The Music Tapes

The Profile

The Music Tapes is the musical project led by Julian Koster, associated with the Elephant 6 collective and with ties to Neutral Milk Hotel. Known for lo-fi, cassette-style recordings and unusual instruments (notably the musical saw and banjo).

Julian Koster has been a member of Neutral Milk Hotel and Chocolate USA; The Music Tapes' recordings emphasize homemade/cassette textures, experimental arrangements and a prominent use of the musical saw, as noted in contemporary reviews.

The reviews highlight The Music Tapes' focus on intimate, lo-fi recordings and unusual instrumentation, especially the musical saw. Julian Koster is presented as the creative force, with ties to Elephant 6 and Neutral Milk Hotel. The material mixes found/cassette aesthetics, banjo, organ and handmade contraptions. Overall appreciation for originality tempered by a middling numeric rating.