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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘In The End It Always Does’ here.  Dirty Hit Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Output Portal Soundtoys PrimalTap Spectrasonics Omnisphere Xfer Serum Moog One 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 :)  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 Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer/Editors Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tape Notes

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

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘The Ballad of Darren’ here   Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Eventide H3000 U47 Mic Neve 1073 Preamp Neve Desk TON-1501 Analog Strings Synthesizer Powertran Transcendent 2000 Coles 4038 Mics Mellotron Whurli Clavinet Fender Amps Semler Amps Garageband 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 :)  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 Videographer - Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:119 Blur & James Ford

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us! Instagram Twitter Listen to ‘Is It?’ here. Island, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Korg Volca Beat CR78 Drum Machine Shure SM57 Shure SM58 EchoPlex Roland Space Echo RE-201 Teenage Engineering OP1 Eventide H3000 Ultra Harmoniser 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 :)  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 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. TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:118 Ben Howard and Bullion

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘21st Century Liability’ here. Locomotion Recordings, Geffen Records, Interscope Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Waves CLA Vocals UAD Compressors Logic Compressor Addictive Drums Gibson B25 1964 Fender Strat 1963 Martin Guitars 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 :)  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 Videographer - Herbie Elton-Rowley Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:117 YUNGBLUD & Mati Schwartz

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Evolve’ here EMI, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Sonorous PaulXStretch Oszillos Mega Scope Xfer LFO Tool Thermionic Culture Vulture Emulation Clariphonic DSP MkII Korg M1 Piano VST Valhalla Shimmer Celemony Melodyne Akaizer Spitfire Strings Xfer Serum ROMpler Instrument Reese Bass Roland Juno 60 Shure SM58 Neumann U87 Apple AirPods Max Cubase Ableton 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 :)  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 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. TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:116 Sub Focus

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Thanks to Strongroom Studios for having us! Instagram Twitter Listen to ‘PARTY GATOR PURGATORY’ here. Bella Union Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Logic Pro X Garageband Yeti Microphone 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 :)  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 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 TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:115 Temps (James Acaster)

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘The Hum’ here. Warp Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS FabFilter Pro Q Soundtoys PrimalTap Soundtoys DevilLoc UAD Fairchild Plugins UAD 1176 UAD LA2A K-Devices Plugins ARP 2600 Cirklon Sequencer Roland TR-808 Korg Maxi-Korg Synth Hohner Clavinet Philicorda Beezneez Microphones Melodium Ribbon Mic Shure SM7B Gibson ES-125 Guitar Burns Bass Ebow Mutron Auto Wah Mutron Phasor Eventide H3000 Chorus Space Station Reverb Grampian Spring Reverb MicMix Master Room Reverb MR-II Selmer 60s Fuzz Altec Preamp Tascam 4TRK J37 Tape Machine Nagra Tape Machine Studer Desk 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 :)  Donate 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 :)  Donate TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Videographer - Andy Tindall Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:114 James Ellis Ford

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Piano Republik’ here. Because Music Listen to ‘Wasted’ here. Mad Decent, Columbia, Sony Listen to ‘Elastic Heart’ here. RCA Records, Sony Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Fab Filter Plugins Serum Synth Synplant Celemony Melodyne Serato Sampler Native Instruments Massive Algoriddim Neural Mix Output Arcade Shure Mics Teenage Engineering OP1 Operator Synth Roland TB-303 Akai MPC3000 Whurlitzer Ableton Mellotron Preset Ableton Sampler Ableton Magix Sound Forge  Cool Edit Pro Logic Pro Splice 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 :)  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 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 TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Young Hearts’ here. Stones Throw Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Fab Filter Pro Q3 Oek Sound Soothe Valhalla Chorus Goodhertz Midside Goodhertz Vulf Compressor Eventide Instant Phaser Plugin Eventide Instant Phaser Outboard Oliver Samples Packs Beyerdynamic M500 Mic Altec Outboard Mixer Roland TR-55 Rhythm King Drum Machine Yamaha CP-70 Hofner Club 50 Stylophone Whurlitzer Ableton Ableton Drum Buss - Stock Plugin Splice 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 :)  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 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 TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TN:112 Benny Sings & Kenny Beats

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘When The Lights Go’ here. Nice Age Music Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Soundtoys Microshift TAL-U-NO-LX Synth Arturia Farfisa Plugin ToneBoosters Reelbus XFER OTT (Free) Celemony Melodyne Korg Minilogue Korg PolySix Plugin Boss Delay Pedal Shure SM7B Warm Audio Microphones Sequential OB-6 Sequential Prophet 8 Yamaha CP-80 Fairlight CMI Buchla Synth Fender Rhodes Spitfire Audio Labs Strings 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 :)  Donate 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 :)  Donate 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:111 Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Best Day of My Life’ here. UROK, mtheory Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Soundtoys Little Alterboy 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 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 :)  Donate 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 :)  Donate 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:110 Tom Odell & Laurie Blundell

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 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   linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’ here. Jasmine Records, PMR, Universal   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   GEAR MENTIONS Decimort Bit Crusher GEM Dopamine Plugin Native Instruments Transient Designer 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 Valhalla Reverbs Xfer OTT Compressor Korg MS20 LinnDrum Oberheim OB6 Roland Juno Roland TR-909 Drum Machine Sequential Prophet 5 ZenDelay Pedal U87 Microphone Logic Logic ES1 Splice   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 :)  Donate   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 :)  Donate 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:109 SG Lewis (Live)

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘CHARLIE’ here. Atlantic Records   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   GEAR MENTIONS Waves NS1 Noise Suppressor 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 Oliver Sample Pack Roland D-50 Synth Roland TR-808 Roland Juno 60 Splice Casio Keyboard Rhodes   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 :)  Donate   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 :)  Donate 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:108 Charlie Puth

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   linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Five Seconds Flat’ here. Harbour Artists and Music, AWAL   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   GEAR MENTIONS Philip’s Can of Mixed Nuts Casio SK1 Korg CR4 Audio Technica Boundary Mics AKG C414 U47 Microphone Martin 00-17 Guitar Martin Guitars Nord Keyboard Rubber Bridge Guitar SSL Compressor Tree Audio Branch II   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 :)  Donate   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 :)  Donate 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

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 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   linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘Demon Time’ here. Anchor Point Records, Polydor, Universal Music   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONS Soundiron Elysium Harp Arturia Analog Lab Moog DFAM Soyuz Microphones Hoover Synth Sound Ableton Operator Synth   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 :)  Donate 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 :)  Donate   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

Tape Notes is a podcast about the art and craft of music production. Hosted by John Kennedy, each episode reunites an artist and producer to talk about the highlights of their collaboration in the studio. Their conversations lift the lid on every stage of the creative process, from kindling the first spark of a song idea, through decisions on style and instrumentation, to finessing the final product. Full of fascinating anecdotes, the conversations also feature early demo versions and stems from the original session recordings. The result is a unique insight into the working methods of some of the most innovative and exciting talents in music.

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Tape Notes

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