Disclaimer: This FAQ was written back when Luc and I were running the Metal Punk Tape Exchange. As of 2025, we've handed it off to a new team in Maine, USA—still going strong and now entering its 26th round.
This is the old version we used to share. The core rules likely haven’t changed much, but no guarantees. Long live the tape-trading spirit!
What is the Metal Punk Tape Exchange?
The Metal Punk Tape Exchange, also known as MPTX, is a global mixtape-trading community established in 2019 by Luc and Max, both veterans of the late 20th Century Metal/Punk cassette wars, which is now run by @pigeon.smuggler and @mutants.of.the.east, two fine people from Maine, USA. To date, we've successfully completed almost 30 rounds of exchanges, primarily conducted on social networks. Close to a thousand tapes have been made for the exchange over the years!
How do I sign up?
It's easy to join! When we announce a new round, simply comment on any of our Instagram posts to express your interest. Once you've done that, you're in! After registering, be sure to fill out our online form to share your musical preferences and help us pair you with the right person. One important note: Before signing up, double-check that your tape deck is in working order and properly set up to record sound from any audio source onto a cassette tape.
So when's the next round?
Check out the @metalpunktapeexchange on Instagram for all the latest info!
I live in America, can I sign in?
Absolutely! You can participate from anywhere. However, please note that we're currently unable to facilitate international trades due to the substantial increase in postal costs. Instead, you'll be matched with someone within your geographical zone: European Union, North America, or United Kingdom.
Wait, you said "internationally"... does that mean I can participate if I live in *insert country of your choice*?
Yes, you're absolutely right! Anyone from any country around the world is welcome. In fact, we're eager to have members from every corner of the globe, including Asia, Africa, and beyond. Please help spread the word and encourage others to join!
What happens once I've commented on a post to let you know I'm in?
Fantastic! Have you completed our online form? You can find the active link in our Instagram bio. It's crucial to fill out this form as it helps us learn more about you, your musical preferences, address, and contact details. This information is now more important than ever because we aim to match you with someone who shares similar interests. You will receive each other's info in the mail and both of you will then trade a tape.
Is there a special theme for each round?
Each round comes with an optional theme to provide a starting point if you'd like some inspiration. Previous themes have included "Blood," "UFOs/Aliens," "Life," "Places," and "Night/Day." For Round 24, the theme was "Seasons." While some find it helpful, others prefer to go with their own ideas – the choice is entirely yours! Regardless of the theme, it's a good idea to begin working on your mixtape as soon as you sign up. Sometimes things take longer than expected, and you wouldn't want to miss our deadline, would you?
My mixtape is done, what should I do now?
Take a few high-quality pictures of your mixtape, ensuring the track list is legible. Send these images to us via direct message (DM) or email. We require several clear, high-resolution pictures of the entire cassette, including the j-card and tracklist.
How do I ship? Tracking or not?
When shipping your mixtape, it's essential to use a tracked shipping method. Whether through postal services or courier, having a tracking number ensures that we can monitor the shipment's progress. Please provide us with the tracking number, as it will be valuable in case any issues arise during the shipping process.
OK, one month time is more than enough. Think I’ll sit on it for a while before I turn the tape recorder on…
Please, don’t wait until the last minute to finish your tape. Starting early allows for any unexpected delays or creative inspirations, ensuring you can meet the deadline comfortably. So, while you have the time, consider getting a head start on your mixtape sooner rather than later. Additionally, we repost tapes as they progress on our Instagram account. This not only keeps the algorithm content but also ensures that our updates reach you effectively. Stay tuned for the reposts to stay in the loop!
Are all musical genres/styles allowed?
Well, technically, yes. However, remember, you're crafting this tape for someone specific. You've had access to their questionnaire, giving you a rough idea of their tastes and what they might enjoy. Perhaps you want to share your latest discoveries or create a compilation of solid golden hits—it's entirely up to you. Yet, keeping true to our name, let's stick to Metal and/or Punk. While we're not strict on subgenres, anything vaguely amplified or related is welcome. And considering the diversity of subgenres, there's room for everyone's satisfaction.A crucial point: no Nazi content, please. While Black Metal and Oi! are acceptable, let's steer clear of NSBM or any racist nonsense. This rule has ruffled a few feathers, but we're committed to avoiding any gray areas. In simple terms, bands openly promoting hate toward any ethnic group should not be included on your tape. The world’s already a miserable place as it is, no need for further aggravation.
But I’m no expert! My tape is going to suck!
Absolutely not! We welcome participants of all backgrounds, from die-hard enthusiasts with decades of punk knowledge to absolute beginners and newcomers to the scene. The key requirement is putting your heart into creating a meaningful mixtape. And if you're still uncertain, a fail-proof mix of one side Discharge and one side Slayer is sure to bring joy to everyone, haha! The focus is on the passion and effort you invest in sharing music with your tape exchange partner.
I hate Metal-Punk-Reggae-(insert genre here), how do I know I won’t get a tape full of music I don’t like?
Well... sorry, but you won't. We understand that preferences vary, and while we do our best to match participants based on their musical tastes, we can't guarantee a perfect match. Keep in mind that the essence of this exchange lies in the effort and thought put into creating a mixtape for someone else. Just remember, your match has taken the time to curate a selection and send it your way, which, in itself, is a rewarding and thoughtful gesture, don't you agree?
I see all those people sending shitloads of gifts and guitar pedals and the keys to their houses along with their tapes, do I have to do that as well?
No. The core of this exchange is centered around sending and receiving mixtapes – a one-to-one exchange. While gifts and creative packaging are encouraged and appreciated, the essential requirement is the inclusion of actual cassette tapes. How you choose to enhance the experience beyond the cassette is entirely up to you. The main focus is on the exchange of music in the form of tangible tapes.
I only have a 60-minute tape. Is that ok?
Most lengths should work just fine, but it's advisable to save that 20-minute tape for another occasion. If you're using dead stock (unused old tapes), make sure they're still in good condition and can play properly. Nobody enjoys a muffled, hissy cassette.
Do I have to proprint my j-card? What if I'm no graphics designer?
Printing tapes is common, but it's not mandatory. Some of us don’t have access to a printer or just want to keep it truly old school. Why not draw your own then? Whether it's a professionally printed design or a personally crafted illustration, the choice is entirely yours. We appreciate both hand-drawn art and fancy graphics – the key is putting your heart into it.
OK, I made my tape but it’s way past deadline now. What should I do if I’m late?
Come on, we KNOW you're running late because we haven't heard from you yet. Get in touch! Let us know how late you'll be and when you can ship your tape. Avoid reaching out directly to your exchange partner; let us handle that part. You've got a grace period of 1 or 2 days past the deadline. If we don't hear back from you by then, unfortunately, you'll be banned from participating in future exchanges.
I haven’t received anything! What’s next?
Hang tight a bit longer. We're aware of delays, and chances are, you've been informed. However, post offices can be unpredictable, especially given the various challenges like post-Covid, Brexit, new customs rules, and the general chaos. This is precisely why we've made tracked shipping mandatory now. If nothing shows up in your mailbox a few weeks after the deadline, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'll work together to figure out the best solution. Your patience and understanding during these uncertain times are greatly appreciated.
And before you get started on your next tape, a few promotional visuals that I made for previous rounds.
You guys hungry for more?
Here's an interview for a fanzine called Merciless Voice that Luc and I did in 2019, I reckon. Don't know if the zine ever came out, I don't think we were sent a comp copy anyways. Figured I might as well archive it here!
1) Hey guys! First off I think it's a really cool thing you are doing! It's probably the only functioning tape trading network I know of beyond a few labels that operate only through snail mail, and really makes some creative designs. I've never seen people do so much with the humble tape! Can you tell as a bit about your backgrounds, how you got involved with tape trading and setting up the MPTX?
Luc: Hey there! Thanks for the kind words and support. Metal Punk Tape Exchange is run by two old enthusiastic geeky-nerdy French friends in their mid 40's who refuse to grow up, namely Max (from Paris) and I (located in Bordeaux.) We've known each other since 1991 I think, and initially met as we were riding the same pirate battleship of underground fanzine making and tape trading at the time. We even ended up making a zine together. I had been trading tapes since I started my first zine back in 1987, or even earlier if you consider lending/dubbing cassettes to your school mates as tape trading. The advent of the internet and digital music formats never stopped me from making tapes for people over the years. It's something I love doing. Burning a CDr or making an iTunes or Spotify playlist don't require half as much effort/thought and is nowhere as fun as sitting down by your stereo, pulling out records from the shelves and crafting a nice mix – selecting tunes, sequencing them, laying out a nice j-card, etc. It's one of the best ways to experience music for me. I initially toyed with the idea of starting a mixtape trading group when I stumbled upon the Mega Metal Mixtape Exchange (MMME) page on Instagram. I used to run a couple of swaps on internet forums when message boards were still a thing, and I was missing these dearly. MMME being North American exclusive for obvious reasons (i.e steep oversea shipping costs), it made me want to start some sort of European equivalent. We contacted the person who runs it and he was totally supportive, so we stole the concept and launched our own European chapter, adding 'punk' to the 'metal' in the process because we're into that too.
Max: Yeah, I traded a tape with Bob who runs the American version in February of this year, but he ended up paying almost 10 times than I did, so this is why we have to be strictly Eurocentric. I thought the tape exchange was a fantastic idea and talked immediately to Luc about doing it on our side. Turns out we had been thinking the same thing on our ends! I really see it as a continuation of what we’ve been doing since our teenage years, sharing the love of music, making each other constantly find out about new or old bands, learning new things along the way.
2) Can you give us a brief introduction to the Metal Punk Tape Exchange and how it works?
Luc: It's basically a mixtape trading ring that works the same way as old chain letters did, for those old enough to remember these. The idea is to make a mixtape and send it to someone you don't know, and in return you get another mixtape from a mystery sender. It's a fun way to discover music because you never know what you're going to get. Our role is to gather info (shipping addresses, basic info regarding music taste) and pair up people together to get the best possible match.
Max: There’s a new round going on every 5 weeks or so. There’s a week-long registration process where we gather info on who’s participating, trying to bring new members in, sending some questions out so we can easily see who’s the best match depending on their tastes or previous records. There’s a lot of collective thinking going on behind the scenes and we take it very seriously! Then of course, it’s up to everyone to make their best efforts and so far we’re very happy with the way it’s been going.
3) What draws you to cassette tape as format? I guess it’s no surprise I’m a fanatic about them too, though some would happily leave it at the wayside for the convenience of CD or a “when comes the vinyl!!”
Luc: We're old enough to remember a time when vinyl and cassettes were the only available formats! Unsurprisingly, these are still my favorites. The fun thing about the cassette is that it's cheap, you can make your own, deface/erase it, dub it identically, go crazy with the packaging, spray paint the shell, etc.
Max: I’m cheap. I can’t stand expensive vinyl editions or overpriced CDs any longer. But I still want to support the bands, so I buy shirts and cassettes at gigs now and walk away with this cool little rectangular music thing in my pocket. And as far as DIY culture goes, it’s the last physical media format that’s got an analog feel to it. CDr’s never did it for me and streaming/downloading is strictly for discovering new stuff.
4) I've seen some pretty crazy designs so far. I've seen a J-card fold-out into a goat mask, a pop-up live show. What are some of your personal favourites?
Luc: The creativity involved in MPTX keeps blowing our minds. Some participants really go out of their way to craft crazy packagings and designs. There's so many cool ones it's impossible to name a favorite – fold-out goat mask? Carved wooden case? Witch burning kit? Halloween trick-and-treat box?… Gotta give props to the "Stage Fright" one that someone made for Round 5, this one really blew my mind: a mix of live tunes packaged in a tiny pop-up live stage. Insane!
Max: The beauty of it is there’s no contest. You don’t know who you’re getting from, you just know who you’re going to send to. It feels like a random act of kindness, if you get my drift. Something you rarely see these days! My favourite is the incredibly cool ‘Bosozoku’ series of tapes that my friend Virgile started to make, set in a fictional, irradiated Japan full of mutants and biker gangs. He filters all his mixes to give them a rawer sound and then he writes down the radioactive levels of each songs! Everything is hand drawn too. Beautiful. Hope he finishes his last tape soon, it will be a special one-off farewell package.
5) Are you guys operating only through social media? Is there any way for people not on there to take part (though logistically I can imagine it being a huge pain in the ass...)
Luc: You nailed it, it would require a lot of effort to try and make it work outside of social media – maybe an email mailing list could work, but we went for the easy way and it takes enough time as it is. The North American chapter (MMME) is happening on Instagram only, but we choose to expand our version to Facebook as well so we can reach more people.
Max: The thing is we’re always looking to get more people to join so this interview is a fantastic idea! We need more exposure… The Insta and Facebook crowd has been great but I’m sure there could be more people interested out there -- if they only knew!
6) How has the response been so far the MPTX? Are you getting some new faces every round and people coming back each time?
Luc: The response has been great, most participants have shown a great deal of enthusiasm. We have a steady run of about 40-45 people signing up each round. Some are coming back every time, some occasionally, and some only took part once never to be seen again… There's been a refreshing turnover lately, which is pretty necessary. We'd love to get more people to sign up, so join us and spread the word!
Max: I thought we’d get more Punks and Hardcore heads involved though, what with the DIY aspect of it all. The Metal crowd has been flawless but we love having so many different people involved. Everyone’s tastes are very far-ranging and we have seen very interesting mixes popping up recently, some of them not even remotely Metal or Punk, haha.
7) Beyond the tape trading group is there any other underground activities you are involved in (bands, zines etc.)?
Luc: Over the years I've published several zines, ran a record label, a distro, booked gigs, designed record covers/flyers, played the drums in quite a few bands, etc. I may not be as active today, but I still play music. My only current band is named BOMBARDEMENT, we play d-beat hardcore punk. [Shameless plug] Feel free to check it out: bombardement.bandcamp.com
Max: I did some fanzines in the 90s, mainly Metal stuff which never got very far. Then I sang in a few bands, the most notable one probably being HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM in the mid-00s. Got back behind the microphone recently for a couple of bands as part of an all-engulfing midlife crisis vortex, haha.
8) Any new demos or some old classics you’ve been spinning recently?
Luc: Lately my playlist is comprised of a lot of 'NWOTHM' or whatever you may want to name it–stuff like METALIAN, TRAVELER, BLADE KILLER, SATAN'S HALLOW/MIDNIGHT DICE, BLACK VIPER, FORTRESS… and a lot of hardcore and punk as always, anything from ANTIMOB to RADIOACTIVITY to KOHTI TUHOA to BAD RELIGION… Recent vinyl reissues of old thrash metal demos by INSANITY and MISSION OF CHRIST also get a few spins here. I've been revisiting TURBONEGRO'S milestone Apocalypse Dudes, and grooving along to the cold beats of BOY HARSHER. And as usual, a lot of early SLAYER.
Max: I’m currently revisiting the back catalog of Skint, the Big Beat label that got Fatboy Slim started, also listening to a lot of old ‘Northcore’ German Hardcore bands like ZORN, SYSTRAL. The new ORODRUIN album is the best Doom Metal album I’ve heard this year. Eating the first 6 HÜSKER DÜ albums for breakfast too. Also lots of old and new Heavy Metal, lots of punk/HC... best band I’ve seen live recently was PHYSIQUE. And Luc’s SEXPLOSION!!
9) From your own collections, what’s your favourite tape you own and why?
Luc: I've lost, sold and traded A LOT of my classic original tapes over the years unfortunately. But it's impossible to only pick one. Let me just randomly praise an underrated gem, namely the second INCARNIS demo, "Castigation", a 1992 death metal rager from Virginia that never got the recognition it deserves.
Max: If I look at the pile of tapes on my desk, the first one I want to grab and put in the tape player is CUIR’s Demo Demo Demo tape. It’s a one-man French band by the singer in SORDID SHIP/COUPE-GORGE that I urge you to check out. Perfect raw Punk ‘n roll with keyboards!
10) Thanks guys! That's all from me. Any last words are all yours.
Luc: Death to false everything. Only analog is real! SU NIOJ!!
Max: Thanks for this interview. Make tapes not war.