Discussion feat. Stone Tapes | Guests: Yonatan Gat, Lee Ranaldo, Laraaji, Leah Singer; moderator: Jarek Szubrycht | Workshops of Culture, Grodzka 5a – 2nd floor ENG, POL, PJM

Stone Tapes is a New York-based independent music label founded in 2022, helmed from its inception by Yonatan Gat – a guitarist, composer, and producer known notably from the cult trio Monotonix and the Medicine Singers project. The imprint began its journey as a sub-label of the renowned Joyful Noise Recordings, with whom Gat is also involved. This Indianapolis-based label releases luminaries such as CocoRosie, Deerhoof, David Yow, and Tropical Fuck Storm, firmly placing it at the forefront of global alternative music.
As for Stone Tapes, in just a few years, the New Yorkers have not only released a series of outstanding albums but also assembled a collective of exceptional artists. Today, Stone Tapes’ roster includes Lee Ranaldo (co-founder of Sonic Youth), Laraaji, Maalem Hassan Ben Jaafar, and Mamady Kouyate, among others. Crucially, the label’s artistic explorations focus equally on groundbreaking alternative sounds and original ethnic music from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a result, the label’s catalog offers a full stylistic spectrum – from raw guitar noise and North African futurism to Saharan textures, niche, ambitious electronics, and music from Indigenous North American traditions.  

The Lublin showcase will feature three extraordinary concerts, each curated and presented by one of these exceptional artists: Laraaji, Lee Ranaldo, and Yonatan Gat. Each possesses a unique, signature approach to music and sound, which will be the central theme of their dedicated festival performances. As part of the label’s presentation in Lublin, there will also be a meeting on the New York independent scene with Yonatan Gat and musicians active in Stone Tapes. 

Laraaji – Multi-instrumentalist, composer, accomplished pianist and improviser, also known for his use of traditional instruments such as the zither and mbira. He is equally fascinated by Eastern culture and mysticism, as well as contemporary ambient music. One of his flagship works is precisely the album “Ambient 3. Day of Radiance,” released by Brian Eno in his legendary “Ambient” series. In the 1970s, Laraaji also made a name for himself through his street performances in various parts of New York City, which has already gone down in history as one of the city’s musical legends. In 2023, Pitchfork magazine named him one of the most important figures in new age and ambient music. His concerts are a true sonic journey, often even resembling meditation. In addition, as part of artistic collaborations inside the Stone Tapes label, the artist contributes, among other things, as a member of the Medicine Singers.  

Lee Ranaldo – an absolutely iconic figure on the American independent scene. Guitarist, singer, songwriter, one of the leaders of countercultural music trends of the last 50 years, such as alternative rock, experimental avant-garde, no wave and noise. Co-founder of Sonic Youth, a group fundamental to the history of music.    
In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #33 on its list of ‘The Greatest Guitarists of All Time,’ and in 2012, Spin magazine placed him — alongside Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore — at #1 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists. n 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #33 on its list of ‘The Greatest Guitarists of All Time,’ and in 2012, Spin magazine placed him — alongside Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore — at #1 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.       
Lee Ranaldo is a person of many talents, and each of his concerts, whether solo or in a collaboration, is always a profound experience. Beyond his masterful guitar technique, the artist is also fascinated by the world of contemporary art, the use of multimedia, and field recording.   

Yonatan Gat – Guitar virtuoso and one of the top artists of the New York avant-garde scene. Alternative music fans know him primarily from the cult trio Monotonix, which captivated the world with its explosive, wild concerts. He also consistently collaborates with musicians from renowned formations such as Sonic Youth, Swans, and Godspeed You Black Emperor, as well as masters of ethnic music like Maalem Hassan Ben Jaafar and Mamady Kouyate. Beyond composing and performing his own music, Yonatan Gat is also actively involved in releasing other artists. To this end, he established his own label – Stone Tapes, which we are extensively showcasing during this year’s Different Sounds.