How to Represent a Scene: Cassette Tapes & Loveover

By Tyson Kingsley

On the 30th of March, Cassette Tapes and Loveover held a free show in Saint John, New Brunswick. Both bands played songs that are now staples among our scene, along with some new songs from 'Cassette Tapes' upcoming album. As well as some tweaks to classics from Loveover, who have chosen to adopt some new vocal styles along with what we?re used to, including some mean lows from bassist Dusty Bayerle. Both bands have been picking up in intensity in their songwriting, with some parts feeling more impactful than ever. While many people in attendance knew the songs, some unfamiliar faces were exposed to these two bands as well. People who I have never seen at a show or at least aren't regulars, held their own and in some cases outdid the more veteran audience members in terms of participation. Both Cassette Tapes and Loveover did an excellent job facilitating an environment that felt comfortable and looking into the eyes of many of the fresh faces there, I believe they felt the same. That's important to maintaining a scene, because those kids are going to be the ones who start their own bands and keep it together. We were all just like them at one point in time and welcoming them is how scenes are kept alive. Nobody's asking you to hold their hands and guide them, but making the effort be decent to new kids is important. This show was able to be held thanks to the generosity of Cassette Tapes and Loveover who took the time to play a free show and help represent our scene in a way I'm proud of.