We’re excited to welcome writer and recording engineer Larry Crane, to Grimey’s! Crane is the founder and editor of Tape Op Magazine—a print-based magazine that serves as an archive of conversations about the art and science of recording music, with the highest circulation of any recording magazine in the world. Crane will be joined by Andy Hong to discuss the newly published book Making Music: Conversations with Record Producers, a collection of interviews published in Tape Op magazine. Please join us on Thursday, October 29th at 4:00 PM for what is sure to be an interesting and entertaining discussion between Crane and Hong as well as a pretty fun hang! You can preorder a copy of Making Music (paperback, Akashic Books 2026) on our webstore now or grab one at the event. Crane will be signing copies of the book for those in attendance. (Signed preorders are also available for mail order.)
Tape Op began in 1996 by a then-novice recording engineer named Larry Crane. The first issue was 16 pages, printed on legal paper and Xeroxed. The print run was around 500 copies and Larry sent it out to his friends. After three years, Larry partnered with John Baccigaluppi, an engineer and producer who he'd worked with in the past and was now in the publishing business. Between digital and print, Tape Op now mails close to 70,000 magazines to readers worldwide and is still growing. {Tape Op Magazine’s] original subtitle still probably says it best: The Creative Music Recording Magazine. Tape Op is about learning how to make great recordings with whatever tools you have access to.
We interview engineers, producers and musicians who are making great recordings. We sit down and talk with them at length and then run long, in-depth interviews. The reader becomes, in essence, the "tape op" hanging out in the studio and learning the trade from the seasoned vets working in the studio. Unlike most recording magazines, our primary focus is not on reviewing equipment. We want to discuss making art. Tape Op is about education and creativity.
Editor/founder of Tape Op Magazine - owner of Portland’s Jackpot! Recording Studio - a freelance engineer who’s worked nationwide - an archivist for the Estate of Elliott Smith - a musician - editor of Making Music: Conversations With Record Producers (2026), Tape Op: The Book About Creative Music Recording Vol I & II, with more books to come. Tape Op Magazine began in 1996, with readers in the US/EU/UK/Aus. Since 1997 he’s owned Jackpot! Recording, a professional studio in Portland, Oregon, where he's worked with artists like Sleater-Kinney, The Decemberists, Jenny Lewis, Gouge Away, M. Ward, Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, Stephen Malkmus, Quasi, David J, and more.
Andy Hong
Andy Hong was kicked out of MIT in 1987 after spending too many hours recording punk rock bands. He landed a pivotal role at Digidesign (Avid), where he contributed to the development of Pro Tools. Returning to MIT, Andy earned a master's degree creating computer-augmented instruments for Yo-Yo Ma, Kim Kashkashian, and London Sinfonietta. After graduation, Andy joined Art Technology Group (Oracle ATG) and played a key role in shaping the early internet, e-commerce, and social-media landscape, while also co-producing a weekly live-performance program on WMBR Radio and running music label Kimchee Records and its associated recording studio. Currently the Gear Geek at Large for Tape Op Magazine, Andy previously served as Gear Reviews Editor for 16 years. Andy splits his time developing content for Inside Blackbird and recording indie bands at Infrasonic Sound.
Making Music: Conversations with Record Producers