* Edition of 75. In process of stocking. 2022 stock* Roel Meelkop (born 1963) is a Dutch visual / sound artist based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. After studying at the prestigious Willem de Kooning Academy, Meelkop pursued a studio practice involving analog synthesis and manipulated sound engineering techniques. His earliest published output was during the mid 1980's experimental electronic collective THU20, which was documented by the legendary 80's tape label Midas Tapes. THU20 members included artists Jac van Bussel, Peter Duimelinks, Jos Smolders, Guido Doesborg and later including Frans de Waard (Kapotte Muziek / founder of Korm Plastics). Since then, Roel Meelkop has spent the past 25 years developing his methodology as a solo artist and collaborative member of various projects, releasing dozens of records and considered one of the forerunners of the experimental electronic / glitch renaissance.
His recent tape release, obviously titled (K)7, is more an exploration of the format to which it's name is dedicated. Meelkop pushes the boundaries that analog tape has constructed, creating the idea of "dense space" between the rushes of synthesis methodology that crashes around the parameters. Both sides vary in depth between Meelkop's signature organic sounding electronics and subsonic harmonic test tones that make this release the most unique within his discography.