Episodes
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John is joined by Myles Smith and producer Peter Fenn to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘My Mess, My Heart, My Life’.
Myles Smith is a singer-songwriter from Luton in the UK. Performing at local open mic nights since his teens, he built a loyal fan base and landed a record deal with Sony thanks to cover versions he posted on Tiktok. In 2024, Myles’ single ‘Stargazing’ was a viral hit and has since been streamed over one billion times globally. The momentum of ‘Stargazing’ and other early singles helped establish Myles as one of the UK's most promising new artists. He won 2024’s BBC Introducing Artist of the Year and the BRIT Rising Star Award and is only the second artist, after Lewis Capaldi, to sell out London’s 02 Arena before releasing a debut album. ‘My Mess, My Heart, My Life’, his debut, produced by longtime collaborator Peter Fenn, arrived in June 2026.
Sitting down at Salvation Studios in Brighton, the trio discuss “getting out of the way of the song” as their approach to production on the album and how billion-streaming hit ‘Stargazing’ evolved into something really special in the studio. They explain why they prefer to be “in the box” when it comes to mixing, and reveal how they translated Myles’ original acoustic tracks into anthemic live performances, including “Myles Sauce” vocal techniques! Plus they answer questions from our Patrons!
Tracks discussed: Stargazing, My Mess, Dying Days
LISTEN to ‘My Mess, My Heart, My Life’ - It’s Okay To Feel, Sony Music: My Mess, My Heart, My Life. by Myles Smith
TAPE IT
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TRINITY LABAN
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MUSIVERSAL
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Recorded at Salvation Studios
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Decapitator
Neural Archetype: Cory Wong X
Audiomovers Listento
Hofner Bass
iZotope Vocal Synth 2
Shure SM7B
Neumann U87
Oek Sound Soothe2
Leapwing DynOne
Valhalla Reverb
The God Particle
Waves NS1
UAD Hitsville EQ
UAD 1176
UAD Lexicon Reverb
UAD Capitol Chambers
UAD Spark
UA Apollo
Xfer Serum
Ebow
Soyuz Pencil Mic
Taylor Acoustic Guitars
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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:
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YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
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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!
Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk -
John is joined by Arlo Parks and Baird to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Ambiguous Desire’.
Arlo Parks is an indie-pop singer-songwriter from West London. After uploading demos to BBC Introducing as a teenager, she quickly attracted industry attention. Her debut album, ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’, arrived in 2021, establishing Arlo as one of the defining artists of her generation and earning her the Mercury Prize and two Grammy nominations. Arlo’s third record, the more electronic-focused ‘Ambiguous Desire', was released in April 2026, co-written and produced by Baird, along with additional collaborators Paul Epworth and Sampha.
Sitting down at Strongroom Studios in London, with Baird joining online, Arlo and Baird discuss the “runaway train” of their symbiotic creative process and how they recreated the feel of the club and dancefloor through the record’s distinctive grooves. They share never previously heard freestyles, demos and vocal tracking secrets from the studio, and they answer questions from our Patreon community!
Tracks discussed: Senses, Jetta, Heaven
LISTEN to Ambiguous Desire: Ambiguous Desire by Arlo Parks, Transgressive Records
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.
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TRINITY LABAN
Find out more about Trinity Laban’s new MA in Songwriting.
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
Recorded at Platoon Studios
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Microshift
Electro Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shifter Pedal
Shure SM7B
Melda MAuto Pitch
Boss DS-1 Pedal
Bassment Plugin
Squier Jazz Bass
Spitfire Audio Labs
Roland Juno 106
Ibanez Electro Acoustic Nylon Guitar
Krumar Keyboard
Logic Distortion
Ableton Live
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Discord: Tape Notes
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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!
Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk -
Take our audience survey and enter the draw to win! https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/AudienceSurvey2026/
John is joined by Jack Antonoff of Bleachers to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Everyone for Ten Minutes’.
Jack Antonoff is an American producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. As a producer, he’s widely recognised for helping shape the sound of modern pop through his work with artists including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Alongside his production work, Jack has built a hugely successful career as a musician and songwriter, first rising to prominence with Fun in the early 2010s before founding Bleachers in 2013. Since then, Bleachers have released five studio albums and toured globally, with their latest record, Everyone for Ten Minutes, released in May 2026.
Sitting down at Platoon Studios in London, Jack looks back on the process of bringing the album to life, digging into the recording techniques behind the record and demonstrating different directions the songs could have taken along the way. He also talks about how leading with simplicity became central to the album, answers questions from Patreons, and much more.
Tracks discussed: i’m not joking, we should talk, dancing
LISTEN to Everyone for Ten Minutes - everyone for ten minutes by Bleachers Dirty Hit Recordings
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.
Try the new Tape It Denoiser currently 50% off!
TRINITY LABAN
Find out more about Trinity Laban’s new MA in Songwriting.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
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Recorded at Platoon Studios - Link
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Sountoys Echoboy
Gooshertz Lossy
Shure SM58
TC Helicon
Korg VC10 Vocoder
Roland Space Echo
Ovation Guitars
Moog Model D
Korg M1 Drums
Roland TR-808
Roland Juno-106
WEM Watkins Copicat
Hammond B3
E-mu Systems Sampler
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
Take our audience survey and enter the draw to win! https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/AudienceSurvey2026/
John is joined by Tom Misch to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Full Circle’.
Tom Misch is an English singer-songwriter and producer known for his innovative sound, blending hip-hop beats and soulful vocals along with his distinctive guitar style. His self-recorded debut album ‘Geography’ was a UK top ten hit in 2018, followed by ‘What Kinda Music’, released in 2020, with Yussef Dayes. Tom’s second solo album, ‘Full Circle’, arrived in March 2026.
Sitting down at Strongroom Studios, the two take a deep dive into Tom’s process. They discuss his essential gear for creating guitar sounds and his go-to vocal chain techniques, Tom breaks down three tracks from his album from demos to master and also answers questions from our Patreons, plus much more!
Tracks discussed: Red Moon, Slow Tonight, Days of Us
LISTEN to Full Circle - Full Circle by Tom Misch, AWAL recordings
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.
Try the new Tape It Denoiser currently 50% off!
TRINITY LABAN
Find out more about Trinity Laban’s new MA in Songwriting.
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
Recorded at Strongroom Studios
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Echoboy
Soundtoys Plate Reverb
Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Apogee Duet Interface
Waves Torque
Acustica Audio El Rey Tube Compressor Plugin
Acustica Audio Purple Two
UAD Neve Preamp
Electrovoice RE-20
Moogerfooger Pedal
John Mayer Signature Strat
Gibson Acoustic
Reel to Reel Tape Machine
UAD Plate Reverb
Logic Pro 9 Acoustic Guitar Amo
Logic Liverpool Bass
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
John is joined by Foo Fighters to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Your Favorite Toy’.
Foo Fighters are an American rock band formed by Dave Grohl. Known for their alt-rock anthems driven by melody and personality, they have evolved into one of rock’s biggest and most influential bands. Over the past 20 years, they have released twelve studio albums, won fifteen Grammys, and in 2021 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their twelfth studio album, ‘Your Favorite Toy’, arrived in April 2026.
Sitting down at Metropolis Studios in London, Dave and bassist Nate Mendel break down tracks, all the way from Dave’s demos and early drum patterns through to the final masters. The pair also discuss how they created the distinctive Foo Fighters guitar sounds on ‘Spit Shine’, share stories from recording screaming and Ilan’s perfect flams, and answer questions from our Patrons!
Tracks discussed: Asking For A Friend, Spit Shine, If You Only Knew
LISTEN to Your Favourite Toy: Your Favorite Toy by Foo Fighters, RCA Records.
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.
Try the new Tape It Denoiser currently 50% off!
TRINITY LABAN
Find out more about Trinity Laban’s new MA in Songwriting.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
Recorded at Metropolis Studios
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
API 1608 Console
Neve BCM10
Wizard Amps
Fender Tone master
Hiwatt Amps
Freedman Amps
Trini Lopez Guitar
Moog Theremini
Shure SM58 Microphone
Gibson ES-335
Ludwig Drums
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
John is joined by TOMORA to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album COME CLOSER.
TOMORA are an electronic music duo made up of The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands and AURORA. Both have excelled in their fields: The Chemical Brothers’ ten albums helped define electronic music, while Norwegian artist AURORA’s ethereal songwriting has won her a devoted worldwide following. The duo began collaborating when Aurora featured on The Chemical Brothers’ Grammy Award-winning 2019 album No Geography. In turn, Tom produced parts of AURORA’s What Happened To The Heart? (2024). That led to TOMORA and their debut album COME CLOSER.
Sitting down at Baltic Studios, they discuss creating the album’s distinctive soundscapes and recording AURORA’s striking vocals. They also introduce John to the vintage synthesiser crucial to the album’s sound, plus answer Patreons’ questions!
Tracks discussed: Somewhere Else, I Drink the Light, Come Closer
LISTEN to COME CLOSER by TOMORA, AURORA, The Chemical Brothers
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
Recorded at Baltic - Studio 2
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
DMX 15-80S
Eventide H3000 Harmoniser
Neumann U87 Microphone
Takstar SM-9
Octave-Plateau Voyetra 8
MPC60
Moog System 55
Makenoise DPO
Logic Pro X
E-MU S-1200 Sampler
EMS Synthi AKS
Elektron Monomachine
Cong Burn Strokes
Ableton Live
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
John is joined by Holly Humberstone and Rob Milton to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album Cruel World.
Holly Humberstone is a singer-songwriter from Grantham, England. After early support from BBC Introducing, her debut EP ‘Falling Asleep at the Wheel’ gained widespread attention during the pandemic, earning a BRIT Rising Star win and two Ivor Novello nominations. Her debut album 'Paint My Bedroom Black’, arrived in 2023, and reached the UK top 5, while tours with Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo boosted her global profile. Her second album, Cruel World, was released in April 2026, working with long-time collaborator, producer Rob Milton.
Sitting down at Baltic Studios, the trio discuss the record’s influences, from The 1975 to Fleetwood Mac. They break down ‘To Love Somebody’ from early voice notes to final master, explore harmony techniques on ‘Cruel World’, and Holly reflects on how industry pressures shaped ‘Beauty Pageant’, alongside sharing their essential plug-ins and gear.
Tracks discussed: To Love Somebody, Cruel World, Beauty Pageant
LISTEN to Cruel World here - Cruel World by Holly Humberstone, Polydor Records
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
Recorded at Baltic - Studio 2
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer
The God Particle (Plugin) by Cradle
Soundtoys Decapitator
Sequential Prophet 5 Synthesizer
Arturia DX-7
Soundtoys PanMan
Pocket Piano
Critter & Guitari Organelle
Splice
AMS RMX16 Reverb
Rotor Solo Cello plugin
Korg ARP 2600 M
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
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 Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds, digging into their 2020 record, 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible'.
EPISODE NOTES
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
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to 'Nothing is True & Everything is Possible' here.
'Nothing is True & Everything is Possible' - SO Recordings/Silva Screen Records Limited
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Ableton
Akai MPC Sampler
Arp 2600
Arturia Synth Emulators
Chandler REDD Microphone
Farfisa
Kemper Profiler Rack
LOMO Channel Strip
Native Instruments Massive
Roland Jupiter 6
Sound Guru Mangle Plugin
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
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John sits down with Imogen Heap to talk about how she wrote, recorded and produced the EP IAM _ _ _.
Imogen Heap is a British composer, artist, and producer, widely regarded as a pioneer in electronic pop and music technology. Over the years, her music has evolved from alternative to electronica, producing acclaimed albums such as Speak for Yourself and Ellipse, and collaborating with artists including Taylor Swift and Jon Hopkins. She consistently integrates technology into her practice, developing innovations like the Mi.Mu gloves and Mogen, an AI voice model that plays a central role in her 2025 EP ‘I AM__’.
Joining Imogen at her Hideaway Studio, the conversation covers everything from her visceral experiences with noise music artists, to her pioneering use of AI and the latest developments with Mogen, exploring how technology continues to shape her creative process and collaborations.
Tracks discussed: What Have You Done To Me?, Noise, Aftercare
LISTEN to IAM _ _ _ here: I AM __ by Imogen Heap, Megaphonic Records
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Soma Lyra
Wave Arts Panorama 7
Native Instruments Massive
Euroracks
Ableton Live
Antares Autotune
Avid Pro Tools
Splice
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
John is joined once again by Fred Gibson, better known as Fred again.., to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album USB.
Fred Gibson is an award-winning British songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose musical journey began collaborating with legendary producer Brian Eno at just 16. Since then Fred has established himself as a globally successful solo artist.
Alongside his studio output, from his acclaimed ‘Actual Life’ trilogy to the record ‘ten days’ Fred’s live shows have become global events, from Glastonbury to arena-scale collaborations, notably alongside FourTet and Skrillex, while his evolving USB project culminated in sold-out international performances and four homecoming shows at London’s Alexandra Palace in 2026.
Sitting down once again at Fred’s house, Fred and John discuss the unlikely inspirations behind the songs on USB, sharing his advice for aspiring musicians and producers, the gear essential to his process and much more! Plus Fred answers questions from our Patreon subscribers!
Tracks discussed: solo, ..FEISTY, HARDSTYLE 2
LISTEN to USB here - USB by Fred again..,
Atlantic Records
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Waves SoundShifter
Native Instruments Reaktor 6
Celemony Melodyne
Xfer Records Serum 2
Fruityloops (FL Studio)
LHI Audio ST4b
Soundtoys FilterFreak
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro Retro Synth
Apple Logic Pro Chromaverb
Apple Logic Pro Overdrive saturator
Apple Logic Pro Spring Box delay pedal
Apple Logic Pro Tremolo effect
Apple Logic Pro ES2
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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 -
In this episode, John is joined by Mumford & Sons and producer Aaron Dessner to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Prizefighter’.
Mumford & Sons are a British folk-rock band made up of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, who rose to global fame with their banjo-driven folk rock, earning BRIT and Grammy success with the records ‘Sigh No More’ and ‘Babel’. Their latest album, ‘Prizefighter', was co-written and co-produced with Aaron Dessner, and features collaborations with Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Gigi Perez and Chris Stapleton, with the band embracing a new creative freedom in the process.
Sitting down with Marcus at his Scarlet Pimpernel studio, John and the band discuss how the album unexpectedly grew out of collaboration, and how the process left them feeling more creatively free than ever. They also dig into why the right mic isn’t always the most expensive one, Aaron’s techniques for recording guitars, how they created the album’s distinctive synth sounds and much more!
Tracks discussed: Here, Prizefighter, Conversation With My Son (Gangsters & Angels)
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.
LISTEN to ‘Prizefighter’ here - Prizefighter by Mumford & Sons
‘Island/Gentlemen of the Road'
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Tech 21 CompTortion
Waterfall B3 Organ
Mellotron
Siemens WSW Console
Neve Console
Erica Synths Black Spring Reverb
Gibson Firebird
Gibson J45
Shure SM7B
Sequential Prophet
French Connection
Neumann U47
Neve 1064 Preamp
Neve 1073 Preamp
Neve 1066 Preamp
Lisson Grove R-124 Compressor
Roland Juno-60
Optigan
Neumann M49
Cubase
Logic Pro
Avid Pro Tools
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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.
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John sits down with Danny L Harle to discuss how he wrote, recorded and produced the album Cerulean.
Danny L Harle is a British producer, artist and composer. One of the most sought-after songwriters and producers in music today, he has worked with numerous artists including Caroline Polachek, Florence and the Machine and Dua Lipa. Danny began releasing solo electronic music in 2013 on A.G. Cook’s label PC Music, with his debut album Harlecore arriving in 2021. Cerulean, Danny’s second album, was released in February 2026. Featuring collaborations with Caroline Polachek, PinkPatheress, Clairo, Oklou and others, the album distils his signature mix of rave energy, classical harmony and hyper-detailed production.
Sitting down at Premises Studios, the two discuss how Danny programs synths to convey human elements and emotions, his favourite plug-ins of all time, collaborating with Clairo and PinkPantheress on Cerulean, plus much more!
Tracks discussed: Laa, Facing Away (Ft. Clairo), Starlight (Ft. PinkPantheress)
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.
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘Cerulean’ here.
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Reaktor 6
Reaktor Steam Pipe 2
Fabfilter Pro-R 2
Native Instruments Razor
Rhizomatic Software Synthesis Plasmonic
LennarDigital Sylenth
Sonic Kick 3
Native Instruments Massive
Rob Pappen Predator
Fabfilter Pro-Q 4
Oeksound Soothe 2
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Discord: Tape Notes
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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! Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk -
John is joined by English musician, songwriter, producer and DJ Emma-Jean Thackray to talk about how she wrote, recorded and produced the album Weirdo.
Emma-Jean Thackray is a musical polymath whose creative approach was shaped by playing in brass bands as a child in West Yorkshire and studying jazz composition and performance at university. Her 2021 debut album 'Yellow' topped the UK Jazz Albums Chart and won Jazz FM Album of the Year. Her second album, 'Weirdo', followed in 2025 and was nominated for that year’s Mercury Prize. Entirely written, recorded, performed and produced by Emma-Jean, the record ultimately became a deeply personal grief diary following the sudden death of her partner.
Sitting down at Strongroom Studios in London, Emma-Jean and John delve into how to make yourself like a whole band when you’re just one artist in a room, including layering and techniques for vocal recording and processing. Emma-Jean talks about exploring death and grief musically on ‘Maybe Nowhere’, being a perfectionist, and why a distortion pedal is the most highly insured piece she owns!
Tracks discussed: Wanna Die, Save Me, Maybe Nowhere
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.
Recorded at Strongroom Studios
QUBE
Find out more about Qube membership here.
MAKE NOISE PRO AUDIO
Use the code TAPENOTES10 for 10% off all Franklin Audio products at makenoiseproaudio.com
LISTEN to ‘Weirdo’ here - https://lynkify.in/album/weirdo/XTgkV1p8
Warner Music UK Limited and Brownswood Music Limited
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Valhalla Super Massive
Valhalla Plugins
Prophet 5 V Soft Synth
dbx 160 Compressor
Telefunken ELA M Mic
Moog
Ampeg Bass Amp
Fender P-Bass
Bidirectional Ribbon Mics (Coles 4038)
Boss RE202 Space Echo
Fender Semi Hollow Telecaster
Fender Blues Junior
Roland SH-101
Fender Rhodes
Neve 1073 Clone
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Discord: Tape Notes
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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!
Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk -
John sits down with Artemas and producer Toby Daintree to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘LOVERCORE’.
Artemas is an English artist and producer. As a teenager he taught himself music production and soon began releasing his dark, alternative pop music, inspired by grunge and new wave sounds. The viral hit ‘if u think i’m pretty’, released in 2024, made him a global star and he released mixtapes ‘pretty’ and ‘yustyna’ the same year. 2024 also saw Artemas’s second viral success with ‘i like the way you kiss me’, which was number one in eight countries. Artemas’s fourth release, ‘LOVERCORE’, with longtime collaborator and producer Toby Daintree, arrived in October 2025.
In this episode, John is joined by Artemas and Toby Daintree at Baltic Studios. The trio discuss techniques for processing vocals and samples. They reveal their top plugins and other software they use to create Artemas’s distinctive sound. They also break down the track ‘i like the way you kiss me’ from its earliest beginnings to Tiktok viral hit.
Tracks discussed: if u think i'm pretty, I like the way you kiss me, take it easy on me
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.
Recorded at Baltic Studios.
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘Lovercore’ here.
‘Artemas’
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
SoundToys Decapitator
SoundToys Echoboy
Waves Vocal Doubler
Slate Digital Fresh Air
Zynaptiq Pitchmap
Oeksound Soothe 2
Xfer Serum
Arturia Mello-Fi
UAD SSL Bus Compressor
UAD Moog Minimoog
UAD PolyMAX
UAD Brigade Chorus
UA Apollo
XLN Audio RC-20
Sonic Academy ANA 2.5 Software Synthesizer
Omnisphere
PORTAL by Output
Telefunken ELA M251E
Fender Rhodes
Sequential Prophet
Korg Opsix
Neumann TLM 103
Genelec 8010
CapCut
Ableton Live
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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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!
Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk -
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 Rina Sawayama and producer Clarence Clarity.
EPISODE NOTES
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
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to 'Sawayama' here.
'Sawayama' - Dirty Hit
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Ableton
Sontronics Saturn
Soundelux U99
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
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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!
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 -
In this special Xmas episode, John is joined by Adam Buxton and producer Joe Mount to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album Buckle Up.
Adam Buxton is a podcaster, actor, comedian and musician, best known for his long-running, award-winning Adam Buxton Podcast. Since launching in 2015, he’s become one of the UK’s most popular podcasters, with guests ranging from Paul McCartney to Tom Hanks. He’s also appeared in films including Hot Fuzz and Stardust, and published two acclaimed memoirs. With his popular jingles at the heart of segments on his podcast and mid-2000s radio show, Adam began work on his debut record Buckle Up in 2022, enlisting Metronomy’s Joe Mount as producer.
Sitting down at Strongroom Studios, Adam and Joe dig into the sounds and ideas behind Buckle Up, exploring how to balance comedy with more serious songwriting, and why stripping back production can help reveal something more authentic.
Tracks discussed: Dancing in The Middle, My Feelings, Skip This Track, Tea Towel
GEAR GIVEAWAY COMPETITION
Join the Christmas Giveaway on the Tape Notes Patreon Page
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.
QUBE
Get 20% off at Qube Studio: https://www.theqube.com/
MAKENOISE PRO AUDIO
Get 20% off all Franklin Audio products at https://makenoiseproaudio.com/
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘Buckle Up’ here: https://lynkify.in/album/buckle-up/RmIMrCSB
Decca Records
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
The God Particle
Soniccouture
Native Instruments
Roland System 100
Yamaha NS-10 Speakers
Yamaha QY-20
Yamaha QY-70
Yamaha QY-100
Fender Stratocaster
Tupperware
Logic Pro
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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:
Patreon: Tape Notes
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Instagram: @tapenotes
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To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, 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 -
John is joined by Haim and producer Rostam Batmanglij to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘I Quit’.
Haim are an American pop-rock band from Los Angeles, made up of multi-instrumentalist sisters Danielle, Este and Alana Haim. Playing together in their family band growing up, they formed Haim in 2007 and released their debut EP, ‘Forever’, in 2012.
Their debut album, ‘Days Are Gone’, arrived in 2013 and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Their follow-up records, 2017’s ‘Something to Tell You’ and 2020’s ‘Women in Music Pt. III’, both received widespread critical acclaim, with ‘Women in Music Pt. III’ also securing a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Haim released their fourth album, ‘I Quit’, in June this year, once again collaborating with longtime producer Rostam.
In this episode, John is joined by Danielle and Rostam, from Rostam’s LA studio where much of the album was recorded. The trio discuss everything from garageband demos to recording and reamping drums, as well as techniques for producing Haim’s distinctive vocals and being influenced by multiple genres and sounds.
Tracks discussed: Relationships, Down to be wrong, Now it’s time, Everybody’s trying to figure me out
GEAR GIVEAWAY COMPETITION
Join the Christmas Giveaway on the Tape Notes Patreon Page
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.
QUBE
Get 20% off at Qube Studio: https://www.theqube.com/
MAKENOISE PRO AUDIO
Get 20% off all Franklin Audio products at https://makenoiseproaudio.com/
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘I Quit’ here: I quit by HAIM,
Polydor Records
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
D16 Repeater Delay
Waves Soundshifter Plugin
E-Mu Emulator ii Vintage Synth
Solaris Synth
Universal Audio AMS-DMX
Roland Juno
Gretsch Round Badge Drums
Ludwig Steel Snare
SPL Transient Designer
Korg Trident
Eventide Harmonizer
UnderToneAudio Unfairchild
Korg A5 Multi-Effects Pedalboard
E-Bow
Oberheim OB-8 Synthesiser
Electro-Voice RE20
RCA KU-3A Vintage
Arturia Mellotron
GarageBand
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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:
Patreon: Tape Notes
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Instagram: @tapenotes
Discord: Tape Notes
To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, 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 -
John is joined by Parcels to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced the album “LOVED”.
Parcels are an Australian electropop band consisting of Jules Crommelin, Louie Swain, Noah Hill, Patrick Hetherington and Anatole Serret. After moving from Australia to Berlin, Parcels signed a deal with French label Kitsuné. However, it was their collaboration with seminal dance duo Daft Punk, who produced their 2017 single “Overnight”, that led to their breakthrough. Since then the band have released three studio albums, their self-titled debut in 2018, and the ambitious double LP ‘Day/Night’, in 2021. Parcels’ third album “LOVED”, released in September 2025, draws on the five-piece’s eclectic music taste, taking their signature disco sound in new directions.
In this episode, John is joined by Jules and Patrick in LA. The trio discuss the band’s early years busking in Australia, being inspired by 2000s pop songs in their youth, Parcels’ techniques for creating their signature multi-track vocal harmonies and how their vocals and instrumentation are designed to make songs sound like memories.
Tracks discussed: Tobeloved, Ifyoucall, Iwanttobeyourlightagain
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.
QUBE
Get 20% off at Qube Studio: https://www.theqube.com/
MAKENOISE PRO AUDIO
Get 20% off all Franklin Audio products at https://makenoiseproaudio.com/
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘LOVED’ HERE: LOVED by Parcels
‘ Because Music SAS’
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Korg M1
Shure SM7B
Logic Pro
Wurlitzer
Moog Synth
Roland Juno
Neumann U87
Roland SH-101
Fender Rhodes
Critter & Guitari Organelle
Shure SM57
Neumann U67
Valhalla Reverbs
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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:
Patreon: Tape Notes
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Instagram: @tapenotes
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To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, 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 -
John is joined by Scottish musician and producer Sam Gellaitry.
Described as “your favourite producer’s favourite producer”, Sam’s innovative, genre-blending electronic music and superb production skills have earned him a loyal fan following and industry respect over the past decade.
Sam signed his first deal, with XL Recordings, at just 18. While early EPs were purely instrumental, Sam started to incorporate his own vocals on fifth EP, IV (2021). The track ‘Assumptions’ from the EP became his biggest hit to date, reaching No. 5 on the US Dance Chart. In 2022, Sam’s collaboration with Pink Pantheress, ‘Picture in my Mind’, brought him to mainstream attention. The same year, he released his mixtape VF VOL II and was named by EDM as one of the 10 best producers of the year. Sam has toured extensively with artists including Kaytranada and Justice whilst continuing to release singles and selling out a multiple-night residency at cult London club Phonox. Sam’s debut album, ‘ANYWHERE HERE IS PERFECT’ was released on 7th November 2025.
Sitting down at Baltic Studios in London, Sam talks John through how the gear he uses has evolved over the years and the bespoke approaches he takes to create his unique, 80s-influenced sound. Sam talks about how having synaesthesia (experiencing music as colours) since childhood has been central to his creative process, his techniques for producing vocals and string sounds on the album, and much more!
Tracks discussed: ON&ON, DON’T TRY, YOU MIGHT FIND THE ONE
Recorded at Baltic - Studio 1
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.
LANDR
Get 20% off LANDR Distribution and Studio at landr.com/tapenotes
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘ANYWHERE HERE IS PERFECT’ here
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Reason Studios
Ableton Live
Magix Acid Pro
Audacity
FL Studio
UVI Falcon
UVI Vintage Vault
NI Kontakt
RME Babyface
RME UFX ii
Shure SM58
Neve 1073
Brusfri Klevgrand
Neumann U87
Furman power supply
Antares Autotune
Klevgrand Korvpressor
Klevgrand De-Esser
Soundtoys Echoboy
Emu Emulator 2
Digitech Talker
Sequential OB-6
Moog One
Moog Matriarch
Fender Mustang
Fender Jaguar
Fender Mustang Bass
EastWest Quantum Leap
Virharmonic Bohemian Violin
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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:
Patreon: Tape Notes
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Instagram: @tapenotes
Discord: Tape Notes
To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, 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 -
John is joined by Kae Tempest and Fraser T. Smith to discuss how they wrote and recorded the album “Self-Titled”.
Kae Tempest is an English recording artist and author. He began his career performing at open mic nights around London, quickly gaining a reputation for his powerful lyrical performances blending rap and spoken word poetry. Between 2008 and 2012 he toured internationally with his band Sound of Rum, launching a solo career with debut album ‘Everybody Down’ in 2014. It and second album ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’, released in 2015, were both nominated for the Mercury Prize. Kae has since released three further solo albums, including BRIT Award-nominated ‘The Line Is A Curve’. Kae is widely recognised as one of the UK alternative scene’s most essential voices, acclaimed for his exceptional lyricism and acute social commentary. Both are particularly evident on his fifth studio album, ‘Self Titled’, released earlier this year. ‘Self-Titled’ is Kae’s first collaboration with multi-award winning UK producer, songwriter and musician Fraser T. Smith.
The trio sit down at Fraser’s studio, Utopia, where the album was written and recorded, to discuss developing creative harmony working together for the first time, the process of building a song using ProTools, the influence of drum textures and bass sounds on the record, how one creative choice can completely change the direction of a track and much more.
Tracks discussed: Statue In The Square, Forever, Till Morning
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.
LANDR
Get 20% off LANDR Distribution and Studio at landr.com/tapenotes
MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your discount HERE
LISTEN to ‘Self Titled’ here - Self Titled by Kae Tempest
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://lynkify.in/song/sunshine-buddy/YT47TLFI
GEAR MENTIONS
Ableton Live
Avid Pro Tools
Soundtoys Phase Mistress
Valhalla reverb
XLN RC-20 Retro Colour
Akai MPC4000
Akai MPC-X
Steven Slate Trigger
Oeksound Soothe 2
Soundtoys FilterFreak
AMS RMX16
Roland SH-101
Boss RE-202 Space Echo Pedal
Moog Voyager
Soundtoys Decapitator
Pultec EQP-1A
Mellotron
Shure SM7B
Manley Gold microphone
Tubetech CL 1B
Undertone Audio Unfairchild
Eventide H3000 Harmoniser
Eventide MicroPitch
Undertone Audio MPDI-4
Waves H-Delay
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Patreon: Tape Notes
Discord: Tape Notes
To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, slide into our DMs, message us on Patreon, 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 - Show more
