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

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Show notes

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

Soundtoys Little Alterboy

GEAR MENTIONS

Soundtoys Crystallizer

Soundtoys Effect Rack

Serato Sampler

Antares Autotune

Valhalla Vintage Verb

Sony C800

Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor

Neve Preamp 1073

Coles 4038 Microphones

How To Do Nothing - Jenny Odell

UAD Pultec Passive EQ

Steinway Pianos

OUR GEAR

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Show notes

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

Soundtoys Little Alterboy

UAD API 20500 Compressor

UAD Tape Emulation

Waves CLA Guitar Plugin

Waves H Delay

Waves Doubler

Waves API 2500 Compressor

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:

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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!

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:108 Charlie Puth Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

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

Soundtoys Decapitator

U-he Diva

Antares Auto-Tune

Native Instruments Kontakt Pre-Bass

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:

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Show notes

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

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:106 Mura Masa Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

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

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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!

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:105 Fred Again.. Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

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

Logic Pro X

Ableton

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

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Twitter: @tapenotes

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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!

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:104 FKJ Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

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

Native Instruments Kontakt

Soundtoys Radiator

Soundtoys Little Plate

Soundtoys Echoboy

Soundtoys Filter Freak

WMD Chimera Percussion Module

Ableton

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:

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Show notes

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 Decapitator

Soundtoys Tremolator

Soundtoys Echoboy

Soundtoys Little AlterBoy

Valhalla Vintage Verb

Mellotron

Fabfilter Plugins

Goodhertz Lossy Plugin

Teenage Engineering OP1

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:

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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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:101 The 1975 Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

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