razor-n-tape

Razor-N-Tape: A History of Harsh, Melodic, and Uncompromising Noise

Razor-N-Tape, a term used to describe a specific subgenre of electronic music, has its roots firmly planted in the fertile ground of industrial and noise music. It emerged in the late 80s and early 90s, drawing inspiration from the raw energy of industrial bands like Throbbing Gristle, Einstürzende Neubaten, and SPK, but incorporating a melodic sensibility that often borders on the beautiful.

This blend of harsh soundscapes and melodic hooks became a defining characteristic of the genre, attracting a diverse range of artists from across the globe.

Early Pioneers:

The Legendary Swans: The band’s founder, Michael Gira, was a true innovator, pushing the boundaries of experimental music with his raw and often confrontational approach. Their early recordings were stark and brutal, but they later incorporated a sense of melancholy and beauty that would become a hallmark of Razor-N-Tape.

The Industrial Powerhouse: Skinny Puppy: This Canadian band’s unique sound blended industrial noise with dark, atmospheric soundscapes, creating a truly immersive listening experience.

The Dark Ambient Mastermind: Aphex Twin: Richard D. James, the mastermind behind Aphex Twin, blended industrial noise with a melodic sensibility that paved the way for future generations of Razor-N-Tape artists.

The Evolution of Razor-N-Tape:

During the 90s, the genre exploded in popularity with the rise of labels like Warp Records and the emergence of artists like Boards of Canada, Autechre, and Brian Eno, who pushed the boundaries of electronic music with their experimental and atmospheric soundscapes.

The Ambient Trailblazer: Brian Eno: One of the most influential figures in the genre, Eno’s groundbreaking work in ambient music, often incorporating found sounds and experimental textures, directly inspired many Razor-N-Tape artists.

The Warp Records Revolution: This British label helped launch the careers of numerous influential Razor-N-Tape artists, showcasing a diverse range of electronic sounds.

Funny Facts about Razor-N-Tape Musicians:

• Aphex Twin’s love for the “farting” sound: Richard D. James, the mastermind behind Aphex Twin, is known for his love of incorporating the sound of farts into his music. He even released a track titled “Flim” which is a sped-up recording of a fart.
• The time Skinny Puppy’s music was mistaken for actual torture: In the early days of the internet, a file titled “Torture” was circulating online, allegedly featuring recordings of actual torture. However, the file turned out to be a Skinny Puppy track, highlighting the band’s intense and disturbing sound.
• Brian Eno’s “Oblique Strategies” cards: Eno created a deck of cards containing cryptic phrases that artists could use to inspire new ideas. Some of the cards have been known to cause a fair amount of confusion and amusement among musicians.

Razor-N-Tape continues to evolve, with new artists emerging and pushing the boundaries of the genre. Its impact on electronic music is undeniable, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists today.