Tape Notes

Baldwin Fun Machine (VST)

GEAR MENTIONS

Baldwin Fun Machine

Danelectro Bass VI

Austin Hooks Projector Amp

Benson Nathan Junior Amp

Univox U45B Amp

Echoplex EP2 Pedal

Chase Bliss Audio Pedals

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

SubStack: Tape Notes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

John Kennedy

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Ali Lewis

TN:146 Pixies & Tom Dalgety Oct 31, 2024

John is joined by Pixies, Charles Thompson (aka Black Francis), and producer Tom Dalgety, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s latest album ‘The Night The Zombies Came’.

The Pixies are an American alternative rock band widely acclaimed as one of the pioneers of the late 1980s rock movement. Their first three albums - Surfer Rosa (1988), Dolittle (1989) and Bossanova (1990) - defined an era as well as earning the band much critical success. The Pixies have influenced numerous prominent artists including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The Strokes and Weezer. Since re-forming in 2004, they have maintained a steady creative output, working closely with producer Tom Dalgety.

Catching up at Strongroom Studios, Charles and Tom share stories from their album writing process, including the last minute track that Tom snuck onto the record, the inspiration that came from trips around the English countryside, and the creative results of Charles’s temper tantrums (which included his songwriting notebook ending up on the studio roof!).

Tracks discussed: The Vegas Suite, I Hear You Mary, Jane (The Night the Zombies Came)

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 20% off.

ROLAND

Get 10% off Roland Cloud Ultimate Membership with the code TAPENOTES RC-1024 at rolandcloud.com

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘The Night The Zombies Came’ here.

Pixies Recordings, BMG Rights Management Limited

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Eventide H9 Max

TC Electronic Bucket Brigade

MXC Carbon Copy

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

John Kennedy

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Ali Lewis

TN:145 Clean Bandit (Part 2) Oct 16, 2024

John is back with Jack Patterson and Grace Chatto of Clean Bandit, for part two of their conversation, this time, talking about how they wrote, recorded, and produced some of their more recent hits.

Clean Bandit are an English electronic group formed in 2008, known for blending classical music with electronics and pop. While they gained early attention with the track ‘Mozart’s House,’ their 2014 hit ‘Rather Be,’ featuring Jess Glynne, won a Grammy and earned the band global recognition. Now pop mainstays, they have released numerous chart-topping collaborations, including ‘Rockabye’ and ‘Symphony.’ With two studio albums to their name and new music on the horizon, their most recent work sees them teaming up with Anne-Marie and David Guetta.

In this, part two of our conversation, Jack and Grace take us through the early versions and of their track ‘Symphony’ (following its resurgence on TikTok), and discuss how their creative process has changed over the years, taking apart ‘Cry Baby’, and digging into the multiple remixes of the track.

Tracks discussed: Symphony, Cry Baby

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off. (Valid until 29th November 2024)

ROLAND

Get 10% off Roland Cloud Ultimate Membership with the code TAPENOTES RC-1024 at rolandcloud.com

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Symphony’ here.

LISTEN to ‘Cry Baby’ here.

Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler

Ableton Operator Synth

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Ali Lewis

Jessica Clucas

TN:144 Bonobo Oct 01, 2024

John sits down with English musician, producer, and DJ Simon Green, better known as Bonobo, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced works from across his back catalogue.

Bonobo first caught attention with his 1999 debut. Over the years, his evolving sound, often including elements of world music, nu-jazz and electronica, have earned him a devoted following. This popularity surged with the release of critically acclaimed albums including 'Black Sands' and 'The North Borders', released via Ninja Tune, which earned him multiple Grammy nominations and solidified his status as one of the biggest names in dance music. His latest work, the single, ‘Expander’ released in August 2024, is a slice of fresh yet unmistakable Bonobo, weaving organic vocals and instrumentation with vibrant dance floor energy.

Catching up at Baltic Studios, not too far from where Simon recorded his early work, the conversation digs into Bonobo’s creative process, discussing how he builds his unique drum patterns as well as exploring the essential plugins and sounds that shape his distinctive style.

Tracks discussed: Expander, Sapien, Cirrus, Black Sands

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off. (Valid until 29th November)

ROLAND

Get 10% off Roland Cloud Ultimate Membership with the code TAPENOTES RC-1024 at rolandcloud.com

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Expander’ here.

LISTEN to ‘Fragments’ here.

LISTEN to ‘Black Sands’ here.

Ninja Tune

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Knock Drum Buss Plugin

Valhalla Room

Miroslav Philharmonik Strings

Slate & Ash Landforms

Slate & Ash Cycles

Slate & Ash Choreographs

TB Reelbus

Intellijel Plonk Module

Make Noise Optomix

Noise Engineering Basimilus

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

TN:143 Rex Orange County, Teo Halm & Jim Reed Sep 05, 2024

John sits down with Rex Orange County and producers Jim Reed and Teo Halm, to talk about how he wrote and recorded his latest album ‘The Alexander Technique’.

Alex O'Connor, better known as Rex Orange County, is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Teaching himself music production at 16 years old, within a year he released his debut album ‘Bcos U Will Never B Free’. Since then, Alex has been consistently releasing successful music, including his fourth album, ‘Who Cares?’, which became his first to top the UK album charts, alongside platinum-certified hits like ‘Sunflower’, ‘Best Friend’, and ‘Loving Is Easy’.

In conversation with Rex and his producers, Jim Reed and Teo Halm, they dig into the creative process behind his new album, sharing original demos, discussing the plugins that shaped the album, and demonstrating how some synthesizer parts were created using Teo’s iPhone.

Tracks discussed: Guitar Song, 2008, Much Too Much

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off. (Valid until 29th November 2024)

ROLAND

Get 10% off Roland Cloud Ultimate Membership with the code TAPENOTES RC-1024 at rolandcloud.com

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘The Alexander Technique’ here.

Atlantic Records UK

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Goodhertz Vulf Compressor

GEAR MENTIONS

Keezy App

Koala App

Soundtoys Crystallizer

Soundtoys Effects Rack

Celemony Melodyne

Blank Forms Tape Loops

Logic Sampler

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

TN:142 Clean Bandit (Part 1) Aug 20, 2024

John is joined by Jack Patterson and Grace Chatto of Clean Bandit to talk about how they wrote, recorded, and produced some of their early hits.

In this, part one of our conversation, Jack and Grace look back at their process of creating ‘Rather Be’ and ‘I Miss You.’ In addition to discussing how they programmed the synth at the very centre of their early music, the pair recount stories of writing on the Tube and possibly one of the most intense vocal sessions of their career.

Tracks discussed: Rather Be, I Miss You

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

ROLAND

Get 10% off Roland Cloud Ultimate Membership with the code TAPENOTES RC-1024 at rolandcloud.com

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Rather Be’ here.

LISTEN to ‘I Miss You’ here.

Atlantic Records UK

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Antares Harmony Engine

AKAI EWI Midi Controller

Conny Plank's SSL Desk

Ableton Operator Synth

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:141 A. G. Cook Aug 06, 2024

John is joined by Alex Cook, better known as A. G. Cook, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Britpop’.

A. G. Cook, is a London-based artist and producer. After studying at Goldsmiths University, he founded PC Music, a label shaping hyper pop with artists including Hannah Diamond and Danny L Harle. His debut solo albums, ‘7G’ and ‘Apple’, arrived in 2020. In addition to his own music, Alex has shared his production talents with numerous pop icons, including Jonsi, Madonna, and Caroline Polachek, and Charli XCX. In May 2024, he released his third studio album, ‘Britpop’, a 24-song exploration blending pop, experimental electronics, and acoustic sounds.

Catching up at Strongroom Studios, Alex guides us through the three distinct chapters of the album, digging into the production and song writing approaches he took to make them stand out. As well as sharing some intricate plugin demos, we hear stories of developing a harmonic style, meticulous automation and what it means to be an aggressive listener.

Tracks discussed: Heartache, Serenade, Lucifer

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Britpop’ here.

New Alias

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Filter Freak

Waves MetaFlanger

Deamtonics Synthesizer V

Reveal Sound Spire

Xfer Serum

Xfer OTT

Sonic Charge Synplant 2

Logic Compressor

Melda Productions M Bit Fun

Native instrument Razor

Electro Harmonix Pitch Fork

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

Reissue | TN:29 Floating Points Jul 30, 2024

We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. This selection is our conversation from November 2019, with Sam Shepard, Floating Points.

EPISODE NOTES

In this episode John heads to EMS4 studios in Shoreditch to chat with Floating Points a.k.a Sam Shepherd, about how he recorded and produced his latest release, Crush.

Talking from deep within Sam’s musical laboratory, we peer behind the curtain and find out how Floating Points music is created and crafted, pulling apart some of the tracks from his second album along the way. We get to hear how live performance and classical music are a serious influence in his writing process in addition to experimenting with the impressive number of synths he’s collected over the years. Geekery is in abundance in this episode.

Listen to find out why space was scant in Sam’s student bedroom, who sick Anna actually is and why sometimes all you need is a Yamaha Reface CS in your backpack.

Tracks discussed: Last Bloom, Annasickmodualr, Bias.

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Crush' here.

'Crush' - Pluto Records, Ninja Tune.

GEAR MENTIONS

Marshall Time Modulator

MAM ADX1

Dunlop MXR Flanger

Publison Infernal Machine Multi-Effects Processor

Roland EV-5 Expression Pedal

Yamaha CS-70

Yamaha Reface CS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:140 Four Tet Jul 16, 2024

John is joined by Kieran Hebden, better known as Four Tet, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Three’, along with a selection of his other work.

Following his start in music writing and recording as part of post-rock band ‘Fridge’, Kieran released his debut solo album as Four Tet ‘Dialogue’ in 1999. Since then, his constant experimentation and blend of hip-hop, jazz, krautrock, electronica, dance, and folk have seen him become one of the most innovative producers of today. He has released twelve albums as Four Tet, remixed artists like Radiohead and Bjork, and collaborated with Burial, Fred Again and Skrillex, among many others.

Sitting down together, Kieran breaks down his production journey and writing process, sharing the samples at the core of each track and reflecting on his approach to the most important element, the arrangement. Digging into the production details, he shares tips on keeping loops alive, making kicks pop, and the subtle textures that help place a track in its own world.

Tracks discussed: Daydream Repeat, Skater, Looking At Your Pager

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Three’ here.

Text Records

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Microshift

FabFilter Pro-L2

Izotope Ozone Maximiser

ATH-M50X Professional Monitor Headphones

Roland TR8

Arturia DrumBrute

Sennheiser HD25

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:139 Kasabian Jul 04, 2024

John joins Kasabian producer, songwriter, and frontman Serge Pizzorno to discuss the band’s latest record, ‘Happenings’.

Kasabian, an English rock band formed in the late 1990s, burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with iconic anthems like ‘LSF’ and ‘Club Foot’. Since then, they have released eight albums, earning multiple NME Awards and a Brit Award for Best British Group in 2010.

Sitting down with guitarist and co-founder Serge Pizzorno, the conversation dives into his production journey—from experimenting with a loop pedal at eleven years old to collaborating with renowned producer Mark Ralph. Serge shares insights into his hours-long loop jams, reveals how he transformed an Asda voice note into a fully-fledged track, and discusses the secrets behind crafting iconic riffs.

Tracks discussed: Call, Coming Back To Me Good, G.O.A.T.

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Happenings’ here.

Sony Music

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

XLN Audio RC20

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:138 Charli XCX, George Daniel & A.G. Cook Jun 19, 2024

John is joined by singer, songwriter, and producer Charli XCX, as well as producers A.G. Cook and George Daniel, to discuss how they wrote and recorded the album ‘Brat’.

Charli XCX first saw success collaborating on Icona Pop's 2012 smash hit ‘I Love It’ and Iggy Azalea's chart-topping single ‘Fancy’. Since releasing her debut album in 2013, she has continued to innovate and energise the music scene, earning a Global Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to pop. More recently, Charli released her sixth album ‘Brat’ working alongside George Daniel and PC Music pioneer A.G. Cook.

Sitting down with Charli, A.G., and George, the three cover a range of topics including the inspiration behind each track. As well as treating us to plane demos and stories of testing tracks in Charli’s club at home, the trio discuss how they approach collaboration, and break down what truly makes something Brat.

Tracks discussed: Club Classics, Apple, 365

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘BRAT’ here.

Atlantic Recording Corporation

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Native Instruments Razor

Malekko Manther Synth

Logic Echo

OUR GEAR

Electro Harmonix Loop Station

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:137 IDLES, Kenny Beats & Mikko Gordon May 30, 2024

John is joined by IDLES' Bowen, along with producer Kenny Beats, and producer and engineer Mikko Gordon, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘TANGK’.

Idles are a British post-punk band who gained recognition with their 2017 debut album ‘Brutalism’. Known for their gritty, powerful sound and explosive live shows, their five albums to date have earned them nominations for the Mercury Prize, BRIT & Grammy Awards. Their latest record, ‘TANGK’, sees the band team up with producers Nigel Godrich and Kenny Beats, and digs into topics of love and gratitude, all while maintaining their signature Idles energy.

Linking up between Kenny’s LA studio and Mikko’s London studio, the trio discuss how they utilised the different strands of experience and expertise from all involved. As well as dubious covers and Christmas day demos, they share stories of writing team breakouts and the unexpected moments that came when they drew inspiration beyond their usual domains.

Tracks discussed: Roy, A Gospel, POP POP POP

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘TANGK’ here.

Partisan Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Venn Audio V-Clip

Empirical Labs Distressor

Moogerfooger Pedals

Vongon Pedal

Beyerdynamic M500 Mic

Altec Solid State Mixers

Altec Tube Mixers

Augspurger Speakers

Yamaha Disklavier Piano

Ableton Saturator

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

Reissue | TN:18 The 1975 May 14, 2024

We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. This selection is our conversation with Matty and George of The 1975, recorded back in March 2019.

EPISODE NOTES

John ventures up to Spitfire Audio to meet with Matty and George from The 1975 to talk about how the album 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' was recorded and produced.

Somewhat bleary eyed after a massive night at the Brits (scooping two awards), the boys reveal the inner workings of The 1975's production methods and writing techniques. We're treated to demo versions and extensive track breakdowns from their award winning album, showing what it takes to create a 1975 hit.

We get to hear why Matty scats to write lyrics, how George uses a Barry White bass trick for creating lush vocals, and hear THE definitive explanation of side-chain compression.

Tracks discussed: I Like America & America Likes Me, How To Draw / Petrichor, It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships’ here

Dirty Hit, Polydor Records, Interscope Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Izotope Vocal Synth

Korg Legacy Collection

Moog

Waves CLA Vocal Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:136 St. Vincent Apr 30, 2024

John sits down with American singer and guitarist Annie Clark, aka St Vincent, to talk about her latest album ‘All Born Screaming’.

Immersed in music since childhood, after studying at Berklee College of Music, Annie toured with acts including The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens. Adopting the name 'St. Vincent', in 2006 she released her debut EP 'Paris Is Burning', and released her debut album 'Marry Me' the following year. As well as having collaborated with artists including David Byrne, Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift, St Vincent has released seven acclaimed studio albums, and has won four Grammy Awards.

John and Annie dig into the inspiration behind the record’s creation, touching on her development as an artist and producer, as well as her collaborations with esteemed artists such as Dave Grohl, Mark Guiliana, Josh Freese, and numerous others.

Tracks discussed: Broken Man, Hell Is Near, Sweetest Fruit

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL

Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘All Born Screaming’ here.

Total Pleasure Records

Erica Synths Perkons Drum Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Eventide H3000

1176 Compressor

Nashville Telecaster

St Vincent Signature Series Guitar

Tascam Cassette Tracks

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown

Tim Adam-Smith

Will Lyons

Nico Varanese

Alex Patterson

Guy Nicholls

Jessica Clucas

Katie-Louise Buxton

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky

Jonathon Coughlin

TN:135 Bob Vylan & Jonny Breakwell Apr 23, 2024

John catches up with Bob Vylan and producer Jonny Breakwell to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the ‘Humble As The Sun’.

Bob Vylan, are a grime and punk rock duo who emerged in 2017. Despite facing resistance for their provocative themes on racism and inequality, they gained a loyal following. Their albums, 2020’s ‘We Live Here’ and 2022’s ‘Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life’ earned critical acclaim, and saw the duo win Best Alternative Act at the MOBO Awards. Their latest, ‘Humble as the Sun,’ sees the duo flex their musical muscles, drawing on soul, drill, and punk, brought together with their trademark intensity.

Chatting in Miloco’s The Pool Studio, where some of the album was recorded, the conversation includes insights into navigating the independent artist landscape and the pivotal moments balancing personal and musical life. The pair also reflect on the process of refining Bobby's initial demos into polished tracks, exploring the production techniques that enhance the depth and character of the band’s sound.

Tracks discussed: Humble As The Sun, Reign, Makes Me Violent

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Humble As The Sun’ here.

Ghost Theatre

Native Instruments Battery

GEAR MENTIONS

Native Instrument Kontakt

Plugin Alliance Black Box

Valhalla Delay

Seventh Heaven Reverb

Waves CLA Compressor

Ableton Overdrive Plugin

UAD Apollo

Leslie Rotating Speaker

SE Electronics SE2200 Condenser Microphone

AKG414 Microphone

BeesNeez Arabella Microphone

Lomo 19A19 Microphone

Shure KSM353 Ribbon Mic

Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Mic Pre

Culture Vulture Distortion

Neve one of a kind Distortion Unit (Marshall Studios)

Neve 80’s series desk (Marshall Studios)

Marshall Jaguar Amp

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Alex Patterson - Engineer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant

Jonathon Coughlin - Production Assistant

TN:134 The Libertines Apr 11, 2024

John catches up with English rock band The Libertines to discuss how they wrote and recorded their latest album ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’.

The Libertines formed in 1997 and shot to fame with their debut album, 'Up the Bracket,' becoming pillars of the British indie/alternative resurgence of the early 2000s.

Thirty years after their careers started, they have unveiled their fourth studio album, 'All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade,' primarily recorded at their studio, The Albion Rooms, in Margate, with producer Dimitri Tikovoï.

Sitting down with frontmen Carl Barat and Peter Doherty, the pair discuss their song writing process from idea to finished album. As well as sharing exclusive insights into the evolution of the Libertines’ recording process, we hear demos and ideas from their early days writing together up to recent studio time in Jamaica.

Tracks discussed: Run Run Run, Merry Old England, & Shiver

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’ here

Libertines Recording Limited, Universal Music Operations, EMI

1957 NY Epiphone Casino Guitar

GEAR MENTIONS

Gibson J45 Guitar

Marshall Amps

Whurli

The Albion Rooms Gear

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant

Jonathon Coughlin - Production Assistant

TN:133 Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) Mar 29, 2024

John catches up with producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Antonoff of Bleachers to discuss how he wrote, recorded, and produced the band’s latest album ‘Bleachers’.

Having grown up performing, song writing, and producing bands throughout his teenage years, Jack first saw mainstream success as part of the band Fun, and their global hit track ‘We Are Young’. Since then, he has gone on to co-write and produce records for some of the biggest artists of the past decade, including Lorde, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, and Taylor Swift. Among his numerous awards and accolades, he was named Producer of the Year at the Grammys for three consecutive years.

Throughout the conversation Jack discusses his song writing process, from stories of the studio magic that occurs when picking up random instruments, to the unusual mixing and panning techniques he uses to help make parts feel big (rather than actually being big).

Tracks discussed: Call Me After Midnight, Jesus Is Dead, We’re Going To Know Each Other Forever

TAPE IT

Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.

Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Bleachers’ here .

Dirty Hit

GEAR MENTIONS

Waves Morphoder - https://geni.us/XTO8Bx

Soundtoys Tremolator - https://geni.us/bAB3sa

Soundtoys FilterFreak - https://geni.us/X6uk

Soundtoys Little AlterBoy - https://geni.us/o8nbO

Izotope VocalSynth - https://geni.us/ZIbW

Roland Juno - https://geni.us/tEKxqpC

Moog Synths - https://geni.us/EzWqBu

Korg M1 - https://geni.us/GnnNmU8

Ebow - https://geni.us/FnQRXYG

Teenage Engineering OP1 - https://geni.us/dg6C9

Chandler TH2 Preamp/DI - https://geni.us/kwoYxl

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to 'RELAXER' here.

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant

Reissue | TN:16 Alt-J & Charlie Andrew Mar 13, 2024

We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. This selection is our conversation with Alt-J’s Joe and Gus, along with producer Charlie Andrew, recorded back in February 2019.

EPISODE NOTES

In this episode John is joined by Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman from Alt-J, and producer Charlie Andrew to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'RELAXER'.

The trio give a fascinating account of the thought processes and production techniques used in the recording of RELAXER.

Hear how a friend's pavlovian response to the smell of burning wood, the Gus whistle test, and swearing at an old school master all left their mark on the band's third album.

Tracks discussed: 3WW, House of the Rising Sun, Pleader

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

'RELAXER' - alt-J, Infectious Music Ltd., a BMG Company

GEAR MENTIONS

UAD Plugins

Waves Plugins

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:132 Jacob Collier Mar 01, 2024

In this episode, John sits down with singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, delving into the creative process behind his album ‘Djesse Vol. 4,’ the concluding instalment in his four-part ‘Djesse’ album series.

Jacob first shot to fame in 2013 when videos of his complex vocal arrangements went viral on YouTube. Three years later, he released his debut album ‘In My Room’, written and recorded entirely from his family home. In 2018, Jacob set to work on Djesse, a four-volume, 50-song, album series featuring collaborations with artists around the world, which to date has earned him 6 Grammy nominations.

Throughout the conversation, Jacob shares his original demos and discusses his approach to fusing such a plethora of musical genres, from rap and gospel, to dance and Kpop. He also discusses the collaborations that shaped the album, with artists including Chris Martin, Lindsay Loomis, and Willow Smith, as well as his audiences from live shows around the world.

Tracks discussed: Over You, 100,000 Voices, Cinnamon Crush

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Djesse Vol. 4’ here .

Hajanga Records, Interscope Records/Decca, Universal Music Operations Limited

Neumann U87 Customised by Klaus Heyne

GEAR MENTIONS

Sony MX4000 Headphones

Native Instruments

Taylor 5 String Guitar (custom)

Strandberg Guitars Electric 5 String

Mandocello

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant

TN:131 Declan McKenna Feb 14, 2024

John catches up with Declan McKenna to talk about his latest album ‘What Happened To The Beach?’

Declan McKenna first saw mainstream success in 2015 following the release of his debut single ‘Brazil’ and winning Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent prize. While blending topics of politics and social issues with his indie-pop sound through his first two albums, ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ introduces us to a new world, this time looking inward and drawing on Declan’s personal growth as a musician.

As well as opening up his hugely varied bag of demos, musical sketches, and jam sessions, Declan shares stories of his time working in the studio with producer Luca Buccellati, talking through the unusual sounds and fantasy locations that inspired his writing.

Tracks discussed: Mulholland’s Dinner & Wine, Breath of Light, Mezzanine

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ here.

Sony Music Entertainment

GEAR MENTIONS

MWFX The Judder Pedal

Roland Juno 60

Electro Harmonix MEL9 Pedal

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

Reissue | TN:12 Glass Animals Jan 31, 2024

We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. The first selection is our chat with Dave Bayley (Glass Animals) from summer 2018.

EPISODE NOTES

John ventures up to Dave Bayley’s new home studio in London Fields to talk about how Glass Animals’ debut album ZABA was recorded and produced.

We hear how Dave conjured up the band’s unique style through many late night sessions in his bedroom when he should’ve been studying for medical school. He reveals his producer hero’s and an insatiable appetite for data collection, creating his own sound world through sampling every sound imaginable.

Dave guides us through a fascinating breakdown of Gooey – from an early voice demo recorded on his phone to the finished article and we learn some of his trade secrets along the way.

Tracks featured: Gooey, Hazey, Toes

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'ZABA' here.

'ZABA' - Wolf Tone Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Audio-Technica AT4040

Fender Deluxe 57

Laney VC20

Marshall Stack

Rob Papen Albino Synth

Roland Jupiter 6

Shure SM57

Ableton Spectrum Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Donate

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:130 100 gecs Jan 17, 2024

John links up with hyper-pop royalty, Laura Les and Dylan Brady, aka 100 gecs, to talk about their latest album ‘10,000 gecs’.

100 gecs first broke onto the scene with their debut album ‘1000 gecs’ in 2019. Capturing attention online and amongst music fans, the innovative record was described as ‘one of the year's most fascinating, exhilarating experimental pop albums’. Their second studio album ‘10,000 gecs’, released in 2023, sees them maintain their status as hyper-pop trailblazers, this time blending pop-punk and ska in with their signature maximalist sound.

Reflecting on their writing process and how it has changed over the years, the conversation covers a range of topics, from the vast number of alternatives each track goes through, to the crazy sound design and effects that make up such an enormous part of their style.

Tracks discussed: Hollywood Baby, 757, The Most Wanted Person In The United States

----------------

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

----------------

Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.

To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes

----------------

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘10,000 gecs’ here .

Dog Show Recordings, Atlantic Recordings

GEAR MENTIONS

Waves Tune Real Time

Toontrack Superior Drummer

Mesa Dual Rectifier Amp Head

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

David Yu - Engineer (LA)

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Raphi Elton-Rowley - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:129 Matthew Herbert Dec 27, 2023

John ventures into the depths of Kent to catch up with Matthew Herbert and discuss his latest work ‘The Horse’.

Renowned for his innovative sound exploration, Matthew gained recognition under various names, including Doctor Rockit, Wishmountain, and Herbert. He's produced for artists such as Bjork and Róisín Murphy, composed for stage and screen, and earned international acclaim for his records. His latest collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra resulted in 'The Horse.'

Alongside a full album playback, the conversation covers the thought process behind the sounds, collaborators and story of each track, Matthew also shares his thoughts on ways in which to engage with music and creativity, and how to do it in a way that keeps you continuously inspired.

Tracks discussed: Full Album

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘The Horse’ here.

Matthew Herbert, Modern Recordings, BMG

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:128 Fall Out Boy & Neal Avron Dec 15, 2023

John links up pop-rock band Fall Out Boy, and producer Neal Avron, to talk about their latest studio album ‘So Much (For) Stardust’.

Emerging from Chicago’s hardcore punk scene in the early 2000’s, Fall Out Boy rose to fame with hits including ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’ and 'Thnks fr th Mmrs’. Constantly innovating, their eight studio albums have seen them embrace all sides of music, including R&B, and electro-pop. For their latest record ‘So Much (For) Stardust’, they return to their roots, working with producer Neal Avron.

Chatting with Patrick and Neal, the conversation covers the band’s approach to the early stages of demoing, their collaboration with a full orchestra and some of the best players in the business, and how they divide different writing responsibilities amongst each other.

Tracks discussed: Love From The Other Side, Heaven, Iowa, So Much (For) Stardust

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘So Much (For) Stardust) here.

Fueled By Ramen, Elektra Music Group Inc.

GEAR MENTIONS

Dave Smith Poly Evolver Synth

Audiomovers Listento

Fender Strat

Orange Amps

Ensoniq Fizmo Synth

Roland TR-66 Rhythm Arranger

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:127 Bombay Bicycle Club Nov 29, 2023

John sits down with indie rock band Bombay Bicycle Club to talk about their sixth studio album ‘My Big Day’.

Bombay Bicycle Club are a four-piece band from London, that broke onto the indie music scene with their genre defining debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ in 2009. Since then they have been releasing a steady stream of music which has been met with high critical acclaim, earning them an Ivor Novello and a Mercury Prize nominations.

Chatting with band members Jack Steadman and Ed Nash, the three cover a range of topics including the inspiration behind the album, their use of sampling in their music, how over-thinking can negatively influence the production process, and their collaboration with music legends Damon Albarn, Paul Epworth & Chaka Khan.

Tracks discussed: My Big Day, Heaven, Just A Little More Time

----------------

To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes

----------------

To support the show and become a Patron, head to Patreon.co.uk/tapenotes. Any and all support is hugely appreciated, we don't take it for granted so thank you.

----------------

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘My Big Day’ here - https://songwhip.com/bombay-bicycle-club/my-big-day

Mmm…Records, AWAL Recordings

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://songwhip.com/laurelcollective/sunshinebuddy

GEAR MENTIONS

Magix Samplitude - https://geni.us/iBEqbXn

Casio Keyboard - https://geni.us/hKfe

Korg Monotron - https://geni.us/T5K1H

Native Instruments Kontakt - https://geni.us/AFPeU

Paul Epworth's Neve Desks - https://geni.us/TFoT0

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:126 Royal Blood Nov 16, 2023

In this episode, John is reunited with Mike Kerr of Royal Blood, to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Back To The Water Below’.

Following the success of their fourth number one album, Mike reflects on how their purpose as musicians has changed over the years, sharing their process of working out what they love, but haven't done with Royal Blood yet.

Giving us an in depth look behind each track, we hear stories of musical experiments, including making a new ‘wall of sound’ guitar and playing specially modified pianos, while simultaneously inviting new genres into the Royal Blood sound.

Listen to find out the best way to beat the sounds on your demos, tips on how to keep a two-hour live set engaging, and thoughts on why you shouldn’t wait for inspiration to come.

Tracks discussed: Triggers, There Goes My Cool, Waves

----------------

To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes

----------------

To support the show and become a Patron, head to Patreon.co.uk/tapenotes. Any and all support is hugely appreciated, we don't take it for granted so thank you.

----------------

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Back To The Water Below’ here.

Imperial Galactic, Black Mammoth, Warner Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Devil-Loc

Mrs Mills Piano

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant

Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant

TN:125 FIZZ & Pete Miles Nov 03, 2023

To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes

-------

In this episode, John is joined by Dodie and Martin Luke Brown of FIZZ, along with producer Pete Miles, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Secret To Life’.

Discussing how FIZZ came into being, Martin and Dodie explain the reasons and implications of setting their solo work to the side (temporarily), to have a holiday from music, but still doing music...

As well as lots of sharing stories, stems and general shenanigans from their time down at Middle Farm Studios, we hear how each band member brought something different to the table, approaching creativity in so many different ways - from jamming over loops, to singing around their house and recording voice notes in the bath.

Listen to find out why sometimes it’s better just to yell your guitar solos, which piece of kit is the secret 7th member of FIZZ, and which chorus pedal has the wobbliest chorus of all chorus pedals.

Tracks discussed: Secret To Life, Strawberry Jam, The Grand Finale

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘The Secret To Life’ here.

Decca Records, FKA Chairs, Universal Music

Full Middle Farm Studios Gear

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Soundtoys Devil Loc

Shure M267 Mic Preamp/Limiter

ProCo Rat Pedal

Electro Harmonix Polychorus

Studer A80 Tape Machine

1965 Hammond C3

Leslie Speaker

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:124 Olivia Dean & Matt Hales Oct 25, 2023

In this episode, John is joined by Olivia Dean and producer Matt Hales to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Olivia’s Mercury-nominated debut album ‘Messy’.

Taking us back to the very start of their story, the pair discuss the inspiration for the album, sharing their approach to marrying different musical cultures and the importance of the chats they had before writing.

As well as playing their writing session voice notes showing the exact moments each song took shape, we hear stories of mouth trumpet demos, creating artefacts to make instruments sound sampled, and the thought process behind choosing mix engineers.

Listen to find out why so much of what makes a good record can come from turning things off, why it’s so valuable to just have things around the studio, and why tea can be such an integral part of the creative process.

Tracks discussed: UFO, Messy, Carmen

----------------

To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes

----------------

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

----------------

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Messy’ here - https://songwhip.com/oliviadean/messy2023

EMI, Universal Music

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://songwhip.com/laurelcollective/sunshinebuddy

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:123 Bakar & Zach Nahome Oct 04, 2023

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

In this episode, John is back at Strongroom Studios to catch up with Bakar and producer Zach Nahome about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Halo’.

Looking back at the varied starting points of the songs, Bakar and Zach chart the journey of the album writing process, from writing in hotel rooms and AirBnbs to some of the most legendary studios in the world.

As well as sharing the conversations that helped fuel their creativity, we are given a glimpse into how the pair forged Bakar’s distinctive sound, sharing tips on bringing modern elements into music that feels old, and building distinctive worlds of reverb.

Listen to find out why you shouldn’t delete old beats, how a thief managed to unknowingly shape the sound of a track, and how working with an ‘anti-setup’ outside of the studio can benefit the song.

Tracks discussed: Alive!, Facts_Situations, Right Here, for Now

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Halo’ here.

Black Butter

GEAR MENTIONS

Abbey Road Vinyl

Soundtoys Effect Rack

Arturia Farfisa Synth

Arturia Jupiter 8

Waves API 2500 Compressor

Nicky Romero Kickstart

Logic Pedals - Vintage Drive

Logic Pedals - Flanger

Logic Space Designer

Logic Pitch Correction

Logic EQ

Logic Slap Echo

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Nico Varanese - Editor/Videographer

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:122 James Blake Sep 26, 2023

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

In this episode, John is joined by James Blake to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’.

With the idea of simplifying his solo work primarily with synths and drums, James shares his process of crafting an album with the purpose of getting away from the computer, reflecting on the impact it had on his creativity and mental health.

A true master of modular synths, he talks us through the long journey learning to create ‘listenable’ music with them, discussing the ways in which they are able to create sounds that he couldn't have imagined.

Listen to discover the enlightening advice James received from Universal's Head A&R, how to best record your voice if you plan to pitch it, and how to adopt the mindset of making music for fun.

Tracks discussed: Loading, Big Hammer, Playing Robots Into Heaven

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ here.

Republic Records, Polydor Records, UMG Recordings

Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard

GEAR MENTIONS

Sequential Prophet 8

Make Noise Black and Gold

Intellijel Metropolis

Make Noise MATHS

API Desk

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Andy Tindall - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:121 Disclosure Aug 29, 2023

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios, to catch up with Guy and Howard of Disclosure, and talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Alchemy’.

Having taken a break from their relentless touring schedule, the pair guide us through their reassessed approach to creativity. From stories of managing burnout and heartbreak, to balancing meaning and feelings with the key production choices of each track.

As well as sharing Howard’s very first AirBnb demos, Guy digs deep with a vast production breakdown, including sharing his go-to method of creating kicks and the small additions to a track that can make it sparkle.

Listen to find out the quickest way to come up with a new track idea, why it’s so good to be musically naive, and the best ways to check if things still sound cool.

Tracks discussed: Looking For Love, Simply Won’t Do, High Than Ever Before

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Alchemy’ here.

Apollo Records, AWAL

GEAR MENTIONS

FabFilter Saturn

Izotope VocalSynth 2

BigKick - https://geni.us/vOoH

Fairchild Compressor Plugin

Spectrasonics Trilian

Tube Tech Compressor

Pultec EQ

Neumann Mics

SSL SIX Channel Strip

Fairchild Compressor (Real thing)

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:120 The Japanese House, Chloe Kraemer & George Daniel Aug 16, 2023

Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.

To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).

In this episode, John catches up with Amber Bain aka The Japanese House, along with producers Chloe Kraemer and George Daniel to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘In The End It Always Does’.

Looking back on their time together, Amber, Chloe, and George guide us through the process of bringing each song to life. Alongside stories of misunderstood lyrics and dog walk writing sessions, they treat us to some of the most stunning first demos ever heard, as well as the spontaneous studio moments that left everyone in tears.

As well as digging into the processes that shape the sound of the record, the trio discuss the importance of people when making music. They give us insights on the effects that come with having different personalities in the room, and how their studio mindsets have allowed them to efficiently work together in all iterations of themselves.

Listen to find out why there should be more songs about pets, how insecurity can destroy productivity, and what the difference is between a lyric song and a music song.

Tracks discussed: Boyhood, Sunshine Baby, One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘In The End It Always Does’ here.

Dirty Hit

GEAR MENTIONS

Output Portal

Soundtoys PrimalTap

Xfer Serum

Moog One

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer/Editors

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:119 Blur & James Ford Aug 04, 2023

In this episode, John is joined by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and producer James Ford, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.

With Damon’s initial demos to hand, the pair give us a guided tour of the record, right through the early versions and studio sessions, from the moments that reignited the feelings they had when writing in the 90s, to piecing together the musical jigsaw that forms the Blur sound.

Along with stories of Damon’s inspirational chickens and the dangers of making pesto while writing an album, we’re treated to an in depth production and songwriting masterclass, with details on manufacturing the sound of a room, and the importance of energy and intention behind a song.

Listen to find out what makes the first performance of something so special, why a 4-track recorder can sometimes be a great replacement pillow, and what benefits come with giving yourself distance from a record.

Tracks discussed: St. Charles Square, The Everglades (For Leonard), The Narcissist

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘The Ballad of Darren’ here

Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company

TON-1501 Analog Strings Synthesizer

GEAR MENTIONS

Powertran Transcendent 2000

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:118 Ben Howard and Bullion Jul 11, 2023

In this episode, John is joined by Ben Howard and producer Nathan Jenkins aka Bullion, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Ben’s latest album ‘Is It?’.

Looking back on their time together, Ben and Nathan talk us through their collaborative journey, from their initial coffee shop discussions, to the 10 day stint recording in the South of France. Sharing their initial sketches, voice note demos and the unexpected moments that changed the direction of each of the tracks.

In addition to stories of delay tuning and the potentially negative effects of singing with too much reverb, the pair share their thoughts on the importance of considering different musical approaches and giving time to ideas to allow them to flourish.

Listen to find out why you’ll never need four mics on an amp, why one wrong note with a delay can ruin a whole take, and why laziness is fundamental to Ben’s creativity.

Tracks discussed: Walking Backwards, Days Of Lantana, Spirit

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us!

Instagram

Twitter

Listen to ‘Is It?’ here.

Island, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland Space Echo RE-201

Eventide H3000 Ultra Harmoniser

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Andy Tindall

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:117 YUNGBLUD & Mati Schwartz Jun 26, 2023

In this episode, John joins Dom Harrison, a.k.a. YUNGBLUD and producer Mati Schwartz to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Dom’s debut album, ‘21st Century Liability’.

Digging into the very first tracks that the pair worked on together, Dom and Mati share the story of how their relationship began, looking back at the early rejection and tough love moment that kicked Dom into action, and forming the Yungblud sound as we know it today.

As well as talking through the evolution of his tracks, including playing unheard sections and old vocal takes, we’re treated to thoughts on the importance of individuality in music, and the huge impact that comes with really knowing what you want to say.

Listen to find out one of the best excuses for buying more guitars, how simple hi-hats can make a song bounce, and what happens when you bump into Chris Martin naked in a steam room.

Tracks discussed: I Love You Will You Marry Me, Anarchist, Polygraph Eyes,

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘21st Century Liability’ here.

Locomotion Recordings, Geffen Records, Interscope

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Herbie Elton-Rowley

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:116 Sub Focus Jun 21, 2023

Get 50GB of DAW project storage with our sponsor Aux: https://aux.app/tapenotes

In this episode, John joins Nick Douwma, a.k.a. Sub Focus, to talk about how he wrote, recorded, and produced his latest album 'Evolve'.

Unable to stop John from dancing out of his chair, Nick ploughs on and talks us through the evolution of his most recent tracks. Sharing some of the first demos and samples that kick-started his process, we hear stories of late-night hotel room sessions and road-testing tracks live before settling into them.

As well as delving into some of the history and theory behind Drum & Bass, we're treated to a production masterclass, diving deep with tips on oscillators and tuning, harmonics, and things to bear in mind when you're having phase issues.

Listen to find out why you almost never double the speed of an a cappella, why the key of a track is so important, and how to constructively use your time outside of the studio.

Tracks discussed: Fine Day, Ready To Fly, Secrets

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Evolve’ here

EMI, Universal Music Operations Limited

Thermionic Culture Vulture Emulation

GEAR MENTIONS

Sonorous PaulXStretch

Oszillos Mega Scope

Xfer LFO Tool

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Andy Tindall

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:115 Temps (James Acaster) Jun 05, 2023

In this episode, John catches up with the mastermind behind Temps, James Acaster, at Strongroom Studios, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘PARTY GATOR PURGATORY’.

Reflecting on the genesis of Temps, James talks us through the initial moments of creation, from recording and chopping up his drums from an unaired mockumentary, through to his selection of almost 40 collaborators and how they each steered the music in such unexpected directions.

As well as stories of field recording and Pokemon catching on Brighton beach, we hear thoughts on the differences and crossover points between creating as a standup comedian and as a musician, discussing failure, taste, and the importance of considering your audience.

Listen to find out, why embracing deliberate imperfection can yield surprising results, how metal drums can transform into an emotional waltz, and why, on whatever project, the most important thing is that you love it.

Tracks discussed: lookaliveandplaydead, at(moves), slowreturn

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us!

Instagram

Twitter

Listen to ‘PARTY GATOR PURGATORY’ here.

Bella Union

GEAR MENTIONS

Yeti Microphone

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Andy Tindall

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:114 James Ellis Ford May 10, 2023

Thanks to Highnote for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Highnote is the best way to share, store, and discuss your recording projects, a kind of bespoke Dropbox for audio specifically built for communication. Think time-stamped voice comments directly over your audio, nesting versions to toggle and compare in real time, and instant notifications when people comment or listen to a track you’ve shared. Highnote accounts are completely free and include 4 gigabytes of storage to get your started, plus there's a special offer for Tape Notes listeners of 3 months of their 200GB plan for free.

Head to highnote.fm/tapenotes to find out more.

-------

In this episode, John ventures over to Clapton to join James Ellis Ford and talk about how he wrote, recorded, and produced the album ‘The Hum’.

His debut solo release after almost two decades working with some of the world's biggest artists, James looks back on how his approach to music has changed over the course of the album, reflecting on the different mindsets and decisions that come with producing his own work compared to that of others.

As well as a deep dive into his vast studio setup and hybrid system of new and old creative techniques, we’re treated to thoughts on the fine line of ironing out the humanness of mistakes, and how more often than not, pieces of gear can give you back ideas that you’d never have expected.

Listen to find out which undiscovered mics are used across almost all of the records he works on, how to implement a Frippertronics-style tape setup, and what you can create when you push a bass clarinet to its limits.

Tracks discussed: I Never Wanted Anything, Squeaky Wheel, The Yips

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘The Hum’ here.

Warp Records

MicMix Master Room Reverb MR-II

GEAR MENTIONS

FabFilter Pro Q

Soundtoys PrimalTap

Soundtoys DevilLoc

UAD Fairchild Plugins

Eventide H3000 Chorus

Space Station Reverb

Grampian Spring Reverb

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Videographer - Andy Tindall

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:113 Diplo (Major Lazer, Sia, Thomas Wesley) Apr 26, 2023

In this episode, John links up with Thomas Wesley Pentz, aka Wes aka Diplo, to talk about his work under various guises with Major Lazer, Sia and as Thomas Wesley.

With on-going exploration of far reaching and cross-cultural mashups at the centre of his approach, Wes reflects on how working with so many specialists from across the globe has helped him forge a diverse sound and career.

Breaking apart three songs, Wes shares his thoughts on the considerations and care that have to be taken when sampling a ‘classic’ South African song, the gatekeeping in Country music and why new sounds are emerging around the genre, and the weird and wild things that Sia often gravitates towards in a song.

Listen to find out the specific rules of Amapiano, some of the elements that are essential to any pop song, and why it’s important to fail a lot.

Tracks discussed: Mamgobhozi (Major Lazer), Wasted (Thomas Wesley), Elastic Heart (Sia)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Piano Republik’ here.

Because Music

Listen to ‘Wasted’ here.

Mad Decent, Columbia, Sony

Listen to ‘Elastic Heart’ here.

RCA Records, Sony

GEAR MENTIONS

Algoriddim Neural Mix

Output Arcade

Shure Mics

Ableton Mellotron Preset

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:112 Benny Sings & Kenny Beats Apr 11, 2023

In this episode John catches up with Benny Sings and producer Kenny Beats to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Young Hearts’.

Linking in from their studios in Amsterdam and LA, Benny and Kenny look back on their time spent writing and how each environment had an impact on the music. From experiencing the ‘Kenny Beats Thing’ in LA along with his wealth of collaborators, to spending a solitary week writing in Amsterdam locked in the studio with Covid.

As well as sharing the voice notes that initially inspired Kenny to become involved in the project, the duo dig deep into the lessons they’ve picked up over the years. We’re treated to some tips and tricks behind effortless lyric writing, stock plugin gold, along with a deep dive into mixing and balancing drums and bass.

Listen to find out how to create definition between yourself and a character within a song, how to efficiently keep track of all your sessions, and what the definitive definition of ‘slap’ is.

Tracks discussed: Young Hearts, Pyjamas, Distance

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Young Hearts’ here.

Stones Throw Records

Goodhertz Vulf Compressor

GEAR MENTIONS

Eventide Instant Phaser Plugin

Eventide Instant Phaser Outboard

Oliver Samples Packs

Beyerdynamic M500 Mic

Altec Outboard Mixer

Roland TR-55 Rhythm King Drum Machine

Ableton Drum Buss - Stock Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:111 Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Feb 16, 2023

In this episode, John catches up with Orlando Higginbottom, better known as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs or T.E.E.D, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘When The Lights Go’.

Digging into the record almost 10 years in the making, Orlando talks us through his process of sorting through the piles of musical material he has created over the last decade, and how he developed each idea into a cohesive album.

As well as sharing production tips on vocal layering and utilising field recordings (notably coyote barks), Orlando reflects on his musical upbringing, discussing how the somewhat unattainable standards in classical music have impacted his work as an electronic producer.

Listen to find out why you should commit sounds when they are 75% right, how lyrics can be such a different commitment to a song, and why Orlando tried to create a U2 album without ever hearing U2.

Tracks discussed: Crosswalk, The Sleeper, Thugs

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘When The Lights Go’ here.

Nice Age Music

Spitfire Audio Labs Strings

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Microshift

TAL-U-NO-LX Synth

Arturia Farfisa Plugin

Warm Audio Microphones

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

Patreon: Tape Notes Patreon

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

TN:110 Tom Odell & Laurie Blundell Feb 01, 2023

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

SoundBetter is the world's leading music production talent marketplace, giving you access to the best mixing & mastering engineers, singers, songwriters, producers, and studio musicians in the industry. You can work with Billie Eilish's drummer, U2's mix engineer, or hire the topliners that wrote on the latest BTS record, these pros are keen to work with Indy artists.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John ventures over to Hackney to catch up with Tom Odell and producer Laurie Blundell about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Best Day Of My Life’.

As well as studio stories about the relationship between the voice and piano and the mindset needed when separating them, the duo share their thoughts on keeping the soul within songs, and the importance of musical authenticity in today’s world.

Listen to find out which DJing plugin became integral to their process, how Rick Rubin pretty much co-produced the album with inspirational quotes, and why a kick drum became the cause of the pair’s biggest fall out.

Tracks discussed: Best Day Of My Life, Just Another Thing We Don’t Talk About, Flying :))

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Best Day of My Life’ here.

UROK, mtheory

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Crystallizer

Soundtoys Effect Rack

Serato Sampler

Antares Autotune

Sony C800

How To Do Nothing - Jenny Odell

Neve Preamp 1073

Coles 4038 Microphones

UAD Pultec Passive EQ

Steinway Pianos

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:109 SG Lewis (Live) Jan 18, 2023

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this special live episode, John heads to Mother Advertising to chat with returning guest SG Lewis about how he wrote, recorded, and produced his new album ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’.

Starting writing after taking ten days off music making and getting bored, Sam reflects on the times spent with his collaborators in the studio and on exotic retreats, sharing the sparks of songwriting inspiration that came from their stories and lives.

In this all-round production masterclass, we’re treated to a deep dive into Sam’s process of updating sounds and processing techniques from past eras for a modern audience, as well as mixing tips including the best ways to make a kick and bass punch over iPhone speakers.

Listen to find out why the phonetics of lyrics are so important, how to create a convincing fake vocoder, and what some of the most effective ways are to gain confidence as a singer when you’re not a singer.

Tracks discussed: Lifetime, Call On Me, Something About Your Love

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’ here.

Jasmine Records, PMR, Universal

Native Instruments Transient Designer

GEAR MENTIONS

Decimort Bit Crusher

GEM Dopamine Plugin

Native Instruments Komplete

Oek Sound Soothe

Oliver Loops

Serato Sampler

Sonnox Oxford Inflator

Waves API 2500 Compressor

UAD API 20500 Compressor

UAD Tape Emulation

Waves CLA Guitar Plugin

Waves H Delay

Waves Doubler

Roland TR-909 Drum Machine

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:108 Charlie Puth Dec 20, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

SoundBetter is the world's leading music production talent-marketplace, giving you access to the best mixing & mastering engineers, singers, songwriters, producers and studio musicians in the industry. You can work with Billie Eillish's drummer, U2's mix engineer or hire the topliners that wrote on the latest BTS record, these pros are keen to work with Indy artists.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John heads to Miloco Studios to catch up with Charlie Puth about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘CHARLIE’.

Thinking back to the moments that sparked the initial ideas for each of his songs, Charlie talks us through how he translates the almost fully finished versions from his head to the DAW. From using auto-tune to satisfy his perfect pitch, to the simple chorus tricks he uses to help it all punch.

As well as looking back to his early days on YouTube and social media, Charlie discusses how the platforms have evolved and their impact on the way he writes, allowing him to include so many people in his music making process.

Listen to find out what Monday would sound like if it was a song, which of his viral sounds was faked, and how to play guitar like you’re a pianist.

Tracks discussed: Light Switch, That’s Hilarious, Loser

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘CHARLIE’ here.

Atlantic Records

Waves NS1 Noise Suppressor

GEAR MENTIONS

iZotope VocalSynth

Native Instruments Kontakt Pre-Bass

U-he Diva

Antares Auto-Tune

Native Instruments Kontakt Church Organ

LFO Tool

Valhalla Reverb

Oberheim Synth Digital

Thomas Penton Sample Pack

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:107 Lizzy McAlpine, Philip Etherington & Ehren Ebbage Dec 08, 2022

In this episode, John links up with Lizzy McAlpine and producers Philip Etherington and Ehren Ebbage, to talk about how they wrote, recorded, and produced Lizzy’s album ‘five seconds flat’.

Looking back at their time writing and recording in a makeshift Airbnb studio, Lizzy, Philip, and Ehren dig into their enormous archive of song versions (including John Mayer versions), talking through their process of chipping away at each track and shaping the sounds to match the core expression.

As well as highlighting exactly why parts of Lizzy’s performance are so key to the foundation of each song, we’re treated to backing vocal masterclasses, stories of secret weapon synths, and beats tied together with Philip’s mouldy can of nuts.

Listen to find out how to create sounds that are quietly big and impactful, why all U47s are not created equally, and why as a producer you first have to be an audience member.

Tracks discussed: an ego thing, ceilings, reckless driver

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Five Seconds Flat’ here.

Harbour Artists and Music, AWAL

Philip’s Can of Mixed Nuts

GEAR MENTIONS

Casio SK1

Korg CR4

Audio Technica Boundary Mics

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:106 Mura Masa Nov 30, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John reunites with Alex Crossan, a.k.a. Mura Masa, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his latest album ‘Demon Time’.

Reflecting on the process of working out what a lockdown album would sound like and making the complete opposite of that, Alex shares his thoughts on controlling the vibe of a record while still managing to explore every random studio idea with each of his collaborators.

As well as giving us a tour of some of the weirdest sounds in his sample folder, Alex treats us to production gold, demonstrating some of the simplest yet most effective Garage tricks, and the ways in which he created the impression of fake DJ across the album.

Listen to find out how a citrus salad led to a revelation about frequencies, why if an idea’s making you laugh then that’s the right one to follow, and how to sneakily get people to write for your album in their own writing session.

Tracks discussed: demon time, hollaback bitch, e-motions

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Demon Time’ here.

Anchor Point Records, Polydor, Universal Music

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundiron Elysium Harp

Ableton Operator Synth

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:105 Fred Again.. Nov 17, 2022

In this episode, John reunites with Fred Gibson, a.k.a. Fred Again.., at his house, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Actual Life 3 (January

1 - September 9 2022)’.

Reflecting on what’s been a very busy 18 months, Fred discusses how the success of the Actual Life series has had an impact on how and why he writes music. From the tricks he uses to keep his writing process fast and fun, to the moments his creativity was lost and the advice that came from Brian Eno to focus it.

As well as sharing demos written with The 1975 and sampling songs by his brother, Fred gets hands on with his explanations of the plugins and process he uses, treating us to live beat builds, piano demonstrations and examples of compression demonstrated through table drumming.

Listen to find out what Fred’s reaction to switching DAWs was, why you should put off any technical aspects of a track until the end, and why some people may call the harmonic modulations in his music ‘the work of the devil’.

Tracks discussed: Delilah (pull me out of this), Berwyn (all that I got is you), Kelly (end of a nightmare)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Actual Life 3 (January

1 - September 9 2022)’.

Atlantic Records, Warner Music

Expert Sleepers Spectral Conquest

GEAR MENTIONS

Samplr App

Pioneer Mixer and CDJs

Apple Wired Headphones

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:104 FKJ Nov 08, 2022

In this episode John is joined by Vincent Fenton better known as FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced three tracks across his releases - ‘Time For A Change’, ‘Ylang Ylang’ and ‘Vincent’.

Giving us a glimpse at his musical journey through the years, Vincent reflects on each of the decisive elements that help characterise his signature sound, from location and significant life events, to his early homemade synth presets and sample libraries.

Alongside his tricks on how to bring electronic drums to life, and the different headspaces that help focus his music making, we hear thoughts on why limitations can be so exciting and how so often ‘bad’ pieces of gear create something that ‘amazing’ gear simply can’t.

Listen to find out how miniscule chord changes can drastically alter the emotion of a vocal line, what challenges come with moving your entire studio to the middle of the jungle in the Philippines, and why combining your adult and child minds can be the key to creativity.

Tracks discussed: So Much To Me, Ylang Ylang, Different Masks For Different Days

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘V I N C E N T’ here

AWAL Recordings

Listen to ‘Ylang Ylang’ here

AWAL Recordings

Listen to ‘Time For A Change’ here

Roche Musique

Native Instruments - The Gentleman

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Radiator

WMD Chimera Percussion Module

Soundtoys Echoboy

Soundtoys Filter Freak

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Andy Tindall - Videographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:102 Loyle Carner, Kwes & Nick Mills Oct 24, 2022

In this episode, John is back at Spitfire Audio to catch up with Ben Coyle-Larner, better known as Loyle Carner, along with producers Kwes and Nick Mills, about how they wrote, recorded and produced Loyle’s new album ‘Hugo’.

Reflecting back on their time writing over lockdown, Ben, Kwes and Nick talk us through their extensive process of whittling each track down to the finished article, from the early jam sessions and demos they fell in love with, right through the numerous directions they took each beat.

Along with sharing some of the best examples of collaboration and what it can bring, we’re treated to detailed track breakdowns and thoughts on the most effective approaches to take when balancing the emotions of a beat to the emotions within lyrics.

Listen to find out what dangers come with making things too musical, how AI came to the rescue multiple times, and what the ultimate studio snack is.

Tracks discussed: Hate, Nobody Knows, Plastic

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Hugo’ here.

EMI, Universal Music

Plugin Alliance Black Box

GEAR MENTIONS

D16 Decimort Plugin

Oxford Inflator Plugin

Kazrog True Iron Plugin

Serato Sample Plugin

Soundtoys Tremolator

Soundtoys Echoboy

Fabfilter Plugins

Goodhertz Lossy Plugin

Logic Stock Pedals

FL Studio

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant

Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:101 The 1975 Oct 18, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John is back at Spitfire Audio to reunite with Matty and George of The 1975, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’.

Digging into stems, demos and the musical moments that inspired their writing, Matty and George give us a full behind-the-scenes tour of their creative process, sharing stories of very last-minute album additions and the unreleased songs that might one day be on a 1975 record.

As well as tales from the studio working with producer Jack Antonoff, the pair reveal the tricks they used to create and record some of the most unique sounds and performances on the album, from constructing vast textures of only organic keyboard sounds to Googling the gear and instruments other people use.

Listen to find out how simply soloing individual parts can lead to breakthrough moments when writing, the one scale you need to learn to play any 1975 song, and why Matty has now fully embraced his northern accent when singing.

Tracks discussed: Part of the Band, The 1975, Happiness, When We Are Together

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Plugin Alliance Brainworx Focusrite CS

Listen to ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’ here.

Dirty Hit

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://songwhip.com/laurelcollective/sunshinebuddy

GEAR MENTIONS

Chandler TG Channel

Korg M1

DynaCord Digital Echo

Binson Echorec

WEM Copicat Tape Echo

Roland RE-201 Space Echo

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Patreon: @TapeNotesPodcast

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Bonus Episode - Let's Eat Grandma & David Wrench (Live) Aug 31, 2022

In this very special live episode in partnership with AIM, MPG and Transgressive, John is joined by Let’s Eat Grandma’s Rosa Walton and producer David Wrench at Signature Brew to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s third album ‘Two Ribbons’.

Taking us back to the album’s very beginnings, Rosa and David chart each song’s development, from early bedroom demos complete with mumble melodies and simple energy building tricks, to lyrics finished on the day of recording and adding surprising instruments that bring that extra glitter to their music.

Discussing the way in which the band’s creative process has changed in parallel with their different life experiences, the pair share their thoughts on wanting to take on separate subjects and their methods of unifying them into a singular sonic world.

Listen to find out how to approach a breakup song before you’ve broken up, why sometimes you don’t need to worry about microphones and how many chillies were unknowingly consumed in the making of this album.

Unfortunately, we had a few technical difficulties with the recording and so the sound quality isn’t up to our usual standard, but we hope you enjoy this deep dive into the album nonetheless.

Tracks discussed: Levitation, Sunday, Hall of Mirrors

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Two Ribbons’ here.

‘Two Ribbons’ - Transgressive

BOSS DR-100 “Dr. Rhythm” Analog Drum Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Ableton - Granulator Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Andrew Tindall (Roam Film) - Videographer

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:100 FINNEAS Jul 25, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this milestone 100th episode of Tape Notes, John is joined by the Finneas at Lightship95 Studio, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his album ‘Optimist’ and his new single ‘Mona Lisa Mona Lisa’.

Reflecting on the fluidity of his writing process, Finneas talks us through the varied methods and circumstances in which his tracks took shape, from the very first synth sounds that kick-started ideas, to the detailed sonic decisions that helped each element work towards a cohesive goal.

Alongside the production masterclass, Finneas looks back on his career so far, discussing his family’s involvement with his music and the impact they’ve had on his creativity. We hear stories from the early days of making music videos with his mum, vocal mic shootouts with Billie, and the essential advice that he still lives by.

Listen to find out why mediocrity isn’t a bad thing, how finishing a song isn’t too dissimilar to finishing a meal, and why the correct way to do something isn’t always the correct way.

Tracks discussed: How It Ends, Medieval, Mona Lisa Mona Lisa

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Optimist’ here.

Listen to ‘Mona Lisa Mona Lisa’ here.

OYOY Inc, Interscope Records

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective.

GEAR MENTIONS

Arturia Farfisa

Output Analogue Strings

FabFilter Twin 2

Spectrasonics Trilian

Native Instruments Bundle

Soundtoys Tremolator

Antares Autotune

Tube-Tech CL1B Compressor

Audio Technica AT2020

Novation UltraNova Synth

Elektron Synth

Fender Acoustasonic

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter

Sweetwater Best Seller List

Logic - Compressor Plugin

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Rob Leedell - Camera Assistant and Photographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:99 Everything Everything Jul 19, 2022

In this episode, John heads to Fiction Studios to catch up with Jon and Alex of Everything Everything to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Raw Data Feel’.

Taking us through the very first scraps of ideas, Jon and Alex pull apart the elements within each demo they often endeavour to carry into the final songs, from the qualities found within their raw desk mixes to the hidden melodies that end up pulling a whole track together.

Alongside Jon’s tips on writing to suit different people’s vocal ranges and Alex’s deep dive into his modular synth collection, we’re given a glimpse into the influence and use of AI on the album, including a sneak peek at the lyrics generated when a system is fed with text from Beowulf, Tumblr feeds and the LinkedIn T&Cs.

Listen to find out how a studio clean out led to a slide guitar feature, why limitation is such a useful tool and what to start cutting out when you’re bored with a track.

Tracks discussed: Jennifer, Leviathan, Software Greatman

Listen to ‘Raw Data Feel’ here.

‘Raw Data Feel’ - Infinity Industries LLP, AWAL Recordings Ltd

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Verbos Harmonic Oscillator

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:98 Lykke Li & Björn Yttling Jul 06, 2022

In this episode, John links up with Lykke Li and producer Bjorn Yttling to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Lykke’s latest album ‘EYEYE’.

Digging into the truly multi-dimensional record, Lykke and Bjorn look back on their process of creating the sonic world in which the tracks all live, from finding different angles to songs by playing them on different instruments, to the breakthrough moments in the studio when an idea just unlocks.

Alongside sharing thoughts on feeling the beat and what makes a very Swedish sounding riff, the conversation turns to Lykke’s start in music, the star quality she possessed that drew Bjorn to her despite some vocal and songwriting flaws, and the constant resistance she faces as an artist.

Listen to why condoms can be helpful tools when micing up, what headphone-phobia does to your recordings, and how to truly tap into the divine within music.

Tracks discussed: OVER, CAROUSEL, u&i

Listen to ‘EYEYE’ here.

'EYEYE' - Play It Again Sam/Crush Music

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Roland Amp (Battery Operated)

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:97 Foals Jun 21, 2022

In this episode, John is back at Spitfire Audio to catch up with Yannis and Jimmy of Foals, to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced their new album ‘Life Is Yours’.

Giving us a fascinating insight into their process and how they adapted it for their current 3 piece line up, the pair look back on how they kept their creativity organic and spontaneous, as well as the impact of each new producer along the way.

With writing-room demos and plenty of stories from the studio, we’re given a full rundown of the elements that went into shaping the band’s updated sound, from the list of keywords they wrote before even playing a note through to the almost hour-long jams.

Listen to find out how they sneak discarded ideas back in to the lives show, why it’s so important for the groove of a song to be set before anything else, and what producers often do to keep their production secrets under wraps.

Tracks discussed: Wild Green, 2001

Listen to ‘Life Is Yours’ here

‘Life Is Yours’- Warner Music UK

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Prometheus DLX Resonant Filter

Gibson Hollowbody Bass

Selmer Zodiac Amp

Leslie Rotary Speaker

Reaper

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Letter To Ur Ex’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:96 Mahalia & JD. Reid Jun 08, 2022

In this episode, John heads over to Spitfire Audio to chat with Mahalia and producer JD. Reid about how they wrote, recorded and produced the EP ‘Letter To Ur Ex’.

Looking back on their early writing sessions together, the pair reflect on their very first meeting and the approach they took to get the best out of one another. From scatting line after line over a beat and jamming ideas until something just sticks, to the promise of food as a reward for finishing each section of a song.

Alongside sharing their thoughts on blending the worlds of hip-hop and R&B, we’re treated to a production deep dive, looking at the intricate relationships between the parts that make up a beat and the small yet essential ingredients that add so much to each track in such subtle ways.

Listen to find out why Mahalia sometimes sings with a man’s voice, what moments just scream out for a Talk Box, and why it’s always important to look at a track as more than just an instrumental and vocal.

Tracks discussed: Letter To Ur N(ex)t, Whatever Simon Says, In The Club

‘Letter To Ur Ex’ - Warner Music UK

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Wavesfactory Cassette Tape Saturation

GEAR MENTIONS

Goodhertz Lossy

UAD Empirical Labs Distressor

UAD Empirical Labs Pultec

Universal Audio Apollo Twin (JD’s Interface)

Native Instruments Rickenbacker Bass

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:95 Toro y Moi May 30, 2022

In this episode, John links up with Chaz Bear, the mind behind Toro y Moi, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘MAHAL’.

Digging into jam sessions dating back to 2015 with all of the original recordings to hand, Chaz gives us the lowdown on how his musical ideas formulate, and the simple yet impactful journey they undertake to arrive as fully fleshed out tracks.

Reflecting on life as an all-round creative, Chaz looks back on how he got started in music, from the early days using his parent's karaoke machine, to the importance of community and collaboration in today's music world.

Listen to find out what in The Godfather had such a huge influence on a song, why it’s so difficult to create completely emotionless performances, and how to fearlessly explore ideas in your music.

Tracks discussed: Déjà Vu, Magazine, The Loop

Listen to ‘MAHAL’ here.

‘MAHAL’ - Dead Oceans

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:94 Flume May 24, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John links up with Harley Streten, better known as Flume, to talk through how he wrote, recorded and produced the four opening tracks from his mixtape and three albums - ‘Flume’, ‘Skin’, ‘Hi This Is Flume’ and ‘Palaces’.

Digging out files from sessions dating back to his early adventures travelling around Europe, Harley gives us a rundown on some of the key parts of his life in music and how his approach to producing has changed over the years. From his early days using cereal box software to his approach to fixing writer’s block and the mental strain of life in music.

As well as the long list of failed experiments that never made the final tracks, we’re given a full tour of the painstaking tweaks and subtle changes Harley teases into his work to humanise a production.

Listen to find out what question Harley always asks when visiting synth stores, why you shouldn’t be afraid to rip off other people, and what some of the key elements to consider are when navigating success.

Tracks discussed: Sintra, Helix, Hi This Is Flume, Highest Building

Listen to ‘Palaces’ here.

Listen to ‘Skin’ here.

Listen to ‘Flume’ here.

Listen to ‘Hi This Is Flume’ here.

Future Classic, Transgressive Records Ltd

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Native Instruments Razor Synth

GEAR MENTIONS

Sonic Charge Synplant

Vengeance Vocal Pack

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:93 The Chainsmokers May 17, 2022

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios to catch up with The Chainsmokers, Alex and Drew, talking through how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘So Far, So Good’.

Giving us a glimpse into their Hawaii writing sessions and drunken nights in the studio, the duo share the initial sparks and early ideas (both good and not so good) that developed into the final tracks.

As well as a beat building masterclass, creating drum patterns that no one would ever think up, the pair reflect on removing any pressure from their writing process and the impact it had on their creativity.

Listen to find out how to get away with recycling beats from different songs, why sometimes it pays to be the least organised producer in the game, and what the best question to ask yourself is in order to handle almost every situation.

Tracks discussed: If You’re Serious, iPad, I Love U

Listen to ‘So Far, So Good’ here.

‘So Far, So Good’ - Disruptor Records/Columbia Records

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Native Instrument FM8 Synth

GEAR MENTIONS

Apogee Duet Interface

Apogee Symphony Interface

Neumann Mics

Telefunken Mics

Yamaha Baby Grand Piano

Mason Hamlin Piano

Nord Keyboards

Steinway Pianos

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Sam Nahirny - Photographer and Camera Assistant

George Durston - Production Assistant

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:92 Yard Act & Ali Chant Mar 10, 2022

In this episode, John heads to Bristol to chat with Yard Act’s James, Sam and Ryan along with producer Ali Chant about how their debut album ‘The Overload’ was written, recorded and produced.

Catching up after a big night on the Bristol stop of their tour, the band reflect on their process of bringing the album together, from solitary lockdown demos and recording over WhatsApp videos, to learning how to play the drums and the last minute additions after the tracks had been mastered.

Sharing their experience of transforming what started as a side project into a successful band, we hear stories of giving, receiving and dealing with criticism, the prompts that encouraged several turning points in their writing style and the dangers of overthinking when working on individual parts.

Listen to find out how to write vocals that are suitable for the neighbours, why it’s important to know the difference between congas and bongos, and what in songwriting is not too dissimilar to drawing a monster.

Tracks discussed: The Overload, Land Of The Blind, 100% Endurance

Listen to ‘The Overload’ here.

‘The Overload’ - Island Records, Universal Music

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

KNAS Ekdahl Moisturizer Spring Reverb

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland TR8 Drum Machine

Vox Continental Keyboard

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

TN:91 Gang of Youths Mar 02, 2022

In this episode, John is joined by Dave, Donny and Jung from Gang of Youths to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s new album ‘Angel In Realtime’.

Taking us on a global tour, the trio guides us through the wealth of sounds, people and places that had such a huge influence on the album, from London street ambience and the goings-on outside their studio window, to Pacific Island chants and the extraordinary samples that opened up a whole new sonic world for them.

Alongside a look into their musical melting pot, we hear thoughts on criticism, hate and jealousy within music, as well as their attitudes towards cheesiness and embracing who you are and what you love.

Listen to find out how to make a beat from a box of sultanas, why you sometimes might mistake Dave’s voice for a stoned Michael Buble, and how to create the illusion of something being simple - while still throwing 200 layers of tracks at it.

Tracks discussed: You In Everything, Spirit Boy, Hand of God, Goal of the Century

Listen to ‘Angel In Realtime’ here.

‘Angel In Realtime’ - Warner Music UK, Mosy Music LLP

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Spitfire Audio David Fanshawe

GEAR MENTIONS

Spitfire Audio Plugins

Native Instruments Una Corda

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

Universal Audio 6176

Universal Audio Plugins

Soundtoys Devil-Loc

Soundtoys Plugins

Izotope Vocal Synth

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:90 Alt-J & Charlie Andrew Feb 21, 2022

In this episode, John ventures over to Alt-J’s band studio to chat with Joe, Gus and producer Charlie Andrew about how they wrote, recorded and produced their new album ‘The Dream’.

Unearthing early demos and some very special voice notes, the trio look back on forming the sonic world encapsulated within the record, reflecting on the importance of their individual roles within the writing process along with the fundamental stories behind each track.

From serendipitous church bells to missions of sneaking in old album references, we hear about the intricacies of the kit key to the band’s sound, as well as the little details within each track you won't discover on a first listen.

Listen to find out why Mexican Coke tastes better than American Coke, what a sausage bassoon is, and how to get the best results when recording next to a dance class and a polling station.

Tracks discussed: Bane, The Actor, Get Better

Listen to ‘The Dream’ here.

‘The Dream’ - Infectious Music, BMG

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Vox AC30

Casio Casiotone

Larrivee PO-5

Roland RE-20 Space Echo

Neumann TLM 103

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:89 Bastille & Mark Crew Feb 14, 2022

In this episode, John heads over to Bastille’s West London HQ to catch up with Dan Smith and producer Mark Crew about how the band wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Give Me The Future’.

Having written most of the tracks in remote lockdown sessions, Dan takes us all the way back through his initial ideas and the random voice notes of inspiration that came to him at the most unexpected times.

As well as sharing their thoughts on the challenges that come with writing a sci-fi concept album and blending them with the usual Bastille ‘bread and butter’, the pair pull apart the intricate production techniques they used in an attempt to recreate the musical characteristics of the 80s.

Listen to find out how the band’s touring crew ended up recording BVs, what is and isn’t considered tasteful when mixing in Dolby Atmos, and what genres are generally pretty dangerous to let a bassist loose on.

Tracks discussed: Thelma + Louise, Back To The Future, Future Holds

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Give Me The Future’ here.

‘Give Me The Future’ - EMI/Virgin Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Antares Harmony Engine

Sugar Bytes Effectrix Plugin

TAL-Chorus-LX

Universal Audio LA-610

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

Best of Season 9 - Part 2 Feb 10, 2022

Find out more about Tape It and redeem 50% off any Pro plan - tape.it/tapenotes

------------------------------

Welcome to part two of the Best Of Season 9. We pick up where we left off, looking back and pulling out our selection of highlights and memorable moments from the season.

If you haven’t heard every episode from season 9, this is a good way to introduce yourself to more of the guests we’ve had on and hear some of their top studio tips, unique writing processes, along with the thoughts and philosophies that shape their musical worlds.

You’ll hear highlights from:

CHVRCHES

Orla Gartland with Tom Stafford

Courtney Barnett & Stella Mozgawa

Jon Hopkins

Chet Faker

Hiatus Kaiyote

Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below.

CHVRCHES - ‘Screen Violence’

Orla Gartland - ‘Woman on the Internet’

Courtney Barnett - ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’

Jon Hopkins - ‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy’

Chet Faker - ‘Hotel Surrender’

Hiatus Kaiyote - ‘Mood Valiant’

INTRO MUSIC

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk - http://www.tapenotes.co.uk

‘Screen Violence’ - EMI, Virgin Records

‘Woman on the Internet’ - New Friends Music

‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ - Marathon Artists

‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy’ - Domino Recordings

‘Hotel Surrender’ - Detail Records, BMG (Australia)

‘Mood Valiant’ - Brainfeeder

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

Best of Season 9 - Part 1 Feb 08, 2022

Season 9 has been so full of amazing albums that we’ve decided to split this Best Of into two parts. Welcome to Part One!

In this episode, we look back across the season picking out a selection of highlights from our conversations with the artists and producers we were lucky enough to speak to.

If you haven’t heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the guests we’ve had on and hear some of their top studio tips, unique writing processes, along with the thoughts and philosophies that shape their musical worlds.

You’ll hear highlights from:

Maisie Peters & Joe Rubel

James Vincent McMorrow with Paul Epworth & Lil Silva

Imagine Dragons

Jungle

Mr Jukes & Barney Artist

Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes

Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below.

Maisie Peters - ‘You Signed Up For This’

James Vincent McMorrow - ‘Grapefruit Season’

Imagine Dragons - ‘Mercury - Act 1’

Jungle - ‘Loving In Stereo’

Mr Jukes & Barney Artist - ‘The Locket’

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - ‘Sticky’

INTRO MUSIC

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Mood Valiant’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk - http://www.tapenotes.co.uk

‘You Signed Up For This’ - Warner Music, Asylum Records, Gingerbread Man Records

'Grapefruit Season' - Sony Music Entertainment UK

‘Mercury - Act One’ - Interscope Records, KIDinaKORNER

‘Loving In Stereo’ - Caiola Records, AWAL Recordings Ltd

‘The Locket’ - Locket Records, Virgin Music

‘Sticky’ - International Death Cult, AWAL Recordings Ltd

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:88 Hiatus Kaiyote Dec 08, 2021

In this episode, John links up with Simon, Perrin and Bender of Hiatus Kaiyote, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Mood Valiant’.

Having written the album across the globe, from Rio De Janeiro to Byron Bay, the trio reflect on the development of their writing process, discussing how the effects of taking road-hardened demos to South America pushed their creativity into unfamiliar territory.

Unearthing some unheard recordings dating back to the mid-2010s, we are given a rundown of some of the key moments of the band’s career, along with an in-depth look at some of the joys that come with getting things down on wonky quarter-inch tape and rekindling a friendship with an honorary fifth member, the Korg VC-10.

Listen to find out how to tackle shin cramps whilst playing a Steinway piano in a session, what happens when you combine delicate Colombian flutes with challenging rhythmic danceable beats, and how much the band enjoys the compression of audio on an Instagram story.

Tracks discussed: Rose Water, All The Words We Don’t Say, Get Sun

‘Mood Valiant’ - Brainfeeder

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Korg VC10

Korg Kronos

Korg MonoPoly

Neve 1073 Channel Strip

Roland JX-8P

Roland Space Echo 201

Roland Space Echo 301

Roland Space Echo 501

Roland Space Echo 555

Neumann Mics

Carvin PA/Mixer

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Hotel Surrender’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:87 Chet Faker Dec 01, 2021

In this episode, John links up with Chet Faker aka Nick Murphy, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Hotel Surrender’.

Diving into the tracks initially found within one of his numerous demo playlists, Nick looks back on his variety of music making processes, sharing thoughts on slingshotting around different creative mediums and maximising inspiration.

From scrapbooking and self-sampling to a great deal of file management, we’re treated to stories of productivity-inducing gear limitations and tricks to get strange harmonic options, all alongside advice on putting music out, taking criticism and simply being the best you can be.

Listen to find out how many cowboy monologues were recorded for the album, why you shouldn’t rollerblade in music videos, and how to appropriately react when you’re given Ableton and not Acid Loop Pro.

Tracks discussed: Oh Me Oh My, Low, Feel Good

‘Hotel Surrender’ - Detail Records, BMG (Australia)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes

GEAR MENTIONS

Waves Doppler Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:86 Jon Hopkins Nov 23, 2021

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John is joined by Jon Hopkins at Iguana Studios to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his latest album ‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy’.

Engaging us in the album’s immersive journey, Jon talks us through the spaces and natural processing that shaped the sound of the record, from the depths of an Ecuadorian Cave to the vintage synths recorded in the woods.

Unearthing the individual parts and gradual sonic changes, we hear Jon's outlook on following intuition, responding to ‘bolt of lightning’ ideas and insane bursts of creativity, all tied together with thoughts on consciousness and the links between sound and mind.

Listen to find out how a cheap plugin fault ended up creating the perfect sound, why it is so important to create interest in different frequency groups, and what moment was inspired by a scene from Crocodile Dundee Two.

Tracks discussed: Welcome, Love Flows Over Us In Prismatic Waves, Deep In the Glowing Heart

‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy’ - Domino Recordings

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Michael Pollan - This Is Your Mind On Plants

GEAR MENTIONS

Waves Renaissance Reverb Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

Alex Nixon - Assistant

TN:85 Courtney Barnett & Stella Mozgawa Nov 16, 2021

In this episode, John links up with Courtney Barnett and producer Stella Mozgawa to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Courtney’s album ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’.

Ready with the keys to Courtney’s archive of sofa voice notes and Garageband demos, the pair talk us through the entire album process, from their most valuable moments within pre-production, to the hours in the studio where they had to check if they were losing their minds.

Sharing the secrets of the sonics, we hear stories of creating cavernous brass sounds using only a guitar and making fake shakers out of drums, all of which are set alongside the eternal loops sourced from the depths of Stella’s drum machine collection.

Listen to find out how to trick yourself into doing the perfect vocal take, what the best state of mind is to help get ideas flowing, and why producing is far from being a dark art.

Tracks discussed: Turning Green, Here’s The Thing, Oh The Night

‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ - Marathon Artists

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Nylon String Guitar (From Mannys Music)

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland TR-606

Roland TR-707

Elektron Analog Rhythm

MXR Drum Computer

Roland TR-8S

Roland CR-8000

Ace Tone Drum Machine

Maton Acoustic Guitar

Omnichord

KRK Studio Monitors

Leslie Speaker

Studer 24-inch Tape Machine

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Woman on the Internet’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TAPE NOTES TEAM

Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor

Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer

Will Lyons - Editor

Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

Nathan Hetherington - PR

TN:84 Orla Gartland & Tom Stafford Nov 10, 2021

In this episode, John joins Orla Gartland and producer Tom Stafford to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Orla’s debut album ‘Woman on the Internet’.

From the early stages of throwing musical ideas at the wall to the almost infinite list of recording secrets picked up from their time at Middle Farm Studios, Orla and Tom look back on trying to capture and emulate the original magic from their early sessions, along with bringing light and shade to the record as a whole.

Unearthing old voice memos and opening up the original sessions, we hear stories of blind microphone testing, trying and failing to recreate cheap sounds with ‘posh’ synths, and introducing some of Tom’s modular madness to Orla’s folk-pop sound.

Listen to find out how to get good results when recording with a kids karaoke machine, what making things sound orange and sparkly means, and how gigs at a cereal cafe may have been the start of numerous musical careers.

Tracks discussed: You’re Not Special Babe, Over Your Head, More Like Your

‘Woman on the Internet’ - New Friends Music

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

A100 Analogue Modular System

GEAR MENTIONS

Freakshow Industries Mishby

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to ‘Screen Violence’ here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:83 CHVRCHES Nov 03, 2021

In this episode, John links up with Lauren, Iain and Martin of CHVRCHES to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Screen Violence’.

Largely working remotely from different parts of the world, the trio look back on how they adapted their writing process, discussing how the effects of the pandemic ended up shaping some of the themes and meanings within the album.

Sharing some of their day one demos, we hear stories of forming entire songs around single elements, combining and blending vintage gear with modern recording techniques, and using creative production tricks to respond to and reinforce certain lyrics.

Listen to find how powerful hidden live drums on an electronic beat can be, why you should always keep your day one demo in a session, and how to react when Robert Smith emails you saying “what do you want?”

Tracks discussed: How Not To Drown, He Said She Said, California

‘Screen Violence’ - EMI, Virgin Records

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Valhalla Delay

Universal Audio OX Amp

Arcade

Roland D50

Siel Orchestra Synthesizer

Fender 6 Bass

AMS Reverb

Space Echo

Pultec

1176 Compressor

LA-2A Leveling Amp

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:82 Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes Oct 26, 2021

In this episode, John ventures over to Baltic Studios to catch up with Frank and Dean of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Sticky’.

Unearthing demos and recordings from their time in a Norfolk holiday cabin, the pair look back on how their process has changed over the years, sharing thoughts on broadening their horizons and blurring the lines of writing and recording.

As well as personal stories of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome and competition within music, the pair single out the ingredients that form their chaotic cacophony of sound, from homemade microphones and recycling unused material, to tuning gunshots from Call of Duty.

Listen to find out why you should collaborate with people that make you feel lazy, how to react when Dave Grohl brings you a tray of shots mid set, and why Frank may soon be performing Moonlight Sonata.

Tracks discussed: Rat Race, Go Get A Tattoo, Take It To The Brink

Listen to ‘Sticky’ here.

‘Sticky’ - International Death Cult, AWAL Recordings Ltd

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

Arturia

Waves MondoMod

Valhalla Room

Soundtoys EchoBoy

Telephone Mic Conversion

Thermionic Culture Vulture

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:81 Mr Jukes & Barney Artist Oct 19, 2021

In this episode, John catches up with Mr Jukes, aka Jack Steadman, and Barney Artist to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their joint album ‘The Locket’.

Breaking the elements down to their very beginnings, Jack talks us through his sampling process, from YouTube crate digging and detailed editing, to processing and pitching individual hits from his vault of free sample packs.

As well as sharing their thoughts on privilege and ‘making it’ in the world of music, the pair reflect on their partnership, as friends and creatives, discussing some of the most fundamental elements that enabled its success.

Listen to find out why Barney’s battered Peugeot 307 is on the album cover, why it’s not always best to tell a rapper you’ve been making beats, and how to turn a 70s jazz-fusion track into a football chant.

Tracks discussed: Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind), The Locket, Vibrate

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘The Locket’ here.

‘The Locket’ - Locket Records, Virgin Music

GEAR MENTIONS

Serato DJ Software

MWM Bluetooth Needle

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:80 Jungle Oct 12, 2021

In this episode, John heads over to Jungle’s West London HQ to catch up with Josh Lloyd-Watson about how the band wrote, recorded and produced their latest record ‘Loving in Stereo’.

Having written a lot of the album in their shed over the last two years, Josh takes us all the way back to the almost 30-minute demos, talking through the process of cherry-picking the best parts and forming the tracks as we know them.

As well as sharing his thoughts on originality, natural creative flow and knowing when to stop, we hear stories of building samples, constantly layering vocals, and blending synths, guitars and orchestral elements into a singular unified sound.

Listen to find out how to get as close to the cheesy line as possible, what happens when you combine a Ron Burgundy flute solo with Baker Street sax, and how to do a great siren impression.

Tracks discussed: Keep Moving, All of the Time, Bonnie Hill

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Loving In Stereo’ here.

‘Loving In Stereo’ - Caiola Records, AWAL Recordings Ltd

How Music Works - David Byrne

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland RE-501 - Chorus Echo

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:79 Imagine Dragons Oct 05, 2021

In this episode, John links up with Dan and Wayne of Imagine Dragons to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album 'Mercury - Act 1.

Having spent almost three years writing almost 300 demos, Dan and Wayne look back on the process of whittling down the tracklist and forming the album, from capturing their ideas as quickly as possible, through to working with legendary producer Rick Rubin and deconstructing everything to its purest essence.

As well as sharing their thoughts on creativity, songwriting and their life experiences in the world of music, the pair speak openly about the inspiration and meaning behind some of their most honest tracks to date, while also demonstrating how they let the subject of each song help define its production.

Listen to find out why samples can sometimes work better than a live performance, how raw magic often is captured on a first take, and the wealth of instruments that Dan can create using only his mouth.

Tracks discussed: Dull Knives, It’s Ok, Wrecked

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Mercury - Act 1’ here.

‘Mercury - Act One’ - Interscope Records, KIDinaKORNER

Analogue Design Black Box Plugin

GEAR MENTIONS

Goodhertz Wow Control

UAD E SSL Channel Strip

Valhalla Reverbs

Native Instruments Drum Lab

Native Instruments Rickenbacker

Marshall ShredMaster Pedal

Ebow

Vox AC30

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:78 James Vincent McMorrow, Paul Epworth & Lil Silva Sep 28, 2021

Back in summer 2020, John headed over to The Church Studios to catch up with James Vincent McMorrow, Paul Epworth and Lil Silva to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced James’s album ‘Grapefruit Season’.

Taking tracks from Dublin to London to LA and back, James talks us through the myriad of iterations the songs went through, exploring the different writing situations and how all of his collaborators had such varied musical impacts.

Paul and TJ lend their producer expertise pulling out individual stems and breaking songs apart, as well as discussing their approaches towards bringing energy to the studio, and sharing thoughts on how production, sounds and songwriting are one and the same.

Listen to find out about the lyric James spent all of his life waiting for, why Paul was such a terrible studio assistant and how a serendipitous ‘adapter’ hunt led to the trio’s partnership.

Tracks discussed: Headlights, Gone, Paradise

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Grapefruit Season' here.

'Grapefruit Season' - Sony Music Entertainment UK

GEAR MENTIONS

Sequential OB6

Moog One

Moog Grandmother

Paul's Big Modular Moog

Teisco Synth

Xfer Serum Synth

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:77 Maisie Peters & Joe Rubel Sep 21, 2021

In this episode, John returns to Pixel studios to chat with Maisie Peters and producer Joe Rubel about how they wrote, recorded and produced Maisie’s debut album ‘You Signed Up For This’.

Going through their WhatsApp log of voice notes and ideas, Maisie and Joe look back on the chaotic methods of bringing an album together over lockdown, pulling apart how they carefully married Maisie’s original acoustic sound with more produced elements.

Alongside the wealth of Joe’s production goodness, Maisie sheds some light on her lyric writing process, from the internal rhyming patterns and carefully considered syllables in her writing, to the subtle nods hidden throughout each track.

Listen to find out why Maisie wouldn’t play instruments on her own songs, how to proceed after deciding it’s time to write a banger, and which part of a song you will now have to try and clap along to.

Tracks discussed: You Signed Up For This, I’m Trying (Not Friends), Love Him I Don’t

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘You Signed Up For This’ here.

‘You Signed Up For This’ - Warner Music, Asylum Records, Gingerbread Man Records

Arturia Prophet V3 Plugin

GEAR MENTIONS

Austrian Audio OC818

Chandler Preamp

Nashville Guitar Tuning

Martin Guitars

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 8 Sep 14, 2021

In this episode we look back over Season 8 picking out a selection of highlights and some of the most memorable moments from the artists and producers we were lucky enough to speak to.

If you haven’t heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the guests we’ve had on and hear some of their top studio tips, writing processes and all-round philosophies towards creating a record.

You’ll hear highlights from:

Royal Blood

Girl In Red and Matias Tellez

Rostam

Dodie and Joe Rubel

Johnny Flynn and Charlie Andrew

Fred Again..

Easy Life and Rob Milton

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Girl In Red and Matias Tellez - ‘if i could make it go quiet’

Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below.

Royal Blood - ‘Typhoons’

Rostam - ‘Changephobia’

Dodie and Joe Rubel - ‘Build a Problem’

Johnny Flynn and Charlie Andrew - ‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’

Fred Again.. - ‘Actual Life (April 14th – December 17th 2020)‘

Easy Life and Rob Milton - ‘Life's A Beach’

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk - http://www.tapenotes.co.uk

‘Typhoons’ - Warner Records UK, Imperial Galactic Limited, Black Mammoth

‘if i could make it go quiet’ - World In Red, AWAL Recordings

‘Changephobia’ - Matsor Projects

‘Build a Problem’ - doddleoddle, The Orchard

‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’ - Transgressive, Johnny Flynn

‘Actual Life (April 14th – December 17th 2020)’ - Warner Music UK Limited. An Atlantic Records UK, 2021 Fred Gibson

‘Life's A Beach’ - Universal Music, Island Records

TN:76 Easy Life & Rob Milton Jul 07, 2021

In this episode, John is reunited with Murray Matravers from Easy Life and producer Rob Milton, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s debut album ‘Life’s A Beach'.

From recording in and around lockdowns, in basements, bedrooms and studios, Murray and Rob reflect on the writing process, singling out the sounds, ideas and samples that encapsulate the meaning within the songs.

As well as thoughts on retaining fun in the music and creating joke ideas, we hear stories of intentionally not wanting things to sound good, along with the not very Easy Life elements that are crucial to an Easy Life track.

Listen to find out what to do when you’re stuck in garage MC mode, how many times Rob recorded the word ‘Skeletons’, and which synth line made Murray cry (and still does).

Tracks discussed: skeletons, ocean view, homesickness

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Life’s A Beach’ here.

‘Life’s A Beach’ - Universal Music, Island Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Neumann M149

Sequential Prophet Rev2

Sequential Prophet 5

Waves J37 Tape Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:75 Fred again.. Jun 28, 2021

In this episode, John catches up with Fred Gibson, better known as Fred Again.., to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)’.

Having written and produced almost all of the album outside of the studio, Fred talks us through his recording and sampling process, digging into the ways in which each new environment helped shape the individual sound of each track.

Fred enlightens us on the best bits about recording on an iPhone and why it’s so key to his writing process. We’re treated to stories of recreating the voice notes compressor in Logic, jamming along with tracks in the club and playback sessions in the pub.

Listen to find out how a small change in harmony can completely reframe emotion, why mixing will never solve any song problems, and the best ways to fill time when you're not feeling inspired.

Tracks discussed: Sabrina (I Am A Party), Me (Heavy), Angie (I’ve Been Lost)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)’ here.

‘Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)’ - Warner Music UK Limited. An Atlantic Records UK, 2021 Fred Gibson

Logic - Silver Compressor

GEAR MENTIONS

Samplr

Morph Plugin

Logic - Retro Synth

Logic - Step FX

Albino Synth

Native Instruments Battery

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:74 Johnny Flynn & Charlie Andrew Jun 22, 2021

In this episode, John ventures up to The Old Workshop Studio to catch up with Johnny Flynn and producer Charlie Andrew about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’.

From the summer walks with co-writer Robert Macfarlane to tracking the bones of the album in a solar-powered woodland cottage, Johnny recalls shaping the world of the record, combining both timeless sonics and the ancient stories that are relatable even today.

Getting into the technical elements, Charlie pulls apart some of the detailed sounds and techniques used to enhance each song's energy. We hear stories of stairwell recording, unpredictable gear and creating rhythmic textures from everything except drums.

Listen to find out why impatience in the studio is often a good thing, why Johnny had to make a last-minute Charango order, and the best way to shut your kids up when recording.

Tracks discussed: Ferryman, Bonedigger, Ten Degrees of Strange

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’ here.

‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’ - Transgressive, Johnny Flynn

National Trojan Resonator Guitar

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:73 dodie & Joe Rubel Jun 14, 2021

In this episode John heads over to Pixel Studios to chat with Dodie and producer Joe Rubel about how the album ‘Build A Problem’ was written, recorded and produced.

Unearthing Dodie’s first phone recordings made in her bedroom, the pair dig into the ways in which they preserved and developed her DIY/scrapbook sound in the studio.

As well as lots of sumptuous album easter eggs, Joe indulges us in a multitude of audio tricks. We find out how they managed to flawlessly capture Dodie’s incredibly quiet, intimate vocals, as well as the sounds of windows, Tupperware, screaming and people's thighs.

Listen to hear tales of mood-matching songs and lyrics (then the doing the opposite), how Dodie’s Instagram followers influenced a guitar tuning, and the effects of revisiting songs in different head spaces.

Tracks discussed: Special Girl, Sorry, Before the Line

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Build a Problem’ here.

‘Build a Problem’ - doddleoddle, The Orchard

GEAR MENTIONS

Thermionic Culture Vulture

Kemper Amps

Sibelius

Any Sponge

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :-)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:72 Rostam Jun 08, 2021

In this episode, John catches up with Rostam to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his new album ‘Changephobia’.

Giving us a full tour, Rostam talks us through his incredibly varied songwriting processes, from demoing beats on a Japanese bullet train and jamming with the TV, to improvising parts in the studio and simply writing without his brain.

Going in deep, we’re treated to beat constructions, reverb breakdowns and sax playing that is just all feel, all alongside the subtle sounds that completely transform the emotion in a track.

Listen to find out which plugin changed the way he thinks about recording vocals, why clarity can sometimes completely destroy a vibe, and how to treat an addiction to groove.

Tracks discussed: From The Back of a Cab, 4Runner, Starlight

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Changephobia’ here.

'Changephobia’ - Matsor Projects

UAD Eventide H910 Harmoniser

GEAR MENTIONS

Eventide Swell Reverb

Neve BCM 10

Vari-Mu Compressor

Neve Preamp 500 Series 1073LB

Waves CLA Vocal Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:71 girl in red & Matias Tellez Jun 01, 2021

In this episode John links up with Marie Ulven, aka girl in red, and producer Matias Tellez, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced her debut album ‘if i could make it go quiet’.

With Marie’s original bedroom recordings to hand, the pair take us through how they built on the framework of her demos, singling out the minuscule details in each track that you probably wouldn’t notice, but are completely responsible for the vibe.

Alongside stories of recording without reverb and taking energy from different genres, Marie discusses the sentiment behind her lyrics as well as the individual syllable and pronunciation changes that had such big impacts.

Listen to find out how to create an electronic beat from acoustic instruments, why you should always check things with a tremolo on, and what the appropriate response is when Taylor Swift posts about your album!

Tracks discussed: Body And Mind, Did You Come?, Apartment 402

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘if i could make it go quiet’ here.

‘if i could make it go quiet’ - World In Red, AWAL Recordings

GEAR MENTIONS

Stam Audio SA-47

Retro Instruments Sta-Level Compressor

Soundtoys Devil-Loc

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:70 Royal Blood May 24, 2021

In this episode, John heads down to Royal Blood’s secret studio near Brighton to catch up with Mike and Ben about how they wrote, recorded and produced their chart-topping album ‘Typhoons’.

Having written the majority of the record apart from each other in lockdown, the duo reflect on their creative process, from forming demos on the living room sofa to dipping their toes in musical moves they’ve never had the guts to do before.

Incorporating the dance floor into their world for the first time, we hear how they combined disco influences with sounds from the depths of hell, as well as the inside details on song structuring, adapting drum parts, and tricks to help nail vocal writing.

Listen to find out how a looped mistake can become the basis of a hook, how a £30 amp from eBay helped form the majority of the record’s sound, and how Brad Pitt almost made a feature.

Tracks discussed: Typhoons, Limbo, Mad Visions

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘Typhoons’ here.

‘Typhoons’ - Warner Records UK, Imperial Galactic Limited, Black Mammoth

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

GEAR MENTIONS

Universal Audio Preamps

Soundtoys Pan Man

Overstayer

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 7 May 19, 2021

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 7. If you haven’t heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the artists and producers we’ve had on and hear some of their top studio tips, writing processes and all-round philosophies towards creating a record.

You’ll hear highlights from:

Bicep

Idles with Nick Launay and Adam Greenspan

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Paul Weller with Stan Kybert and Charles Rees

Adam Buxton

Fontaines DC and Dan Carey

Slowthai with Kwes Darko

SG Lewis

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - ‘K.G.’ & ‘L.W.’

Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below.

Bicep - ‘Isles’

IDLES - ‘Ultra Mono’

Paul Weller - ‘On Sunset’

Fontaines D.C. - ‘Dogrel’ & ‘A Hero’s Death’

Slowthai - ‘TYRON’

S.G. Lewis - ‘Times’

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

'Isles' - Ninja Tune

'Ultra Mono' - Partisan Records

'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW Release

'On Sunset' - A Polydor Records Release; Solid Bond Productions Limited, under exclusive license to Universal Music

Operations Limited

'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records

‘TYRON' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release.

'Times' - A PMR/EMI release, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited

TN:69 SG Lewis Apr 20, 2021

In this episode, John catches up with Sam Lewis AKA SG Lewis to get lost in the disco grooves of his album ‘Times’.

Digging deep into the writing and production, Sam charts the development of the tracks right the way through from the demos and initial studio sessions, to recreating sounds and samples with disco legends.

As well as treating us to unheard Chic versions and heaps of Nile Rodgers riffing, he reflects on learning to record his voice for the first time, along with the realisation that singing isn’t always about singing.

Listen to find out about the hardest parts of recreating demo magic, how a healthy dose of sidechain compression can create the ultimate vocal bounce, and why sometimes all you need is an iPhone to record a piano.

Tracks discussed: One More, Feed The Fire, Chemicals

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes

Listen to 'Times' here.

'Times' - A PMR/EMI release, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Sequential OB6

OB-Xd (Free)

Waves Doubler

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:68 slowthai & Kwes Darko Apr 13, 2021

In this episode, John is joined by slowthai and producer Kwes Darko at Iguana Studios, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Tyron’.

With voice messages, demos and stems in hand, Ty and Kwes lay out the development of each track, from the gear and technicalities of capturing vocals and making a beat that hits hard, to the smallest production details that often have the biggest emotional impact.

Delving into the deep stuff, the pair discuss the philosophies and attitudes at the heart of their tight artist-producer relationship, as well as sharing wise words on creativity, development and some of the best forms of inspiration.

Listen to find out why Ty had to out rap a rapper on his own track, how they used Twitter as a creative tool, and the reason why you should always check a mix in the car.

Tracks discussed: MAZZA, PLAY WITH FIRE, adhd

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'TYRON' here.

'TYRON' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release.

GEAR MENTIONS

Empirical Labs Distressor

Tube-Tech

Universal Audio Neve 1073

Universal Audio Apollos

Native Instruments Komplete

East West Virtual Instruments

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:67 Fontaines D.C. & Dan Carey Apr 05, 2021

Catching up on some much-needed studio goodness, John returns to Mr Dan’s studio to chat with Conor and Tom of Fontaines D.C. and producer Dan Carey, about how they wrote, recorded and produced the albums 'Dogrel’ and ‘A Hero’s Death’.

With rehearsal room and garden shed demos in hand, Conor, Tom and Dan give us a rundown of some of the key moments of the band’s career, from first meetings at a 20 person gig to recording an entire album in LA, and then redoing it in London.

Digging into the recording process, we hear thoughts on the ultimate ways to capture the full experience of a live band, and Dan explains the ins and outs of getting things down on tape.

Listen to find out what was achieved when the band built an amp castle, how a room became their new sixth member, and why so much skill is involved in playing one note bass lines.

Tracks discussed: Too Real, A Hero’s Death, You Said

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'A Hero's Death' here.

Listen to 'Dogrel' here.

'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Rainger Minor Concussion

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:66 Adam Buxton Mar 18, 2021

In this very special episode John steps inside the jingle factory of podcaster, comedian, writer, actor and musician Adam Buxton.

Digging into the depths of his archive, Adam charts his life and career breaking down the songs and jingles that punctuated each moment. From finding arpeggiators in music shops and writing ‘smutty’ rhymes with his friends, to applying advice from Nigel Godrich in the epic efforts of Song Wars on the Adam and Joe Show.

Alongside all of the jingle fun, we’re treated to comparisons between the aspects of music and comedy, the effects of cultural fascination and exclusion, as well as thoughts on mental health when writing.

Listen to find out where Adam got the inspiration to combine Scott Walker with Will.I.Am and Britney, why he decided to recreate all of the audio in Star Wars, and the truth behind how irritated he actually got with Joe during Song Wars.

Tracks discussed: The Podcast Groove, Mind of a Pirate, The Counting Song, Special Bath, Playboi Buckles, Like and Subscribe and many many more.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:65 Paul Weller, Stan Kybert & Charles Rees Mar 09, 2021

In this episode, John heads to Black Barn Studios to chat with Paul Weller along with producer Stan Kybert and engineer Charles Rees, about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘On Sunset’.

From recycling and resampling old tunes to recording new ideas on his phone, Paul reflects on his years of endless experimentation in the studio, sharing his thoughts on what makes a good song along with the decisive musical elements that reinforce meaning.

Revisiting different versions of the tracks, we hear the trio breaking down the different mic setups and the vintage gear they used to recreate the sound of an era.

Listen to find out why Paul wrote a song on his kids Casio keyboard and how to play a Hammond with a screwdriver.

Tracks discussed: Mirrorball, More, On Sunset

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'On Sunset' here.

'On Sunset' - A Polydor Records Release; Solid Bond Productions Limited, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Fairchild 660 & 670 Compressors

Coles 4038 Ribbon Mic

Custom Neve Console

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:64 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Mar 02, 2021

In this episode, John catches up with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard frontman and producer Stu Mackenzie to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced the albums, ‘K.G.’ and ‘L.W.’

Armed with various living room demos, phone recordings and plenty of stems, Stu delves into the successes and difficulties that came with each band member having to write and record from home, sharing how the completely unfamiliar process shaped their two lockdown records.

Firing on all sonic cylinders, we’re given an insight into recording and mixing tracks with two drum kits, linear songwriting with constantly evolving time signatures, as well as the effects of microtonal retuning.

Listen to find out how the band switch from being ‘gentle fellas’ to ‘heavy monsters’, what they did when they didn’t have a bass that could play low enough and why the flute has ended up on so many of their tracks.

Tracks discussed: Automation, If Not Now, Then When?, K.G.L.W. & K.G.L.W.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'K.G.' here.

Listen to 'L.W.' here.

'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW Release

GEAR MENTIONS

Beyerdynamic M88

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:63 IDLES, Nick Launay & Adam Greenspan Feb 23, 2021

In this episode John is joined by Idles guitarist Mark Bowen along with co-producers Nick Launay and Adam “Atom” Greenspan to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s latest album ‘Ultra Mono’.

Unearthing backstage phone demos and rehearsal room recordings, Bowen, Nick and Adam look back on how the album was pulled together, from the band’s chats about concepts to the eight days recording the whole record.

Reminiscing on their time in La Frette Studios, we hear stories of both the raucousness and intense focus encapsulated within an Idles session. The trio dig into the explosive drum recording, their staircase microphone setup and the special sauce that forms the very essence of an Idles track.

Listen to find out what happened when Warren Ellis made a surprise studio visit, why everyone got sent out of the room during some of the vocal takes, and why civilised French lunches were so key to the album’s success.

Tracks discussed: War, The Lover, A Hymn

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Ultra Mono' here.

'Ultra Mono' - Partisan Records

Moog MiniFooger Ring Mod Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

Fender Baritone Guitar

Drolo Stammen Pedal

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:62 Bicep Feb 15, 2021

In quite possibly one of the most synth-heavy episodes ever, John catches up with Matt and Andy of Bicep to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Isles’.

Unravelling the mystery of how they do what they do, Matt and Andy talk us through the countless demos and subsequent iterations, exploring the abundance of sounds and samples sent to them from collaborators and how this influenced the direction of their music.

From hours spent experimenting in the studio to what they did when creativity hit a low, we hear stories of mixing vintage gear with the latest kit, the intricacies of using drum machines to trigger synths, and anecdotes on how they both became masters of the modular synthesizer.

Listen to find out how they ended up with a ‘Kenny G’ version of a track, why they bought every kids Casio keyboard they could get their hands on, and why there is no such thing as a warm-up set in Belfast.

Tracks discussed: Atlas, Apricots, Saku, Lido

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Isles' here.

'Isles' - Ninja Tune

Make Noise Modular Synthesiser

GEAR MENTIONS

Intellijel Metropolis

Tiptop Audio RS-909 Rimshot

Verbos Harmonic Oscillator

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 6 Feb 11, 2021

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 6. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the other artists and producers we've had on and hear their tips, tricks and stories.

Have a listen to see what you've been missing!

You'll hear highlights from:

Paul Epworth

Disclosure

Biffy Clyro and Rich Costey

Georgia and Mark Ralph

Jacob Collier

Nova Twins and Jim Abbiss

Nothing But Thieves

Sports Team and Burke Reid

Glass Animals

Haim with Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam Batmanglij

Lianne La Havas with Beni Giles and Sam Crowe

SUBMIT A JINGLE

For all of the details on sending in a jingle, email jingles@tapenotes.co.uk

Submit your Tape Notes jingle and we'll play our favourites each week on the podcast.

Jingles can be in any style, can feature the Tape Notes theme, lyrics, or none of those things - be as creative as you'd like (as long as they're between 5-15 seconds).

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:61 Lianne La Havas, Sam Crowe & Beni Giles Dec 16, 2020

In this biscuit fuelled episode, John is joined by Lianne La Havas along with producers Sam Crowe and Beni Giles to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Lianne’s latest album ‘Lianne La Havas’.

Delving into Lianne's most personal work yet, the trio takes us through the moments the initial song ideas were formed, through the various stages of their development right to the finished versions.

Illustrated with recordings made throughout the album’s journey, we hear stories of capturing the perfect vocal takes, trying piano voicing's on guitar and tales on the phenomenon of song writing.

Listen to find out why talkback mics sometimes trump fancy mics, how they ventured to the scariest parts of a flute, and how cabbages made it onto the record.

Tracks discussed: Bittersweet, Green Papaya, Seven Times

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Lianne La Havas' here.

'Lianne La Havas' - Warner Records UK

Audio-Technica Microphone

GEAR MENTIONS

BX20 BX Spring Reverb

Sub Kick Mic

Squire Guitars

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:60 Haim, Ariel Rechtshaid & Rostam Batmanglij Dec 09, 2020

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John catches up with Danielle from Haim along with co-producers Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam Batmanglij to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Haim’s latest album ‘Women in Music Pt. III’.

With recordings of jams, writing sessions and iPhone Garageband demos, Danielle, Ariel and Rostam pull apart their creative process, exploring the inspiration behind their ideas and what they did to bring them to life.

From hearing song ideas through the floor to finding a fix for everyone’s demoitus, the trio treat us to an absolute masterclass in song writing.

Listen to find out how they emulated a booty call on the bass, why they auditioned people for a phone call recording, and how Bono almost made it on to the album.

Tracks discussed: Gasoline, 3am, The Steps

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Women In Music Pt. III' here.

'Women In Music Pt. III' - HAIM Productions Inc., under exclusive licence to Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Universal Audio Apollos

Moogerfooger MF-101 Pedal

KORG Gadget 2 App

AKG BX10 Spring Reverb

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:59 Glass Animals Dec 03, 2020

Returning for his second outing on Tape Notes, John links up with Glass Animals frontman and producer Dave Bayley, to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Dreamland’.

Born out of an emotional time of uncertainty for the band, Dave discusses the unexpected moments that formed the foundations of the album. Breaking down his writing process from start to finish, we’re treated to the very initial demos and samples recorded on the fly, along with the wealth of production tricks used to create Glass Animals unique sound.

We hear secrets behind reverse drum beats, reverb and delay EQs, as well as the latest iteration of Dave’s crack choir.

Listen to find out how Dave attempted to conjure up his inner Dr Dre, how an entire song was forged using just a voice, and what currently sits in the Glass Animals guitar graveyard.

Tracks discussed: Dreamland, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, It’s All So Incredibly Loud

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Dreamland' here.

'Dreamland' - Wolf Tone Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Neve 1073

Universal Audio Reverb

Maestro Rhythm King Drum Machine

Neumann U67

Mellotron Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:58 Nothing But Thieves Nov 25, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Conor, Joe and Dom from Nothing But Thieves, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Moral Panic’.

Loaded up with original demo sessions and ideas recorded while on tour, the boys sift through some of the sounds, stories and musical concepts that shaped their songwriting process.

Conor enlightens us on his thoughts about vocal production, breaking down the different shades of his voice across the album. We hear geeky tales of musical maths as well as ideas on the importance of groove and precise rhythmic changes that have the power to completely alter the feel of a song.

Listen to find out how a YouTube binge led to the start of a new song, which characters they channelled when recording and why they may have been awarded the key to an East Sussex town.

Tracks discussed: Unperson, Is Everybody Going Crazy?, Real Love Song

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Moral Panic' here.

'Moral Panic' - Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Epiphone Thunderbird Bass

Neve Shelford Channel

Humbucker Pickups

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to 'Who Are The Girls?' here.

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:57 Nova Twins & Jim Abbiss Nov 18, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Nova Twins’ Amy and Georgia along with producer Jim Abbiss to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their debut album ‘Who Are The Girls?’

Reflecting on venturing into the studio for the first time with a ‘big name’ producer, Amy, Georgia and Jim delve into their “ropey” demos written in a tiny room at Georgia's house, unravelling how they formed their raucous balance of electronics, punk and heavy hitting guitar and bass riffs. We’re given a glimpse into the secrets of the duo's mammoth pedal boards, revealing how they are so much more than extensions of their instruments.

Listen to hear drum parts written for drummers with more than two arms, studio debates about a cowbell, and how many biscuits were consumed during the making of the album.

Tracks discussed: Vortex, Taxi, Play Fair

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes

'Who Are The Girls?' -Nova Twins Ltd in collaboration with 333 Wreckords Crew

GEAR MENTIONS

EarthQuaker Devices Pedals

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:56 Jacob Collier Nov 11, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Jacob Collier to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his albums Djesse Volumes 1, 2 & 3.

With original Logic sessions, demos and heaps of stems in hand, Jacob unravels the wealth of ideas charting the development of each volume’s sonic environment.

We hear his approach to getting the right balance between the simple and complex, illustrated with samples constructed from audience recordings, scrapped key changes and demo raps.

Listen to find out about the benefits and burdens of knowledge, creating tongue twister grooves for the brain and how to take music beyond the twelve tones as we know them.

Tracks discussed: With The Love In My Heart, Nebaluyo, All I Need

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 1' here.

Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 2' here.

Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 3' here.

'Djesse Vol. 1, 2 & 3' - Hajanga Records, Geffen Records/Decca, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Kiii 3 Speakers

XLN Audio RC-20 Plugin

XFER Records LFO Tool

Native Instruments Battery

Kontakt

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:55 Biffy Clyro & Rich Costey Nov 04, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil and producer Rich Costey to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘A Celebration of Endings’.

Armed with the very first demos and ‘work-in-progress’ recordings, Simon and Rich talk us through each song's evolution, from rehearsals on a farm to getting down intricate drum sounds and a 30-piece orchestra at Abbey Road.

We’re given an insight into Simon’s vocal recording process as well as his approach to the biology of a guitar. Rich shares some of his producer wizardry, talking through single mic recording tricks, common rock mixing problems as well as the amps and gear used to help craft the band’s sound.

Listen to find out how the pair blew up a pre-war Gibson Amp, what tuning their instruments did to the music and why you should go and follow @tempojunkee on Twitter.

Tracks discussed: North of No South, Instant History, Cop Syrup

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'A Celebration of Endings' here.

'A Celebration of Endings' - 14th Floor Records Limited, a Warner Music Group company.

Michael Landau Signature Stratocaster

GEAR MENTIONS

Boss Metal Zone Pedals

JHS Kilt Pedal

Sunn Drone Pedals

1969 100w Marshall Amp

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:54 Disclosure Oct 28, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with brothers Guy and Howard of Disclosure, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘ENERGY’.

Chosen from over 200 songs, the pair break apart the individual parts and distinct sounds from the handful of tracks that made the cut. The boys take a deep dive into what it takes to make a Disclosure hit, revealing the tricks and tools they use along the way.

Listen to find out why the best hooks are written in 20 minutes, how conversations with Pharrell led to new chord progressions, and why the brothers nearly went the same way as Oasis.

Tracks discussed: Douha (Mali Mali), Who Knew? & Birthday

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

GEAR MENTIONS:

Neve Desk

Moog Little Phatty

Roland Boutique Synths

Roland D50

Roland SH-101

Universal Audio Apollos

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:53 Paul Epworth Oct 21, 2020

Launching into a brand new season, John rockets over to The Church Studios to catch up with super-producer Paul Epworth, Harry Edwards and Riley MacIntyre to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Paul’s debut album ‘Voyager’.

Paul shines a light on the five year on-off process of bringing the record to life, pulling apart the cosmic sounds and samples that form the basis of the album. From turning his studio desk into an instrument to serendipitous happenings, we hear Paul’s techniques of creating the perfect environment suitable for writing an expansive space concept album.

Listen to find out what happens when you put a guitar through his ‘multi-story car park’ of pedals, how a SpaceX launch impacted the album, and how Paul stopped himself from just making techno.

Tracks discussed: Distant Planets, Where Do We Come From?, Space Inc. & Epilogue

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Voyager' here.

'Voyager' - Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

Electro Harmonix Freeze Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

Electro-Harmonix Superego Guitar Effects Pedal

Moogerfooger MF-104M Analog Delay

Moog MF-103 Moogerfooger 12-Stage Phaser

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 5 Oct 13, 2020

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 5. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the other artists and producers we've had on and hear their tips, tricks and stories. Have a listen to see what you've been missing!

You'll hear highlights from:

Foals

Caribou

Jack Garrett

Tom Misch & Adam Jaffrey

Ghostpoet

Rina Sawayama & Clarence Clarity

Badly Drawn Boy & Gethin Pearson

Grouplove & Dave Sitek

Enter Shikari

EOB & Flood

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

OUR GEAR

Listen to 'Deep Down Happy' here.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:52 Sports Team & Burke Reid (Mercury Prize Nominated) Sep 22, 2020

In this episode, John heads over to Sports Team HQ to catch up with Oli, Rob and producer Burke Reid, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their Mercury nominated debut album ‘Deep Down Happy’.

With DIY demos and a bag of stems, Oli, Rob and Burke break apart what goes into creating the band’s signature raucous sound. We’re treated to tales of sleeping in rehearsal rooms, sneaking into studios and mixing at the kitchen table. Burke talks us through some of his tricks of the trade, from managing the chaos of recording the band while they all still had day jobs, to making simple repeated things sound new and exciting.

Listen to hear why they like to annoy Alex during his vocal takes, which stock Logic drummer has become an integral part of the band’s writing process and how they tailor their live sets so no one goes to the bar.

Tracks discussed: Kutcher, Here It Comes Again, Fishing

'Deep Down Happy' - Big Desert Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

Audio Kitchen Big Trees Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

Audacity

Roland RE-20 Space Echo

Boss SD-1 Pedal

WEM Amps

SUBMIT A JINGLE

For all of the details on sending in a jingle email jingles@tapenotes.co.uk

Submit your Tape Notes jingle and we'll play our favourites each week on the podcast.

Jingles can be in any style, can feature the Tape Notes theme, lyrics, or none of those things - be as creative as you'd like (as long as they're between 5-15 seconds).

SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:51 Georgia & Mark Ralph (Mercury Prize Nominated) Sep 22, 2020

Back at the start of lockdown, John caught up with Georgia and producer Mark Ralph to bring together a special episode for Aim House on how they wrote, recorded and produced Georgia’s Mercury nominated album ‘Seeking Thrills’.

Delving right into the first demos inspired by a night out, Georgia and Mark talk us through their fluid process of bringing the songs to life, from drawing intricate details from their dynamic list of influences, to studio days together programming rooms full of synths.

We’re given an insight into Georgia’s move to becoming a singer, stepping out from behind the drum kit, and Mark shares some of his producer wizardry, enlightening us on song structure, the small things can completely change the feel of a track and much much more.

Listen to hear how a grammatically incorrect sentence became the focus of a song, clips of hook lines written on a glockenspiel and discussions on how to make a computer groove.

Tracks discussed: Started Out, About Work The Dancefloor

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Seeking Thrills' here.

'Seeking Thrills' - Domino Recording Co Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:50 EOB & Flood Aug 26, 2020

In this episode, John heads up to Assault & Battery Studios to chat with EOB – the solo project from Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien - and legendary producer Flood, to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Earth’.

Armed with demos and tracks written during Ed’s time in Brazil, the pair take a deep dive into the sonic trenches, sharing their musings on the creative process, and reflect on their time working together in the studio. From fortuitous iTunes plays to jamming with world-renowned musicians, we hear Ed’s thoughts on transitioning from the realm of backing vocalist to lead vocalist, as well as the intricacies of blending carnival and dance music.

Listen to find why sometimes it’s a challenge finding beat 1, which track initially began with a swarm of Vihuelas, and why you should never use the word ‘demo’ in the studio.

Tracks discussed: Brasil, Olympik, Long Time Coming

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Earth' here.

'Earth' - Capitol Records, Over Normal Limited, under exclusive license for UMG Recordings, Inc.

Electro-Harmonix Memory Man

GEAR MENTIONS

Akai MPC Looper

ARP

Elektron Machine

Eventide H3000

Soft Tube OTO Biscuit

Roland System 700

Roland Juno 60

Boss RC-1 Looping Pedal

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:49 Enter Shikari Aug 19, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Enter Shikari frontman and producer, Rou Reynolds to breakdown how the band wrote, recorded and produced their new album ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’.

As the band’s most genre-bending album to date, Rou talks us through the challenges of combining techy metal, rave, reggae and ska influences with an oom-pah band and full symphony orchestra. Digging through his fifteen hard drives of demos and jams, we’re shown how every aspect of a track has a purpose and meaning – with detailed rhythms and distinctive sounds reflecting the state of the world in their own way.

Listen to hear the original gibberish lyrics that ended up making the final version of a song, how the band ended up forming and recording their toy drum kit and what plugins Rou uses to create his own audio cuddle.

Tracks discussed: THE GREAT UNKNOWN, Waltzing Off the Face of the Earth (1. Crescendo), satellites* *

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Nothing is True & Everything is Possible' here.

'Nothing is True & Everything is Possible' - SO Recordings/Silva Screen Records Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Akai MPC Sampler

Arp 2600

Chandler REDD Microphone

Farfisa

Kemper Profiler Rack

LOMO Channel Strip

Roland Jupiter 6

Sound Guru Mangle Plugin

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:48 Grouplove & Dave Sitek Aug 12, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Grouplove’s Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi along with legendary producer Dave Sitek to breakdown how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s latest album Healer.

As their first record with an outside producer, the band reflect on their creative flow, pulling apart tracks bit by bit and showing us how Dave was the perfect weirdo to bring the album together. From jamming out five-hour demos at Hannah’s parent’s house to spending over a month recording from 9pm through to 11am, fuelled by cookies with cream cheese, breakfast burritos and copious amounts of weed.

We hear theories on how people’s souls enter your body to give you songs, why Dave has been the cause of multiple people’s synth addictions, and we are treated to unheard midnight vocal takes recorded just before Hannah’s vocal surgery.

Tracks discussed: Deleter, Expectations, Places

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Healer' here.

'Healer' - Atlantic Recording Corporation, WEA International Inc., Warner Music Group

GEAR MENTIONS

Dunlop Echoplex Pedal

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:47 Badly Drawn Boy & Gethin Pearson Aug 06, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Badly Drawn Boy A.K.A Damon Gough and producer Gethin Pearson to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced ‘Banana Skin Shoes’.

After numerous false starts producing the album – his first after an 8 year hiatus – Damon paired up with Gethin, bringing a new enthusiasm to Damon’s musical endeavours and with him a pool of new talent to draw inspiration from. We get to hear a plethora of demos and track breakdowns as the pair chart the development of the album and gain a fascinating insight into the philosophy behind their creative decisions. From a post Valentine’s breakfast date and a shared love of the Beastie Boys, Gethin and Damon reflect on their time working together and the importance of the relationship between producer and artist.

Listen to hear how Damon’s chat after a toilet break was sampled into something much more meaningful, how he managed to include Brexit, his unborn child and Bono in the same song, and why the best piece of equipment you can have is a good artist.

Tracks discussed: Colours, Banana Skin Shoes, Is This A Dream?

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Banana Skin Shoes' here.

'Banana Skin Shoes' - Damon Gough, AWAL Recordings Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland RE-20 Space Echo

Tascam 4Trk Recorder

Yamaha Clavinova

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:46 Rina Sawayama & Clarence Clarity Jul 29, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Rina Sawayama and producer Clarence Clarity to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Rina’s debut album ‘Sawayama’.

Diving deep into the almost 100 track sessions, Rina and Clarence reflect on how the album took shape, from writing demos in Rina’s bedroom to spending months in an LA studio. We hear the pair’s philosophies on creativity and the hustle of making it in the world of music, along with the secrets in crafting their fusion of R&B, noughties pop and nu-metal.

Listen to find out why Rina tries includes at least 10 hooks in each song, how Clarence tried to match a trap beat to Rina’s mum’s Beethoven performance and which member of The 1975 made a secret appearance on the record.

Tracks discussed: Dynasty, Love Me 4 Me, Snakeskin

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Sawayama' here.

'Sawayama' - Dirty Hit

GEAR MENTIONS

Sontronics Saturn

Soundelux U99

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Discord: Tape Notes

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:45 Ghostpoet Jul 22, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Obaro Ejimiwe, A.K.A Ghostpoet, along with engineer and mixer Shuta Shinoda to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced his latest album, ‘I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep’.

Recorded at the start of lockdown before the album was actually released, Obaro and Shuta shed light on their creative relationship breaking down early demos and treating us to a selection of clips from the monumental amount of session files they racked up. We hear how Obar crafts his music despite a lack of traditional music theory, revealing the methods and approaches he uses to tap directly into the feeling of a song.

Listen to find out how birdsong was meticulously edited to perfectly fit the music, why Obaro has only just managed to use his Mellotron, and how he charmed Sarasara into singing on the record.

Tracks discussed: Breaking Cover, When Mouths Collide, Social Lacerations

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep' here.

'I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep' - Ghostpoet, Play It Again Sam

GEAR MENTIONS

Critter and Guitari Organelle M

Studer A80 Analogue Tape Machine

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Discord: Tape Notes

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:44 Tom Misch & Adam Jaffrey Jul 14, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Tom Misch and engineer Adam Jaffrey to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Tom’s collaboration album with drummer Yussef Dayes - ‘What Kinda Music’.

Tom and Adam dig deep into the session material, revealing the techniques and processes they used in recording the album. We hear Tom’s thoughts on stepping outside of his bedroom studio to record, as well as revealing the treasure trove of gear and plugins they used to hone his iconic guitar sound.

Listen to find out why a fan made an almost 10-hour round trip to deliver the coveted OP1, what words Tom sings on his songs without lyrics, and why sometimes having a hangover in the studio can benefit the writing process.

Tracks discussed: Last 100. The Reel, Nightrider.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to ‘What Kinda Music’ here.

‘What Kinda Music’ - Beyond The Groove. Blue Note Records/Caroline

Moogerfooger MF-101 Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

Dynacord Tape Echo

Electro-Voice RE20

Eventide

Universal Audio Neve 1073

Universal Audio

UAD Thermionic Culture Vulture

UAD Korg SD300 Plugin

UAD Oxide (Tape Emulation Plugin)

Zvex Lofi Junky

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:43 Jack Garratt Jul 07, 2020

In this episode, John catches up with Jack Garratt to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his latest album Love, Death & Dancing.

Jack digs up the original demo sessions recorded in his garden shed, unravelling the multitude of ideas he packed in to each track. Illustrated through a bounty of unheard demos and track breakdowns, Jack charts the emotional journey he undertook writing the album, revealing how he subtly controls rhythm and harmony to tell a story.

Listen to find out how a core guitar riff was saved by a lucky phone recording, how his childhood trombone skills are now coming in handy, and how a few pearls of wisdom from producer Jacknife Lee have impacted his song writing.

Tracks discussed: Time, Anyone, Only The Bravest

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Love, Death & Dancing' here.

'Love, Death & Dancing' - Island Records Release, Universal Music Operations Limited

Arturia Buchla Easel Plugin

GEAR MENTIONS

Arturia Prophet V3 Plugin

Behringer D Model

Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Fender Stratocaster

Goodhertz Wow Control

Minimoog

Logic Pro - Space Designer

Roland TR-909

Roland Boutique Synths

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:42 Caribou Jul 01, 2020

In this episode John links up with Caribou a.k.a. Dan Snaith, to breakdown how Suddenly - his first release in five years - was written, recorded and produced.

Diving deep into his hard drive Dan treats us to a plethora of demo versions, track breakdowns and even plays us a few nuggets live. We get to hear the philosophy and stories behind creating his most personal album yet and discover how he reduced a monumental 900 ideas down to a single record.

Listen to hear the results of when Dan was let loose in Floating Points' Studio, how leaving his internet browser open while recording provided a moment of compositional serendipity, and why the title of this podcast could well have been 'Things I learned from Timberland'.

Songs Discussed: Magpie, Like I Love You, Sister

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Suddenly' here.

'Suddenly' - City Slang

GEAR MENTIONS

Synthesis Technology - E370 Quad Morphing VCO

Spectrasonics Trilian

ToneBoosters Reelbus

Waves MondoMod

Yamaha CS-70

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:41 Foals Jun 24, 2020

Kicking off a brand new season, John is joined by Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis to talk about how the band’s mammoth two-part project Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost was written, recorded and produced.

As their first self-produced albums, Yannis gives us a fascinating insight into their biggest project yet, breaking down his writing process from the loops and drones he crafted at home to the final versions of lyrics written almost entirely at the pub.

Listen to find out how some NS10 cones were hacked to create a makeshift microphone, what Yannis projects on to the wall when recording vocals, and how the band managed to tie songs together with trips to Paris and cycling adventures in Annecy.

Tracks Discussed: Syrups, Exits & Neptune

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part One' here.

Listen to 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part Two' here.

'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Parts 1 & 2' - Foals, Warner Music UK Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Binson Echorec

Chandler Preamp

Rhodes Chroma Polaris

Boss RC-1 Looping Pedal

Yamaha NS10

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 4 Jun 18, 2020

In this episode we take a look back at some of the best bits from season 4. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the artists and producers we've had on, hearing their stories, tips and general philosophy on writing and recording. Have a listen, you never know what you might learn!

You'll hear highlights from:

Mura Masa

Friendly Fires & Mark Ralph

These New Puritans

Elbow

Ezra Collective

Mystery Jets

DJ Shadow

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:40 DJ Shadow Mar 31, 2020

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes.

Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more.

In this episode, John ventures over to Wendy House Studios to catch up with hip-hip royalty Josh Davis AKA DJ Shadow, to talk through how he recorded and produced his latest album ‘Our Pathetic Age’ and his chart-topping album ‘The Mountain Will Fall’.

Josh gives us a full insight in to his largest most diverse project yet, breaking down his writing process from the moment he randomly dips in to his vast record collection for inspiration, to discovering unlikely source material such as an abandoned record collection rescued from a friend of his father's. We get to hear the original samples that form the basis of some of his biggest hits as well as the raw vocal stems of Nas and Pharoahe Monch rapping at each other from different studios.

Listen to find out about Josh’s meticulous sample editing process, what mixing mistake meant he had to sneakily rerelease a track, and why he had to gatecrash a Run the Jewels gig.

Tracks discussed: Nobody Speak, Rocket Fuel, Drone Warfare

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Our Pathetic Age' here.

Listen to 'The Mountain Will Fall' here.

'Our Pathetic Age' and 'The Mountain Will Fall' - Mass Appeal/Reconstruction Productions, Inc.

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:39 Mystery Jets & Matt Twaites Mar 26, 2020

In this episode John makes multiple trips to Brain Yard Studios to catch up with Mystery Jets frontman Blaine Harrison and producer Matt Twaites to talk about how they recorded and produced the album A Billion Heartbeats.

Recorded in the room where the album was conceived, Blaine and Matt give us full access to the Mystery Jets creative process, from tales of protests, marches and relief work, to their quest not sound too much like the Backstreet Boys. We get to hear an array of demos and phone recordings including the sound of Matt’s unborn son’s heartbeat which was crafted into a drum loop.

Listen to find out what how Blaine ended up in an Icelandic Spa with Bjork, what images he looks at to get the best vocal take and who he turns to when struggling with lyrics.

Songs discussed: Screwdriver, Wrong Side of the Tracks, A Billion Heartbeats

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'A Billion Heartbeats' here.

'A Billion Heartbeats' - Mystery Jets, Caroline International

Gamechanger Audio Plasma Distortion Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

AKG C414

Digitech Space Station

Fender Amps

Boss RC-300 Loop Station

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:38 Ezra Collective Mar 18, 2020

This week John is joined by Ezra Collective’s Femi, TJ and James to talk about how they wrote and recorded their debut album You Can’t Steal My Joy.

Hot off the heels winning 'Jazz Album of the Year' at the World Wide Awards, the boys reflect upon how the album took shape, from the early rehearsals in a dodgy studio in Croatia to spending two days on a boat recording the whole thing. The boys play us previously unheard demos capturing the moments lightning struck, from a very rough voice memo to a more elaborate Garage Band creation knocked together on the top deck of a bus.

Listen to find out how the band learns songs from street beat boxing, the challenge of writing an album for the ‘shuffle generation’, and which seat on the bus James sits in when writing on Garage Band.

Tracks discussed: You Can't Steal My Joy, Quest For Coin, Why You Mad?

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'You Can't Steal My Joy' here.

'You Can't Steal My Joy' - Enter The Jungle Records

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:37 Elbow Mar 11, 2020

In this episode, John is joined by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter from Elbow, to talk about how ‘Giants of All Sizes’ was written and recorded.

Craig and Guy look back at some of the sessions tracked over a two year period, reflecting on what was an emotionally challenging time for Guy and how this influenced the writing and mood of the record - something grittier and more contemplative than previous Elbow albums. We get to hear early demos and track break breakdowns, plus bags of wisdom from the big man.

Listen to find out how the band channelled their feminine energy, how a monorail journey ended up as a drumbeat, and what happens if you drunkenly text Elvis Costello in the middle of the night.

Songs: Seven Veils, Dexter and Sinister, On Deronda Road

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Giants of All Sizes' here.

'Giants of All Sizes' - Polydor Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Pig Nose Guitar

Audio Ease Altiverb

Coles 4038 Ribbon Mic

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:36 These New Puritans Mar 04, 2020

In this episode John is joined by twin brothers Jack and George Barnett, AKA experimental art-rock music duo These New Puritans, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Inside The Rose’.

The boys look back on making music together in their attic as children and uncover some of the many sketches and demos versions created whilst recording the album. We get to hear the moment Jack woke from a dream with a fresh melody composed within his slumber in addition to their general philosophy on writing and recording as TNP.

Listen to find out why jack had to avoid barking attack dogs whilst recording in Berlin, what Harmonic Re-synthesis is, and why some sessions were hospital inducing experiences.

Tracks discussed: Infinity Vibraphones, Where the Trees are on Fire, A-R-P

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Inside The Rose' here.

'Inside The Rose' - These New Puritans, Infectious Music Ltd., BMG

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to 'Inflorescent' here.

TN:35 Friendly Fires & Mark Ralph Feb 26, 2020

In a city spanning episode, John catches up with Friendly Fires along with super star producer Mark Ralph (Tom Walker, Clean Bandit, Years & Years) at Iguana Studios and Mark’s Studio, Club Ralph, to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Inflorescent'.

The boys explore everything from what survived in the demos recorded in Ed’s mum’s house, to how blending recording techniques with synths and drum machines helped them create their joyful blend of house and funk.

Hear how tracking each individual drum and ‘talent boosting’ your own performances is never a bad thing, and how Rick Astley and Barry White left their mark the record.

Tracks discussed: Love Like Waves, Can’t Wait Forever, Almost Midnight

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes

'Inflorescent' - Friendly Fires, Polydor Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

CodeKnobs Prophet Editor Software

GEAR MENTIONS

ARP Odyssey

ARP 2600

Coles 4038 Ribbon Mic

Oberheim DMX Drum Machine

Peavey T-40 Bass

Rob Papen Sub Boom Bass Plugin

Sherman Rodec Restyler Filter

Simmons Drum Machine

SSL

Xfer Cthulhu

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:34 Mura Masa Feb 19, 2020

Returning for another season, John is joined by electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan A.K.A Mura Masa.

Catching up at Iguana Studios, Alex invites us behind the curtain and reveals how his latest album R.Y.C was recorded and produced. We get to hear intimate track breakdowns - including a brilliant dive into the early takes of the Slowthai collaboration ‘Deal Wiv It’ - plus copious amounts of philosophical musings on what it takes to write a Mura Masa track and music production in general.

Listen to find out why a Patrick Fitzgerald sample worked it’s way into ‘Deal Wiv It’, when you really know a track is finished, and why Alex’s girlfriend is a wise lady.

Tracks discussed: Deal Wiv It, Live Like We’re Dancing, Teenage Headache Dreams.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'R.Y.C.' here.

'R.Y.C.' - Anchor Point Records, Polydor Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Soyuz 017 Tube Microphone

Goodhertz Wow Control

Rhodes

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Best of Season 3 Feb 18, 2020

In this episode we take a look back at some of the best bits from season 3. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the artists and producers we've had on, hearing their stories, tips and general philosophy on writing and recording. Have a listen, you never know what you might learn!

You'll hear highlights from:

Ibeyi & Richard Russel (Live from Miloco Studios)

Kate Tempest & Dan Carey

Nitin Sawhney

Floating Points

Tune-Yards

Jamie Lidell

Cold War Kids & Lars Stalfors

The Lumineers & Simone Felice

Easy Life & Rob Milton (Live at Latitude Festival)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

Bonus Episode - Easy Life & Rob Milton (live at Latitude) Dec 19, 2019

Back in July we were invited to Latitude Festival to take part in their podcast stage. In this live recording, we caught up with Murray from Easy Life and Rob Milton to talk about how they write and record music together.

After a late entrance from Murray (waylaid somewhere on site!) the boys discuss their working relationship and what it takes to create an Easy Life tune.

We learn how the boys ended up working together from unlikely beginnings, why it’s crucial to ‘get it down’ when melodies are flowing, and why Murray maybe isn’t as good at the trumpet as he once thought.

Tracks Discussed: Pockets, Earth

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Pockets' here.

Listen to 'Earth' here.

'Pockets' & 'Earth' - Easy Co Limited, Island Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Nord Keyboards

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:33 The Lumineers & Simone Felice Dec 11, 2019

In this episode John ventures up to Spitfire Audio studios to catch up with Wes and Jeremiah from The Lumineers and producer Simone Felice to talk about how they recorded and produced the album III.

The guys offer up an epic dissection of their music covering every aspect of the creative process. We’re treated to intimate phone recordings that captured the lightning strike moments when songs were born, copious demo versions detailing their subsequent honing and development, and track breakdowns of the finished songs. It’s a veritable masterclass in songwriting and music production.

Listen to find out why the boys are ‘perfectionists for imperfection’, hear the moment Gloria was conceived when nature called during a bike ride in the mountains, and how sometimes the demo version is all you need.

Tracks discussed: Gloria, Leader Of The Landslide, Salt And The Sea

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'III' here.

'III' - The Lumineers, Decca Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Schoeps Shotgun Mic

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:32 Cold War Kids & Lars Stalfors Dec 04, 2019

In this episode John straddles the pond and catches up with Nathan from Cold War Kids and producer Lars Stalfors to talk about how the album New Age Norms 1 was recorded and produced.

Speaking from a studio in North Hollywood the pair discuss how the album was brought to life shining a light on their writing process and revealing the craft and philosophy behind a Cold War Kids track.

Listen to find out why Nathan can only play something once when recording, how an accident with Pro Tools inspired the intro to Dirt In My Eyes, and what helps Lars sleep at night.

Tracks Discussed: Complainer, Dirt In My Eyes, Beyond The Pale

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'New Age Norms 1' here.

'New Age Norms 1' - CWKTWO Corp. u AWAL Recordings

Fender Vintage Super Reverb

GEAR MENTIONS

ProTools X-Form Plugin

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:31 Jamie Lidell Nov 27, 2019

In this episode John links up with producer/musician & podcaster Jamie Lidell in his Nashville studio to talk about how he records and produces his music.

Dusting off his old G4 mac, Jamie delves into the archives and revisits some classics from the albums Multiply and Jim in addition to some of his more recent work. We get to hear fascinating track breakdowns revealing the techniques and methods he uses when writing and recording.

Listen to hear why Jamie’s music is influenced heavily by working with his friends, how the falling of the Berlin wall landed him a special microphone, and how Another Day transformed from a whiskey fuelled experiment to a sunny upbeat toe-tapper, all thanks to some late night carrot chopping.

Tracks discussed: Multiply, Another Day, When I come Back Around, A Rose.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Multiply' here.

Listen to 'Jim' here.

Listen to 'Building a Beginning' here.

'Multiply' & 'Jim' - Warp Records

'Building A Beginning' - Jamie Lidderdale Records

Telefunken M15 Tape Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Marshall Time Modulator

Telefunken V72 Preamp

UAD Capitol Chambers Plugin

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:30 Tune-Yards Nov 20, 2019

In this episode John links up with Merrill and Nate from Tune-Yards to talk about how they recorded and produced the soundtrack to Sorry To Bother You and also dive into a classic from the TY back-catalogue.

Speaking from the other side of the pond Merrill and Nate dig into 3 tracks they scored for the Boots Riley directorial debut, exploring the methods and techniques they used whilst recording and discuss how this differs from their usual writing process. We also revisit the Tune-Yards favourite Gangsta, hearing of its humble beginnings in front of an audience in Germany to a full track breakdown.

Listen to find out how Merrill makes her yodel loops, how Walkman’s and Telephone’s left their mark on Gangsta, and whether or not we find out what the band's undercover pseudonym is when they want to play anonymously.

Tracks discussed: Gangsta, SIGNS (Detroit's Theme), Revealed, Steve Lift’s Party

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'WHOKILL' here.

Listen to 'Sorry To Bother You' here.

'WHOKILL' & 'Sorry To Bother You' - 4AD Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

Empirical Labs Distressor

Cubase

Blue Baby Bottle Mic

Fender P Bass

Lexicon PCM 41 Delay

Roland SPD Sample Pad

Roland SP-404 Sampler

Boss RC-1 Looping Pedal

Sony Walkman

Tech 21 SansAmp

Valhalla VintageVerb

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:29 Floating Points Nov 12, 2019

In this episode John heads to EMS4 studios in Shoreditch to chat with Floating Points a.k.a Sam Shepherd, about how he recorded and produced his latest release, Crush.

Listen to find out why space was scant in Sam’s student bedroom, who sick Anna actually is and why sometimes all you need is a Yamaha Reface CS in your backpack.

Tracks discussed: Last Bloom, Annasickmodualr, Bias.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Crush' here.

'Crush' - Pluto Records, Ninja Tune.

GEAR MENTIONS

Marshall Time Modulator

MAM ADX1

Dunlop MXR Flanger

Publison Infernal Machine Multi-Effects Processor

Roland EV-5 Expression Pedal

Yamaha CS-70

Yamaha Reface CS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:28 Nitin Sawhney Nov 06, 2019

In this episode John heads to the Dairy studios to talk with composer/musician/producer Nitin Sawhney about how he recorded and produced the album Beyond Skin.

In celebration of 20 years since its release, Nitin dusts off the original Logic 4 sessions and gives a fascinating account of how this classic album, most of which was recorded in his bedroom in Tooting, was brought to life.

We not only get to hear some of the tracks broken down in detail but are also treated to live demonstrations of some of the traditional Indian compositional techniques used throughout the album.

Listen to find out why an sm58 is pretty much all you need to record an album, how those mind boggling vocals in The Conference were created, and why Nitin’s guitar is his favourite piece of kit.

Tracks discussed: Homelands, Serpents, Immigrant, Letting Go, The Conference

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Beyond Skin' here.

'Beyond Skin' - Outcaste Records Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:27 Kate Tempest & Dan Carey Oct 30, 2019

In this episode John returns to Mr. Dan’s studio in Streatham to talk with Kate Tempest and Dan Carey.

Looking back over a track from each album they’ve recorded together, Kate & Dan detail the creative journey they’ve been on since first meeting, and shine a light on the methods and techniques they use collaborating in the studio.

We hear how the duo embraced teaming up with legendary producer Rick Rubin, why having a hangover isn’t necessarily a bad idea before a big day of recording, and why Dan is the ultimate sonic evil genius.

Tracks discussed: Marshall Law, We Die, I Trap You

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'The Book of Traps and Lessons' here.

'The Book of Traps and Lessons' - Republic Records, American Recordings, UMG Recordings, Inc.

GEAR MENTIONS

Brauner VM1

Buchla Music Easel

Swarmatron

Metasonix Drum Machine

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:26 Ibeyi & Richard Russell Oct 15, 2019

In this special live addition of Tape Notes, John is joined by Naomi & Lisa-Kaindé of Ibeyi and XL Recordings head honcho/producer Richard Russell, to talk about how they craft their music together in the studio.

In celebration of National Album Day and recorded in The Pool room at Miloco Studios, the trio wax lyrical about their experiences working together and take a deep dive into the methods and techniques used in recording & producing the albums Ibeyi & Ash.

Listen to find out why there's more to using a broken glass samples than meets the eye, that sampling Michelle Obama is a big deal, and why you should never leave the room when you're making a beat with Naomi & Richard.

Tracks discussed: Oya, Transmission/Michaelion, No Man is Big Enough for My Arms

Big thanks to AIM, National Album Day, and Miloco Studios for teaming up with us and making this happen.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Ibeyi' here.

Listen to 'Ash' here.

'Ibeyi' and 'Ash' - XL Recordings Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:25 Marika Hackman & David Wrench Aug 14, 2019

In this episode John catches up with Marika Hackman and producer David Wrench to chat about how they recorded and produced Marika's 3rd album 'Any Human Friend'.

Talking from David's new studio in London Fields, the pair look back over their experience working together for the first time and shine a light on the production techniques and methods they used in the making of the record.

Listen to find out how an old land lady of Marika's was the victim some unintentional verbal abuse, hear a phone demo of Send My Love that offers a true glimpse of the creative process in full swing, and find out what life changing piece of advice John Savage gave David.

Tracks discussed: The One, Send My Love, Hold On, Conventional Ride

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Any Human Friend' here.

'Any Human Friend' - AMF Records, Virgin EMI Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

Roland CR-78 Drum Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Apogee Duet Interface

Logic

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:24 Editors & Leo Abrahams Jul 31, 2019

In this episode we are joined by Justin and Elliot from Editors and producer Leo Abrahams to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Violence'.

The guys shine a light on some of the working methods they used in the making of the album, treating us to the early home demos that band writer Tom created ahead of tracking in the studio.

Listen to find out what an Ed 'weasel' is and why many were brutally culled by Leo, why Tom is the easiest vocalist in the world to record, and why Justin's guitar solos are more 'Top Gun' than they are 'Joey Santiago'.

Tracks discussed: Violence, Darkness at the Door, Nothingness

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Violence' here.

'Violence' - Play It Again Sam

GEAR MENTIONS

Max for Live Granulator

Moog

Pioneer CDJ-900NXS

Roland RS-505 Paraphonic

Universal Audio Interfaces

Spitfire Enigma Library

4MS Duo Distorter Pedal

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:23 Bombay Bicycle Club & Jim Abbiss Jul 09, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Jack & Suren from Bombay Bicycle Club and producer legend Jim Abbiss to talk about how they recorded and produced 'I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose'.

Celebrating 10 years since its release, Jim and the boys reminisce over their experiences working together on this iconic debut and how their relationship and approach to recording and music production evolved from the early days as wide-eyed teens to the later, more experienced sessions.

We get to hear the impressive bedroom demos Jack crafted as a music obsessed 15 year old plus fascinating breakdowns from some of the tracks from the album.

Listen to find out why 'Dust On The Ground' didn't end up as an 8 minute instrumental, how using a fan can create some pretty unique guitar sounds and hear a brilliant break down of 'Always Like This'.

Tracks discussed: Cancel On Me, Dust On The Ground, Always Like This

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose' here.

'I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose' - Mmm...Records, Universal Island Records Ltd. A Universal Music Company.

Electro-Harmonix Microsynth

GEAR MENTIONS

Magix Music Maker

Ebow

Electro-Harmonix HOG

Simmons Clap Trap

Standard Audio Level-Or

Yamaha DX7

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:22 Maverick Sabre & Charlie Perry Jul 02, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Maverick Sabre and producer Charlie Perry to talk about how they recorded and produced Maverick's 3rd album 'When I Wake Up'.

The boys break apart some of the tracks from the album recounting the journey these songs undertook from tracking in Maverick's living room to fleshing things out in the studio, divulging their approach to production and some writing along the way.

Listen to find out why having neighbours for fans is conducive to recording at home, how an Armagnag fuelled drum performance on 'Preach' was cleaned up, and why Maverick likes to write with movies playing in the background.

Tracks discussed: Preach, Slow Down, Her Grace

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'When I Wake Up' here.

'When I Wake Up' - FAMM

Fab-Filter Multiband Compressor

GEAR MENTIONS

API Desk

Aria Jazz Guitar

Fairchild 660 Compressor

Universal Audio EMT250 Reverb

Waves C6 Multiband Compressor

Waves Kramer PIE Compressor

Waves J37 Tape Plugin

FL Studio

Magix Music Maker

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:21 Nick Mulvey & Dan Carey Jun 18, 2019

In this episode John journeys to Mr Dan's Studio in Streatham to talk with Nick Mulvey and producer Dan Carey about how they recorded and produced Nick's Mercury nominated debut album 'First Mind'.

The boys dive deep into the working processes and shared memories of the time they spent together in the musical playground that is Dan's home studio.

Listen to find out how a collection of dirty cups worked their way into the rhythm section of 'Venus', what advice a dream incarnation of David Bowie had for Nick before recording 'Dancing for the Answers', and whether daily micro-dosing of psychedelics was a studio success.

Tracks Discussed: Fever to the Form, Venus, Dancing For The Answers

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'First Mind' here.

'First Mind' - Fiction Records, Universal Music Operations Limited.

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to 'Ritual Union' here.

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:20 Little Dragon May 28, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Erik and Yukimi from Little Dragon to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Ritual Union'.

Chatting from the studio in Gothenburg where the album was recorded, the pair reflect on the techniques and approaches they used in the recording of their 3rd studio release.

We hear how Little Man was transformed by The Smurfs playing drums, how the accidental recording of electricity cables from the Gothenburg tramline bolstered Crystalfilm and what the first thing to do is when you buy an old 80's synth and how they all left their mark on this electronic classic.

Tracks discussed: Ritual Union, Little Man, Crystalfilm

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

https://linktr.ee/tapenotes

'Ritual Union' - Peacefrog Holdings Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

Roland D50

Cubase - Quadrafuzz Plugin

Roland JX-8P

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:19 Wolf Alice & Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mar 13, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Joel and Theo from Wolf Alice and legendary producer and bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, M83, Paramore) to dissect how their Mercury Prize winning album 'Visions of a Life' was recorded and produced.

We hear how they rose to the challenge of a 7 minute piece in 3 movements (and why it's no longer called Massive A*** Bleach Attack). With demos of all the tracks to be heard it's a fascinating insight into the intense amount of thought this band put in to realising the final masterpiece.

Tracks discussed: Visions of a life, Formidable Cool, St. Purple & Green

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Visions of a Life' here.

'Visions of a Life' - Dirty Hit

Publison Infernal Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Plugins

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:18 The 1975 Mar 05, 2019

John ventures up to Spitfire Audio to meet with Matty and George from The 1975 to talk about how the album 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' was recorded and produced.

We get to hear why Matty scats to write lyrics, how George uses a Barry White bass trick for creating lush vocals, and hear THE definitive explanation of side-chain compression.

Tracks discussed: I Like America & America Likes Me, How To Draw / Petrichor, It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' here.

'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' - Dirty Hit, Polydor Records, Interscope Records.

GEAR MENTIONS

Izotope Vocal Synth

Korg Legacy Collection

Moog

Waves CLA Vocal Plugin

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:17 Slaves & Jolyon Thomas Feb 27, 2019

John is joined by Laurie & Isaac form Slaves and producer Jolyon Thomas to talk about how they recorded and produced the band's sophomore album 'Acts Of Fear And Love'.

We get to hear some of the early demos where the original lyrics don't quite sound the way they should, how Laurie and Jolyon layered up the guitar instead of using distortion and why Isaac's simple drum setup is actually a lot harder to play than it looks. All the usual anecdotes and lots to be inspired by as Laurie and Isaac shed on light on the lessons they've learnt recording their third studio album.

Tracks discussed: Photo Opportunity, Chokehold, The Lives They Wish They Had.

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Acts Of Fear And Love' here.

'Acts Of Fear And Love' - Virgin EMI Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Boss TU-3 Tuner Pedal

ProTools - Recti-Fi Plugin

Tone King Amps

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:16 Alt-J & Charlie Andrew Feb 19, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman from Alt-J, and producer Charlie Andrew to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'RELAXER'.

The boys give a fascinating account of the thought processes and production techniques used in the recording of RELAXER.

Hear how a friend's pavlovian response to the smell of burning wood, the Gus whistle test, and swearing at an old school master all left their mark on the band's third album.

Tracks discussed: 3WW, House of the Rising Sun, Pleader

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'RELAXER' here.

'RELAXER' - alt-J, Infectious Music Ltd., a BMG Company

GEAR MENTIONS

UAD Plugins

Waves Plugins

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:15 Metromony Feb 13, 2019

In this episode John is joined by Joseph Mount from Metronomy at Iguana Studios to talk about how the album 'Nights Out' was recorded and produced.

In celebration of 10 years since its release, Joe dusts off his old hard drive to reminisce over how he created the tracks on this underground classic.

Hear how buying instruments at a carboot sale in Chiswick, being an asthmatic whilst trying to clap, and watching TV on the kitchen table with an acoustic guitar all left their mark on the record.

Tracks discussed: On Dancefloors, Heartbreaker, A Thing For Me, Nights Outro

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Nights Out' here.

'Nights Out' - Because Music

GEAR MENTIONS

Audio-Technica Mics

Casio Keyboard

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:14 Frank Turner & Josh Block Aug 30, 2018

John is back at Iguana Studios once again joined this time by artist Frank Turner, but there’s a twist! In an exciting first for Tape Notes this episode’s producer, Josh Block, is coming to us live from the other side of the Atlantic at his studio Niles City Sound in Fort Worth, Texas.

We hear how Frank’s approach to his latest album led him to push beyond the guitar based arrangements of previous work. The journey takes us through many demos, one of which Frank confesses they all grew to vehemently dislike, but of course it still left it’s mark on the record.

There are tips and tricks that are likened to ‘vocal and rhythm butter’ and Josh talks about how he made the move from artist, as a past member of the band White Denim, to producer and the foundation of Nile City Sound.

Tracks discussed: Be More Kind, Brave Face, 21st Century Survival Blues

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Be More Kind' here.

'Be More Kind' - Polydor Records, Xtra Mile Recordings Limited, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:13 Jessie Ware & Dave Okumu Jul 25, 2018

In this episode of Tape Notes, John takes a trip to Deptfrod to visit Jessie Ware and Dave Okumu in Dave’s newly built studio to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Devotion'.

Jessie and Dave look back to the beginnings of their creative relationship and discuss the excitement and trepidation of working together for the first time. We hear demo versions made by Dave ahead their sessions and also dig deep into some of the arrangements and the production philosophy behind the making of Jessie’s debut album.

Tracks discussed: Devotion, Swan Song, No To Love

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Devotion' here.

'Devotion'- Universal Island Records, Universal Music Operations Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:12 Glass Animals Jun 19, 2018

John ventures up to Dave Bayley’s new home studio in London Fields to talk about how Glass Animals’ debut album ZABA was recorded and produced.

Dave guides us through a fascinating breakdown of Gooey – from an early voice demo recorded on his phone to the finished article and we learn some of his trade secrets along the way.

Tracks featured: Gooey, Hazey, Toes

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'ZABA' here.

'ZABA' - Wolf Tone Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

Audio-Technica AT4040

Fender Deluxe 57

Laney VC20

Marshall Stack

Rob Papen Albino Synth

Roland Jupiter 6

Shure SM57

Ableton Spectrum Plugin

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

Listen to 'Love Me, Love Me Not' here.

TN:11 HONNE May 16, 2018

John ventures up to Bow to chat with James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck from the band HONNE to find out how they produced and recorded the album ‘Love Me, Love Me Not’.

The boys discuss the changes in their approach to songwriting and production from their first album and go into fascinating detail picking apart three of the early releases from their latest record.

We hear how a studio cancellation lead to an unexpectedly fruitful session writing on their phones, what Metalica legend Kirk Hammett likes to listen to after surfing, and why you shouldn’t put your fingers through some letterboxes.

Tracks discussed: Day One, You & Me, Sometimes

'Love Me, Love Me Not' - Tatemae Recordings, Atlantic Records UK. A Warner Music Group Company

GEAR MENTIONS

SUBMIT A JINGLE

For all of the details on sending in a jingle email jingles@tapenotes.co.uk

Submit your Tape Notes jingle and we'll play our favourites each week on the podcast.

Jingles can be in any style, can feature the Tape Notes theme, lyrics, or none of those things - be as creative as you'd like (as long as they're between 5-15 seconds).

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions):

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

TN:10 Vök & Brett Cox Apr 27, 2018

John joins the band Vök back stage at their headline show in London to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Figure' with producer Brett Cox.

We hear how Brett and the band teamed up over the course of a sunny Icelandic summer to work their demos (complete with minion lyrics) into the finished article, helped along the way by the generosity of the band’s home town, Reykjavik.

The search for a perfect middle 8, sampling studio light switches and type writers, plus the creation of ‘sax pads’ all play their part in the story of how Vök’s debut album Figure was brought to life.

Tracks discussed: Hiding, Don't Let Me Go, Show Me

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Figure' here.

'Figure' - Vök, Nettwerk Music Group Inc.

GEAR MENTIONS

Rhodes

Native Instruments

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:09 London Grammar & MyRiot Apr 09, 2018

John journeys up to Rak Studios to meet with Dan Rothman from London Grammar and producer duo MyRiot and talk about their work together on the album ‘If You Wait’.

We hear how the band adjusted from the self-produced recording environment, to working with producer stalwarts Tim Bran & Roy Kerr in the musical playground of State of the Ark Studios and then on to global success.

Dan and the boys relive their favourite moments together in the studio and rediscover some of the production techniques used in the recording of London Grammar’s debut album.

Tracks discussed: Wasting My Young Years, Strong, Nightcall

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'If You Wait' here.

'If You Wait' - Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited, Metal & Dust Recordings Limited

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:08 The Big Moon & Catherine Marks Nov 29, 2017

John returns to Iguana Studios once more where he is joined by The Big Moon and producer Catherine Marks to talk about their work together on the album 'Love in the 4th Dimension'.

The girls re-live some of their favourite moments in the studio with Catherine and dig into the production processes behind a few of their favourite tracks on the album.

We hear how bringing inflatable pool toys to the studio, using stealth instruments and pretending to play oversized guitars all played a part in the recording of The Big Moon’s debut album.

Tracks discussed: Cupid, Bonfire, The End

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Love in the 4th Dimension' here.

'Love in the 4th Dimension' - Fiction Records, Universal Music Operations Limited.

Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Pedal

GEAR MENTIONS

Solina Synth

Drolo Twin Peaks Pedal

Roland Juno 60

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:07 Jordan Rakei & Jim Macrae Oct 03, 2017

Back at Iguana Studios once more, John is joined by Australian artist/producer Jordan Rakei and producer Jim Macrae to talk about their work together on the album 'Wallflower'.

We hear how Jordan made the 10,000 mile journey from Brisbane to London to pursue a career in music and the stories behind how his sophomore album 'Wallflower' was created.

The duo discuss Algorithmic chaos, re-recording drums in a local cafe and shed light on many of the production techniques they used during the recording of the album.

Tracks discussed: May, Chemical Coincidence, Clues Blues

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Wallflower' here.

'Wallflower' - Ninja Tune

GEAR MENTIONS

Spitfire Audio String Evolutions

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:06 Francobollo & Charlie Andrew Sep 18, 2017

In this episode John is joined by Square Leg Records boss/producer Charlie Andrew and the label’s first signing Francobollo to talk about the recording and production of the band's debut album, 'Long Live Life'.

We hear how inviting fans into a sweaty studio was instrumental in capturing the band’s notorious live energy and why writing lyrics about your audience can be slightly awkward at times.

Tracks discussed: Kinky Lola, Future Lover, Worried Times

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Long Live Life' here.

'Long Live Life' - Square Leg Records Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

Juno 60

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:04 Will Joseph Cook & Hugh Worskett Aug 09, 2017

In this episode of Tape Notes John takes a trip to The Dairy Studios in Brixton to talk to Will Joseph Cook and his producer Hugh Worskett mid-way through recording the album 'Sweet Dreamer'.

The duo discuss their working relationship in the studio and we discover how middle 8 love, early phone demos from English classroom E and Nile Rogers impersonation all played their part in the making of Will Joseph Cook’s debut album.

Tracks discussed: Beach – I Wanna Make You Mine, Girls Like Me, Take Me Dancing

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Sweet Dreamer' here.

'Sweet Dreamer' - Atlantic Records UK, Warner Music Group

Oberheim DMX Drum Machine

GEAR MENTIONS

Melodyne

Roland TR-707

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:03 Sivu & Charlie Andrew Jul 19, 2017

John Kennedy is back at Iguana Studios once more to talk to singer songwriter Sivu and producer Charlie Andrew about their collaboration on Sivu’s second album 'Sweet Sweet Silent'.

From early production meetings in a pub function room, to slinging microphones up in trees by a river in Kent, we learn about the duo’s unique approach to recording and hear the early demos and session audio that documents the journey these songs undertook whilst in the studio.

Tracks discussed: Childhood House, Drastic Change, Sweet Sweet Silent

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Sweet Sweet Silent' here.

'Sweet Sweet Silent' - Square Leg Records Ltd

GEAR MENTIONS

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:02 Django Django & Neil Comber Jul 05, 2017

John Kennedy is joined by Dave Maclean and Neil Comber who reveal the working methods they used in the making of Django Django’s sophomore album 'Born Under Saturn'.

We hear how Dave coped with the transition from the bedroom production of their first album to a residential stint at Angelic studios and how having Neil onboard as producer helped the band develop their sound in this more hi-tech environment.

From wet hand claps to piano mutilation, Dave & Neil uncover the secrets behind the album Born Under Saturn and shine a light on how the world of Django Django is crafted and created.

Tracks discussed: Shake and tremble, High Moon, First Light

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Born Under Saturn' here.

'Born Under Saturn' - Because Music

GEAR MENTIONS

Eventide H3000

OUR GEAR

KEEP UP TO DATE

For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: @tapenotes

Twitter: @tapenotes

Facebook: @tapenotespodcast

YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast

Discord: Tape Notes

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!

Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :)

TN:01 Rosie Lowe & Dave Okumu Jun 18, 2017

Rosie Lowe and her producer Dave Okumu join John Kennedy at Iguana Studios to discuss what went on behind the scenes in the making of her highly acclaimed debut album 'Control'.

We hear the demos that paved the way and how doing the dishes, wetsuits for pianos and Devon rain all contributed to the making of this album. Rosie shares her experience of handing one’s ideas over to another and the trust that allowed her to relinquish control. And Dave gives a us fascinating glimpse of the creative flow that shaped his input to the album and defines his approach to production.

Tracks discussed: Me & Your Ghost, Nicole, Control

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES

Listen to 'Control' here.

'Control' - Wolf Tone Limited, Polydor Records, Universal Music Operations Limited