The Founder of Tapes Elevates Experimental Music at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust: ‘We Are Also Punk’

Bringing Experimental Music to the Royal Albert Hall

The founder of Remote Tapes shared with NME about introducing experimental music to the Royal Albert Hall for the 2025 Teenage Cancer Trust release.

• Read more: Steve Jones “Sex Pistols” tells us about Teenage Cancer Trust concerts and refused the letter of the letter of Alex Turner

This renowned independent music label is set to take over a prestigious venue this weekend (Saturday, March 29) as part of a Teenage Cancer Trust initiative.

This follows a series of already impressive concerts this week, featuring performances from Sex Pistols, Frank Carter, James Arthur, The Who, and The Corrs, with proceeds from the events going to charity.

As previously confirmed, the Saturday edition will be overseen by Robert Hats, the founder of the East London label (aka Ghost), and will showcase performances from Café Penguin, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare, and Hatis Neut.

In a conversation with NME, Rats explained the rationale behind the selection of these diverse experimental artists.

“We are punk too,” he said. “Of course, I love the Sex Pistols—who doesn’t? But it is important to educate the next generation of musicians and let them present their music to a beautiful new audience.”

Highlighting Unique Artists

Rats elaborated on why each of the acts caught his attention. He described Café Penguin, which was formed in 2009 by Arthur Jeffes as an extension of his father Simon’s vision with the Penguin Café Orchestra, stating: “It is so beautiful because it honors what Simon intended to achieve.

“This is music you hear in cafés, at certain parties, in documentaries, artistic spaces, and even in advertisements. It resonates with you, and when you listen to a record, you realize: ‘Oh, I know half of this music already.’

Regarding Douglas, he praised his fourth album inspired by club music, “Omni,” saying: “He hadn’t embraced enough club music, so I told him to step away from the piano for a while and just accept this role in it. He just wrapped up this tour, and I believe the Royal Albert Hall will reignite his love for the piano.”

Speaking about the Japanese singer Hatis Neut, Rats described her creations as “otherworldly, deeply therapeutic songs,” mentioning that he is always profoundly moved by her performances.

“I am particularly touched by the large number of female fans who approach her after shows to express their feelings, as if she taps into something deeply primal,” he added. “She is also a young mother, and this will be her first public concert since giving birth. We can certainly expect something spectacular.”

Lastly, he described Daniel Brandt as an artist capable of “creating soundscapes that articulate the pressing issues we face—climate change, pollution, politics.”

“His work is epic in scope, like The Matrix, but it has a current feeling, almost as if Charlie Brooker would choose it for Black Mirror. His music is always rhythmic, as he’s a drummer and composer. It’s electrifying and physical,” Rats continued. “On stage, he will unite with another drummer, as well as a guitarist and trombonist, crafting a wall of sound that questions reality, both visually and audibly.”

The Remaining Teenage Cancer Trust 2025 Shows:

MARCH
27 – WHO plus special guests Level 42
28 – Corrs plus special guests Dea Matrona
29 – Erased Tapes featuring Café Penguin, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare, and Hatis Neut
30 – WHO plus special guests Level 42

NME was present at the show on Monday and recounted how Frank Carter and his band delivered an explosive performance, featuring hits like “Tel,” “Liar,” “God Save the Queen,” and a cover of Iggy’s “The Passenger.”

It has also been announced that next year’s TCT gig series will be overseen by Robert Smith from The Cure. This change comes after the series’ founder and legendary musician Roger Daltrey stepped down.

Last year, Daltrey confirmed he would conclude his role as curator for the Teenage Cancer Trust concert after 24 years but will continue to support the charity as its patron.