Die modifications for letterpressed LP jacket

On the table there are two jackets seen from the bottom.  The top jacket is the Square Wave LP and the bottom is a sample of the upcoming Sine Wave LP.  We manufactured a die to cut the Square Wave jackets after they were letterpressed but there was one detail that was not quite right.  There was only one score on the top and bottom of the jacket for the glue tabs to fold in and there were two reasons this was not ideal.  Most importantly, this single fold made it a challenge to slide the thick 200 gram record in and out of the sleeve.  Additionally, on a cosmetic note, it created an unattractive extremely slender triangle shape from the spine to the opening.  Since the same die was being used to cut the Sine Wave LP jackets, we modified it to eliminate these issues by adding an additional score to each glue tab.  The sample shows not only a positive result but a vast improvement.  Heavyweight vinyl slides in and out easily while the top and bottom now look boxed-out, solid and rectangular.

Giuseppe Ielasi article in The Wire, July 2009

If there are any TAIGA records related articles floating around, don't be afraid to send notification to info@taigarecords.com.  There are a hardy number of publications out there and we can't skim them all so any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Sine Wave limited screenprint

Here is an image of the screenprint design that will be included with the first 100 copies of the soon to be released new Eleh LP.  Like the limited Square Wave print, these were designed by John Brien of Important Records, they will be 12 x 12 inches and are being printed by Neil Burke at Monoroid.

Further proof of the new ELEH LP

The 100% post-consumer waste 160lb paper stock made by Smart Genesis was the cause of delay in getting the new Eleh LP jackets printed.  The paper was out of stock from the manufacturer and production of it was continually delayed.  This is the same stock we used for the Square Wave LP jackets and because consistency is key with these releases, compromises were not made.  Finally produced and delivered to the printer, here it is in action, being letterpressed at Studio on Fire.  There is only one place in Minneapolis that has a large enough press to print something this big.  They also keep a blog called Beast Pieces that is vigorously updated and rich with information.  Continually churning out impressive print work and divulging the delicate intricacies of the process on their blog, Studio on Fire is something to be cherished.  

ELEH Sine Wave LP /// TAIGA 7 manifesting

TAIGA 7 - Eleh Homage to the Sine Wave LP has been delayed on multiple manufacturing fronts but it is finally manifesting.  We have the finished LPs in our "warehouse."  The jackets are currently being letterpressed.  The limited screenprint that will be included with the first 100 copies is also currently being printed.  The street date for this release is 21 July 2009 but we are hoping to offer it via mailorder around late June or early July.

RAFAEL TORAL 2009 North American Tour etc.

RAFAEL TORAL 2009 North American Tour

May

08 /// EMPAC, RPI, Troy, NY

10 /// Mobius, Boston, MA

12 /// Hop Hop, Lexington, KY

13 /// Contemporary Art Center, Cincinnati, OH

14 /// Ohio State University, Urban Arts Space, Columbus, OH

16 /// No Fun Fest, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

17 /// Home-room, Downtown Manhattan, NY

18 /// Bowerbird event at The Rotunda, Philadelphia, PA

19 /// Art of This, Minneapolis, MN

22 /// Laboratorio Arte Alameda, Ciudad de Mexico CANCELLED

23 /// Centro Cultural de Espana, Ciudad de Mexico CANCELLED

more information available at: Live | Rafael Toral

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DEEP LISTENING BAND 2xLP sold out & 20th anniversary performances

TAIGA 5 - Deep Listening Band Then & Now Now & Then 2xLP is now sold out.

The Deep Listening Band still has copies available though.  Visit Deep Listening Institute to order a copy or pick one up at an upcoming 20th anniversary performance:

May

23 /// Chapel of the Good Shepard, Seattle, WA

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Upcoming releases

TAIGA 7 - ELEH Homage to the Sine Wave LP

***This was originally intended for a April 2009 release but due to manufacturing delays has been pushed back to May or June.  When a solid release date is secured, it will be announced here.

TAIGA 8 - LOTUS EATERS Mind Control for Infants 2xLP out July 2009.

***Lotus Eaters is Stephen O'Malley, James Plotkin & Aaron Turner.  This double vinyl release will feature alternate takes/mixes to the CD version and a bonus track.  More details soon.

More releases on the horizon from MAP (Mary Halvorson, Tatsuya Nakatani, Reuben Radding), DOUGLAS QUIN, TOM RECCHION and TIMELESS PULSE TRIO (George Marsh, Pauline Oliveros, Jennifer Wilsey).

Stay tuned.

TAIGA 6 - Giuseppe Ielasi "(another) stunt" 12" available now!

TAIGA 6 - Giuseppe Ielasi (another) stunt 12" available now!

A limited edition of 100 copies on transparent orange and 400 copies on black, all 500 were pressed on 200g virgin vinyl.  This release was mastered and cut to lacquer by Rashad Becker at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin.  It comes packaged in a jacket printed on heavy stock, UV gloss finished and featuring a photograph by Italian artist Amedeo Martegani.  Co-released with Schoolmap.

Now available for purchase in the TAIGA records shop.

Also, The Deep Listening Band 2xLP on green vinyl is sold out.  We only have 4 copies of the black version left.

TAIGA 7 - Eleh Homage to the Sine Wave LP will be available in late April or early May.

More upcoming releases planned with Lotus Eaters, Douglas Quin, Tom Recchion, etc.

Rafael Toral is touring North America in May 2009.  A full schedule will be posted once all dates are confirmed.