Crossword Genius

First violin starts the recording tape (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leader

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'recording tape' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'first violin starts' is the wordplay.
'first' becomes 'lead' (lead can mean leading or primary).
'violin starts' becomes 'er' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'lead'+'er'='LEADER'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leader that I've seen before include "Superior" , "Person in charge" , "important member of orchestra" , "One whose example is followed" , "One is ahead and shows the way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app