sell it as a bootleg, happens all the time

Contact the band members

But how do I get away with that? Or is it one of those “you’re only in trouble if you get caught” kinda things? Haha.

Yeah, but trying to find band members of obscure 80s bands sounds like a full time job in itself. Haha. But that might be my best bet.

Post the band name and other info and that you are looking to contact them here. Might be surprised

I disagree. I’ve been a musician since the early 80’s and you can find me on every platform. Do you need help?

you’re only in trouble if you get caught

That’s how all things are

Well you’re going through the effort of releasing their tape so that can involve the effort of contacting them

I did just find a member this morning of one of the bands I was considering doing this for. So that’s a start! I believe they self produced their album and he’s one of the ones that recorded it, so he may even have the masters, which would be awesome. I’ll message him and see what happens.

If you can find a member of Cook Da Books on social media, I’ll applaud you.

There’s email, people have phones. You’re wanting to release their tape so get creative

I doubt they still have their masters. In the 80’s most underground bands recorded on 4 track cassette Tascams. But, you might get lucky!!

Well

• Owen Moran (singer/songwriter/bass) died earlier this year, so that one is going to be hard.

• Peter Digsy Deary is available on Instagram and on Facebook

Planet Money had a show about a similar song release project https://www.npr.org/2022/11/02/1133682053/planet-money-started-a-record-label-to-release-a-47-year-old-song-about-inflatio

Copyright lasts for the life of the author + 70 years. So you have to have permission.

Good to know. Thanks!