Crossword Genius

First violins start the cassette tapes (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leaders

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

'cassette tapes' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'first violins start' is the wordplay.
'first' becomes 'lead' (lead can mean leading or primary).
'violins start' becomes 'ers' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'lead'+'ers'='LEADERS'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leaders that I've seen before include "They take the initiative and direct others" , "Top people" , "newspaper articles" , "Bosses" , "People to follow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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