Last month, Brooklyn and Philly based tape-meca enthusiast label Solid Melts released what is to be the first volume of the Solid Melts compilation. Run by Drew M Gibson and Scott Palocsik, this collection compiled 29-tracks of friends old and new, reminiscing on a scene of both commotion and collaboration, and one that shook the foundations of the DIY structure that so many bands found a home in with Solid Melts.

Solid Melts vol. 1 includes artists such as The Spookfish, Reaches, Mezzanine Swimmers, RXM Reality, Accessory, gut nose, Katrina Stonehart, and many many more, traveling through looped fixations, electronic tinkerings and folk-based explorations that celebrate over a decade of music.

We got to ask Gibson a few questions about the compliation;

Coined as a compilation of music from friends old and new, what was the initial idea for Solid Melts volume one? 

After a long break from the label we thought a comp would be a fun way to check in with friends!

How did you begin to piece it together? How did you reach out to folks and what sort of things were artists sending you?

It came together pretty naturally thru texts & phone calls. We actually bit off more than we could chew and couldn’t fit everyone on this first comp!

There are a variety of artistic styles and sonic avenues that are represented in this collection. What does the diversity of artists and sounds mean for Solid Melts? 

We know a ton of freaks & want the sound to reflect that.

Where does curating and releasing this compilation find you in your life currently? What does it represent for you and the solid melts label as you look ahead?

Releasing the comp was mad fun! Moving forward we’re hoping to be more involved with the community by releasing tapes & organizing events! More to come ❤

Check out Solid Melts Volume One here!

Written by Shea Roney