Right after turning 40, we're putting out our biggest issue to date, and there's no shortage of strong opinions in this one. Walter Sear's thoughts on DIY recording might ire lots of long time Tape Op readers, while Walter's and Jay Bennett's take on gear will probably have some manufacturers pissed off. But remember, Tape Op is about presenting a variety of opinions on recording music. Any advice is good advice and learning from those who have been there is as important as learning on your own. Plus, few would deny the creative and great recordings made by Jay, Walter, Sigur Rós, Pauline Oliveros, David Minehan, Joel Hamilton and Tony Maimone.
This issue comes out right before the Third Annual TapeOpCon in New Orleans. I'm excited to visit this special city and moderate interviews and panels with Cosimo Matassa, Jim Dickinson, Tony Visconti, Mark Bingham, Joe Chiccarelli, Billy Anderson, John Vanderslice, Don Zientara and others! I'm already nervous. I went through a list of the panelists while putting bios together and was overwhelmed by the amount of talent that we'll be presenting. It will be a blast — plus in New Orleans you can drink in the street. Who knows what insanity will prevail?