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Retro find: Cassette market on Jl. Cihapit, Bandung
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Cassettes collectors come to Jl. Cihapit to get old tracks that cannot be found in the record stores or online. (JP/Arya Dipa)
T
hanks to music streaming services, your favorite song is only one click away. But for some music enthusiasts, these applications could not replace the joys of listening to albums on tapes.
Those wanting to find nearly extinct cassette tapes may want to schedule a visit to Jl. Cihapit in Bandung.
Antara news agency reported that despite the popularity of online streaming services, music lovers still flock to the area.
Oding Turiat is among the cassette sellers of Jl Cihapit, having established his shop in 1987. He attested the area’s success to loyal customers; cassette collectors of various ages and backgrounds. They come to Jl Cihapit to get old tracks that cannot be found in modern record stores or online.
Read also: Top five record stores in your neck of the woods
In his shop, Oding offers a plethora of cassettes from both local and international artists that were popular in the 1960s through the 2000s, with price starting from Rp 5,000 (37 US cents).
Albums from classic rock bands such as Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Nirvana and The Beatles, are the most in-demand, he said.
As for local music, Oding’s customers tend to look for dangdut singers, namely Rhoma Irama and Elvi Sukaesih.
“Due to high demand, it becomes quite a task to get the [cassettes]. Once I have the cassettes, they would be quickly sold out. We have a waiting list, too,” he said. (jes/asw)
