Contributing Writer
Emotive Electronic Dance Music: Sound On Tape Unveils his Debut EP ‘Digits’.
Cleveland’s Sound On Tape emerges with ‘Digits,’ a debut EP that deftly navigates the intersections of Garage, Electro, and Jazz. Drawing from the sonic palettes of El-B, Burial, Mr. Fingers, Kraftwerk, and Sticky, alongside the improvisational spirit of Bill Evans and John Coltrane, Sound On Tape crafts a sound both familiar and refreshingly distinct.
Released via 904L World Class Sound, ‘Digits’ positions Sound On Tape as an artist of striking talent and sensitivity, creating soulful, atmospheric cuts that stand out from the crowd.
With Digits landing this week, we asked him to pick out 10 tracks from artist that continue to inspire his own work to this day.
Pastor T.L. Barrett – Wonderful
Pastor T.L. Barrett is one of the few gospel artists I can truly connect with. This is my favorite song of his and one of my favorite gospel songs of all time. I can almost smell the church pews while listening to this.
Paul Hardcastle – Rainforest (12” Version)
From what I’ve gathered, there are three different versions of this record, and this one isn’t on streaming. This version is sonically perfect. A great choice of sounds and a representation of that early ’80s electro sound that really influences me.
Bill Evans – Nardis
My all-time favorite pianist, Bill Evans. “Nardis” is actually a composition by Miles Davis, but it became a staple in Bill’s career. That E Phrygian that Miles slips in instead of the regular E minor adds a real element of wonder to the record. Hearing this piece take on so many forms throughout his career is a real joy—sometimes classy and refined, sometimes thunderous and aggressive. This recorded version is my favorite.
Mr. Fingers – What About This Love (Extended Version)
Larry Heard is a huge influence on my work, and this record perfectly encapsulates everything he brings: a jazz influence, endearing and vulnerable vocal delivery, and super-solid drum programming. This mix still holds up today. It feels like a breeze.
Björk – Undo
Queen Björk. Vespertine as an album and concept is a paramount influence for me. Taking tiny sounds, maximizing them, and stringing them into full songs—it’s genius. It would be a dream to work with her someday.
Roy Davis Jr. and Peven Everett – Gabriel
“Gabriel” was the first time I had heard overt spirituality in dance music. What a groove. The extended chords with a hint of dissonance are lovely.
Sound on Tape – Gods Don’t Die
The birth of Cleveland Bop. More to come.
Cajmere and Dajae – Brighter Days (Underground Goodies Mix ’93)
A perfect record. No chords, just percussion and vocals. It inspires me to go minimal. This is an absolute staple in my sets and something I frequently come back to.
Burial – Etched Headplate
My favorite cut from one of the greatest albums the genre has ever seen. I can feel the London mist when I listen to this record. So much life experience is captured in one place.
El-B – Dusk Till Dawn
El-B is an absolute legend in my book. His dark, minimal approach and drum patterns turned me onto garage and 2-step in the first place. From his work with Groove Chronicles to his solo material, this is one I come back to often.