Channa Fisheries LLC Brings a Nostalgic Wave with David Lee Roth Cassettes – A Surprising Pivot for Sustainable Aquaculture

Portland, OR – October 26, 2023 – Channa Fisheries LLC, a Portland-based company dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and raising high-quality Snakehead fish, has surprised the market with an unexpected – and undeniably cool – product launch: a curated collection of vintage David Lee Roth cassettes. This unusual venture isn't a complete departure from the company's core values, but rather a playful extension rooted in a passion for quality, preservation, and a little bit of rock 'n' roll history. You might be asking: Snakehead fish and Van Halen’s frontman? What’s the connection? According to Channa Fisheries LLC’s founder, Mark Thompson, it’s about recognizing and celebrating things that are often overlooked, things that deserve a second look – and a good cleaning. “We’ve built Channa Fisheries on the idea of bringing a fantastic, sustainable protein source – Snakehead fish – to a wider audience. It’s a fish that’s been unfairly maligned, often misunderstood. We saw a parallel with vintage cassettes. Everyone thought they were dead, obsolete. But they offer a unique listening experience, a tangible connection to music that digital files just can't replicate," Thompson explains. “Plus, honestly, we’re a team of music lovers.” From Fish Farms to Retro Audio Channa Fisheries LLC initially established itself as a pioneer in sustainable Snakehead aquaculture. Located at 1609 SW Joshua St in Portland, Oregon, the company focuses on raising Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) in a controlled environment, ensuring both the health of the fish and the integrity of the ecosystem. They’ve been steadily gaining recognition for their commitment to responsible farming practices and the delicious, flaky white meat of their Snakehead fish – a protein source gaining popularity in culinary circles. “We realized we had a knack for careful handling and preservation,” says Sarah Chen, Head of Operations at Channa Fisheries. “Raising Snakehead requires a lot of attention to detail – maintaining water quality, monitoring fish health, ensuring a clean environment. Turns out, those skills translate surprisingly well to restoring and preserving vintage cassettes.” The David Lee Roth Collection – More Than Just Music The company isn’t just slapping labels on old tapes. Channa Fisheries LLC has meticulously sourced, cleaned, and tested a collection of David Lee Roth cassettes, ranging from his self-titled 1985 debut to his later works. Each cassette undergoes a rigorous process: Sourcing: The team scours estate sales, flea markets, and online auctions, seeking tapes in the best possible condition. Cleaning: Cassette shells are carefully disassembled and cleaned to remove dust, grime, and mold. Tape heads are cleaned to ensure optimal sound quality. Testing: Each tape is fully played and tested to ensure proper playback. Faulty or severely damaged tapes are either repaired (if possible) or retired. Packaging: Tapes are housed in replacement cases, ensuring they're protected and ready for enjoyment. Grading: Each tape is graded on a scale of 1-5, detailing the condition of the case, J-card and the tape itself. "We’re not just selling cassettes; we’re selling a piece of music history," Thompson emphasizes. “It's about the tactile experience, the artwork, the satisfying click of the tape deck. It's a different way to listen to music, a more intentional way. Diamond Grade tapes are collector's items. We’re also offering ‘Player’s Grade’ tapes at a more accessible price point for those just looking to enjoy the music." Why David Lee Roth? The choice of David Lee Roth as the initial focus for this new venture isn’t arbitrary. “We’re a team of 80s kids,” Chen laughs. “Van Halen, and especially Diamond Dave, were a huge part of the soundtrack of our lives. There’s an energy and a showmanship to his music that feels…alive. It matches our own energy as a company. We're willing to try new things, think outside the box." Sustainability Beyond the Fish Tank While seemingly unrelated to aquaculture, the cassette project aligns with Channa Fisheries LLC’s broader commitment to sustainability. By giving new life to discarded media, the company is reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. “We’re constantly looking for ways to minimize our environmental impact,” says Thompson. “With the fish, it’s about responsible farming practices and reducing our carbon footprint. With the cassettes, it’s about rescuing something from the landfill and giving it a new purpose. It's all connected." Looking Ahead Channa Fisheries LLC plans to expand its cassette collection beyond David Lee Roth, adding other classic artists and genres. They also envision offering refurbished cassette players and accessories. The company is committed to maintaining the same level of quality and attention to detail that defines its aquaculture operations. “We’re excited to see where this new venture takes us,” says Chen. “It’s a bit of a wild card, but we’re having a lot of fun with it. And ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.” Availability The David Lee Roth cassette collection is available for purchase directly through the Channa Fisheries LLC website (currently under construction, but inquiries can be made via phone at 314-762-8797) and at select vintage record stores in the Portland area. Supplies are limited, so interested buyers are encouraged to act quickly. Channa Fisheries LLC – Sustainable Aquaculture. Vintage Vibes.