For years musicians, producers and engineers sought to reduce the noise-floor of tape. Technologies such as Dolby dbx were developed to minimise the influence of the media on the recorded sound. However today, for many the noise-floor of tape carries a sense of nostalgia, similar to the crackle of vinyl. Akai 4000D is an exploration of the sound of tape and tape machines. The piece looks to question the function of these sounds in a post-digital society. Whilst composing this piece I was particularly interested in exploring the simulacra of nostalgia I felt for the medium of tape as I was born after the invention and popularisation of the CD.

To listen go to: https://www.jphiggins.co.uk/fixedmedia/