When vinyl started its slow resurgence a few years ago, the naysayers said it was a fad. But proving itself to be a steady seller compared to other physical music like CDs, it has been the only format on the rise.
Now, how about audio cassettes? Labels like Burger Records and our city's own Cheap Miami, as well as bands like Cali post-punk crew Corners, have recently made a go of the tape game.
"Some of our first shows were at Burger Records," says Corners bassist Billy Changer, "and we've always admired what they've done. When we put out the new record, we wanted Burger to be part of the cassette release."
See also: California's Burger Records and Cheap Miami Bring Burger Revolution Fest to Churchill's Pub
At the forefront of cassettes' rediscovered popularity has been California's Burger Records with an enviable catalog of some of the hottest artists working today, including Corners, Nobunny, Black Lips, and our very own Jacuzzi Boys.
The concept and approach has been simple and honest, which has been the key to its ongoing success, ever since Sean Bohrman and Lee Rickard founded it in 2007. Releasing tapes in tandem with other labels allowed for some initial piggyback exposure, but now it is the musicians and labels that come to Burger Records for cooperative or exclusive releases.
With a pool of hundreds of artists willing to participate and continue spreading the word, this March 7 marks the third-annual Burger Revolution with a global schedule of events that will feature many of its recording artists, as well as any musical event that has applied for the use of the festival name. Burger's blind belief in the power of music is best exemplified by their pledge of presenting and hyping the event under the unifying banner of the Burger Revolution. Cities across North America, Europe, South America, and South Africa have joined the worldwide party with the goal of "a good time be had by all," as the press release reads.
In Miami, the Burger Revolution will arrive at Churchill's Pub, courtesy of local presenter Cheap Miami, sponsor Jolt Radio, and headlining band Corners.
The West Coast foursome has been one of the happiest beneficiaries of Burger's friendly business model. "A lot of people call us 'post-punk' and I guess we're cool with that," says Changer, "That's fine but we definitely have a surf influence, surf guitar, and I guess it's from the nature of my bass playing and Ricky's guitar playing."
The band, certainly pegged with the post-punk descriptor, has been making waves with the recent album, Maxed Out on Distractions. And now the outfit's finally returning to Miami.
"We've been long time fans of Burger Records, and last time we came through Miami, we played at Gramps and Patrick Garcia of Cheap Miami was talking about getting us into Churchill's next time," Changer says, explaining the chain of events that brought Burger Revolution to the 305.
"It just happened to fall on that Saturday," he laughs. "It was an awesome coincidence."
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Burger Records' Burger Revolution Fest 3. With Corners, Plastic Pinks, and others. Presented by Cheap Miami. Sponsored by Jolt Radio. Saturday, March 7. Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets cost $7. Call 305-757-1807 or visit churchillspub.com.
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