A massive box set documenting the pioneers and protagonists of late 70s and early 80s U.S. cassette culture has been released by Vinyl On Demand.

The 12 LP set and accompanying 48-page booklet looks at the artists and labels who sowed the seeds for America’s DIY culture, with a particular focus on Archie Patterson’s Eurock Magazine & Distribution, the influential tape distributor behind many of the cassettes compiled in the set.

There’s a focus on ambient music, including set of early works by Kerry Leimer (recently the subject of a retrospective on RVNG Intl.) as well Steve Roach’s synth music, the space rock of Young Scientists and more from Marc Barreca, Anode, Ken Moore and Don Slepian.

American Cassette Culture 1971-83 is out today from Vinyl On Demand – check it out on Boomkat.