, and the ATR didn’t do so well….. New Type II Cassette Tapes vs New Old Stock - Which sounds better?
https://youtu.be/ANFO4oExZck

re- tape 19 and @lstlvs 's question (see below)
________________________
re- tape 19, which was planned as:
More Tapes:
Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor
Track 3: @lstlvs
Track 4: ????

Alright I had finished my slot. Let me know who I should send it to
_________________________________

@elesimo wrote:
@lstlvs @zecoop I'm happy to finish it if there's no alternative, but I'd rather wait to see if someone else wants it... I'm already doing 6 tapes this FAWM and I don't want to be greedy. 😝

_________________________________________
so (this is @mikeskliar again talking) --- I'm thinking if no one else wants to claim it by tomorrow, then maybe it should go to @elesimo? (as its getting toward the end of the month, ? Just my two cents...)

I'm good with @elesimo doing the last track, as no one else is jumping in. :)

It's all up to what anybody wants to do..... I know how the after FAWM burnout is. If someone wants to take crack at it this year....... Great!!! If not, next year is fine too

Tape 1 is up! @burrsettles @cts @jimdgreen

https://write.fawm.org/songs/23049

Remember to record a video of your reaction!

Tape 16 is up. @vomvorton @tobermory @thedutchwidows

https://write.fawm.org/songs/23165

Now to go listen to (and record my reaction too) tape 1.

EDIT: just checked the link, I think my vocals are too loud, if you agree say and I'll update with an alternative mix.

@wehappyfew Excellent job on the tape comparison!! I really enjoyed it. I also wonder about long term storage with the new tape formulations.... We already know the track record of the old stuff 😀

@zecoop Hey, did tape 18 disappear? 😀 Ok if it did, I don't have it though! Sorry if I missed something, Feb has been a bit nuts (obvs).

@fonte - It's back - sorry, someone keeps pasting in the song URLs and it erases the last tapes because we run out of characters.

(don't paste the URLs into the list mods, as it causes trouble)

@zecoop how's tape(s) 3 going? Should we add a placeholder for them?

@elesimo - I'm working on Tape 3 now (and swearing profusely at you, haha). Should be up by tomorrow. Tape 4 will need a placeholder, as it is currently with @sorby69, but I'll put that up. There's probably some others, but I haven't kept track.

@zecoop that's awesome, and I apologize! 😜

What's the plan for the second tape 3?

@the_bachelor glad you liked the tape comparison! Yeah, I doubt those new tapes will last as well as the NOS stuff unfortunately. They don’t even sound too good when they’re new. 😆 P.S I’m looking forward to watching the YouTube videos of all this years tape collaborations!

@wehappyfew - Just for the record, only the first four will have videos. :)

@mikeskliar @elesimo well shit, I didn’t see that question about the last slot on tape 19, until now. I’d totally do it but we don’t have time to mail I guess. If we want to do a placeholder and I’ll do it when it gets here, cool, but if elesimo is on it that’s fine to, whichever.

@eargoggle go for it! I don't think it has been mailed yet. Pinging @lstlvs.

@eargoggle whats ur address?

@lstlvs I sent you the address for @eargoggle

If someone wants to assemble a list of the tapes that need to have placeholders I will put those all up tonight on the fourtracktape page with appropriate collaborators.

I still plan to finish Tape 7 today

Tape 7 has been posted

Track 1: @nancyrost
Track 2: @mostlymediocremusic
Track 3: @the_bachelor
Track 4: @chinacat

Here are the tapes that are still outstanding:
Tape 4: UK to US (4T1T Video 4)
Track 1: @wobbiewobbit
**Track 2: @sorby69 <
Track 3: @carleybaer
Track 4: @burrsettles

Tape 10 (not sure who has this)
Track 1: @vomvorton
Track 2: @wobbiewobbit
Track 3: @beej
Track 4: @jimdgreen

Tape 18 (not sure who has this)
Track 1: @mike_degali
Track 2: @wehappyfew
Track 3: @tunecat
Track 4: @fonte

Tape 19 (1X US tape)
Track 1: @mikeskliar
Track 2: @the_bachelor >
Track 3: @lstlvs
**Track 4: @eargoggle

Tape 20
Track 1: @vomvorton
Track 2: @thedutchwidows
**Track 3: @rollasoc
Track 4: @mike_degali

Tape 21
Track 1: @sorby69
Track 2: @wobbiewobbit
Track 3: @fonte
**Track 4: @rollasoc

Tape 8 is up! https://write.fawm.org/songs/23089

@dugganensis @guatecoop @yarimurray

All six placeholders have been put up on the fourtracktape page and each has the collaborators. I can unlock them if they move forward. I know at least one is close.

@chinacat to the rescue! Tape 7 is done and my first four track is in the bag. Thanks all.

@mostlymediocremusic ….. this part is the highlight of my FAWM!! Hope to see you next year 👍🏻

there was a "secret" tape that @elesimo @zecoop @guatecoop and i decided to do as a tribute song for eric agner (@standup)

here it is...
https://write.fawm.org/songs/24584

I know tape 10 hasn't made it to me . . . but I don't know where it has got to.

@zecoop thanks for doing the place holders! I think @tunecat has tape 18, unless you’ve got it now @fonte ?

@wehappyfew hey, no I don't have it as yet

OK! Tape 19 is up!!
https://write.fawm.org/songs/24390

I did a 'dub' mix? Can you do a 'dub' mix on cassette? I'm not sure.
@mikeskliar @lstlvs @the_bachelor

@eargoggle / @zecoop - I get an error when clicking on Tape 19 - is it locked?

@thedutchwidows / @eargoggle - it is now public!

Thanks @zecoop !

Tape 19 was worth the wait!

yeah, tape 19- crazy stuff! I did that first guitar track, of course I never thought it'd be this dub thing, wild! its fun to see what these things become!