Are tapes a new throwback thing or a mainstay for certain genres? I sold my decks years ago because I never used them.

They've made a resurgence in the last five or so years, in a lot of different genres, particularly garage rock, experimental, and ambient music. I understand that they're cheap and quick to make, which is helpful for tiny labels.

I love it when I can get a cassette of a new album and it comes with a download on bandcamp. I still value the sound of a cassette and having to listen to an album without skipping around. However I also value FLAC and mp4 quality sound. Best of both worlds and on the cheap as compared to vinyl.