Episodes
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John catches up with Bob Vylan and producer Jonny Breakwell to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the ‘Humble As The Sun’.
Bob Vylan, a grime and punk rock duo who emerged in 2017. Despite facing resistance for their provocative themes on racism and inequality, they gained a loyal following. Their albums, 2020’s ‘We Live Here’ and 2022’s ‘Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life’ earned critical acclaim, and saw the duo win Best Alternative Act at the MOBO Awards. Their latest, ‘Humble as the Sun,’ sees the duo flex their musical muscles, drawing on soul, drill, and punk, brought together with their trademark intensity.
Chatting in Miloco’s The Pool Studio, where some of the album was recorded, the conversation includes insights into navigating the independent artist landscape and the pivotal moments balancing personal and musical life. The pair also reflect on the process of refining Bobby's initial demos into polished tracks, exploring the production techniques that enhance the depth and character of the band’s sound.
Tracks discussed: Humble As The Sun, Reign, Makes Me Violent
TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Humble As The Sun’ here.
Ghost Theatre
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
FabFilter Saturn 2
FabFilter Pro Q3
Soundtoys Radiator
Boz Labs Big Clipper
Native Instruments Battery
Native Instrument Kontakt
Native Instruments Massive
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
Valhalla Delay
Seventh Heaven Reverb
Plugin Alliance Black Box
Waves CLA Compressor
Ableton Overdrive Plugin
UAD Apollo
Leslie Rotating Speaker
SE Electronics SE2200 Condenser Microphone
AKG414 Microphone
BeesNeez Arabella Microphone
Lomo 19A19 Microphone
Shure KSM353 Ribbon Mic
Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Mic Pre
Culture Vulture Distortion
Neve one of a kind Distortion Unit (Marshall Studios)
Neve 80’s series desk (Marshall Studios)
Marshall Jaguar Amp
OUR GEAR
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, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant
Jonathon Coughlin - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John catches up with English rock band The Libertines to discuss how they wrote and recorded their latest album ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’.
The Libertines formed in 1997 and shot to fame with their debut album, 'Up the Bracket,' becoming pillars of the British indie/alternative resurgence of the early 2000s.
Thirty years after their careers started, they have unveiled their fourth studio album, 'All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade,' primarily recorded at their studio, The Albion Rooms, in Margate, with producer Dimitri Tikovoï.
Sitting down with frontmen Carl Barat and Peter Doherty, the pair discuss their song writing process from idea to finished album. As well as sharing exclusive insights into the evolution of the Libertines’ recording process, we hear demos and ideas from their early days writing together up to recent studio time in Jamaica.
Tracks discussed: Run Run Run, Merry Old England, & Shiver
TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’ here
Libertines Recording Limited, Universal Music Operations, EMI
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
1957 NY Epiphone Casino Guitar
Gibson J45 Guitar
Marshall Amps
Whurli
The Albion Rooms Gear
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, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant
Jonathon Coughlin - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Missing episodes?
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John catches up with producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Antonoff of Bleachers to discuss how he wrote, recorded, and produced the band’s latest album ‘Bleachers’.
Having grown up performing, song writing, and producing bands throughout his teenage years, Jack first saw mainstream success as part of the band Fun, and their global hit track ‘We Are Young’. Since then, he has gone on to co-write and produce records for some of the biggest artists of the past decade, including Lorde, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, and Taylor Swift. Among his numerous awards and accolades, he was named Producer of the Year at the Grammys for three consecutive years.
Throughout the conversation Jack discusses his song writing process, from stories of the studio magic that occurs when picking up random instruments, to the unusual mixing and panning techniques he uses to help make parts feel big (rather than actually being big).
Tracks discussed: Call Me After Midnight, Jesus Is Dead, We’re Going To Know Each Other Forever
TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Bleachers’ here .
Dirty Hit
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Waves Morphoder - https://geni.us/XTO8Bx
Soundtoys Tremolator - https://geni.us/bAB3sa
Soundtoys FilterFreak - https://geni.us/X6uk
Soundtoys Little AlterBoy - https://geni.us/o8nbO
Izotope VocalSynth - https://geni.us/ZIbW
Roland Juno - https://geni.us/tEKxqpC
Moog Synths - https://geni.us/EzWqBu
Korg M1 - https://geni.us/GnnNmU8
Ebow - https://geni.us/FnQRXYG
Teenage Engineering OP1 - https://geni.us/dg6C9
Chandler TH2 Preamp/DI - https://geni.us/kwoYxl
OUR GEAR
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, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. This selection is our conversation with Alt-J’s Joe and Gus, along with producer Charlie Andrew, recorded back in February 2019.
EPISODE NOTES
In this episode John is joined by Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman from Alt-J, and producer Charlie Andrew to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'RELAXER'.
The trio give a fascinating account of the thought processes and production techniques used in the recording of RELAXER.
Hear how a friend's pavlovian response to the smell of burning wood, the Gus whistle test, and swearing at an old school master all left their mark on the band's third album.
Tracks discussed: 3WW, House of the Rising Sun, Pleader
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to 'RELAXER' here.
'RELAXER' - alt-J, Infectious Music Ltd., a BMG Company
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Akai MPC Sampler
Melodyne
Moog
Roland Juno 60
Soundtoys Echoboy
Soundtoys Decapitator
Teenage Engineering OP1
UAD Plugins
Waves Plugins
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
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
In this episode, John sits down with singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, delving into the creative process behind his album ‘Djesse Vol. 4,’ the concluding instalment in his four-part ‘Djesse’ album series.
Jacob first shot to fame in 2013 when videos of his complex vocal arrangements went viral on YouTube. Three years later, he released his debut album ‘In My Room’, written and recorded entirely from his family home. In 2018, Jacob set to work on Djesse, a four-volume, 50-song, album series featuring collaborations with artists around the world, which to date has earned him 6 Grammy nominations.
Throughout the conversation, Jacob shares his original demos and discusses his approach to fusing such a plethora of musical genres, from rap and gospel, to dance and Kpop. He also discusses the collaborations that shaped the album, with artists including Chris Martin, Lindsay Loomis, and Willow Smith, as well as his audiences from live shows around the world.
Tracks discussed: Over You, 100,000 Voices, Cinnamon Crush
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Djesse Vol. 4’ here .
Hajanga Records, Interscope Records/Decca, Universal Music Operations Limited
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Little Alterboy
Oek Sound Soothe
Xfer LFO Tool
Gladiator Synth
AKG C414
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Customised by Klaus Heyne
Sony MX4000 Headphones
Native Instruments
Taylor 5 String Guitar (custom)
Strandberg Guitars Electric 5 String
Mandocello
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, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John catches up with Declan McKenna to talk about his latest album ‘What Happened To The Beach?’
Declan McKenna first saw mainstream success in 2015 following the release of his debut single ‘Brazil’ and winning Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent prize. While blending topics of politics and social issues with his indie-pop sound through his first two albums, ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ introduces us to a new world, this time looking inward and drawing on Declan’s personal growth as a musician.
As well as opening up his hugely varied bag of demos, musical sketches, and jam sessions, Declan shares stories of his time working in the studio with producer Luca Buccellati, talking through the unusual sounds and fantasy locations that inspired his writing.
Tracks discussed: Mulholland’s Dinner & Wine, Breath of Light, Mezzanine
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ here.
Sony Music Entertainment
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Little Alterboy
MWFX The Judder Pedal
Roland Juno 60
Shure SM7B
Mellotron
Electro Harmonix MEL9 Pedal
Acoustasonic Guitars
Logic auto-wah
Logic Pro X
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
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. The first selection is our chat with Dave Bayley (Glass Animals) from summer 2018.
EPISODE NOTES
John ventures up to Dave Bayley’s new home studio in London Fields to talk about how Glass Animals’ debut album ZABA was recorded and produced.
We hear how Dave conjured up the band’s unique style through many late night sessions in his bedroom when he should’ve been studying for medical school. He reveals his producer hero’s and an insatiable appetite for data collection, creating his own sound world through sampling every sound imaginable.
Dave guides us through a fascinating breakdown of Gooey – from an early voice demo recorded on his phone to the finished article and we learn some of his trade secrets along the way.
Tracks featured: Gooey, Hazey, Toes
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to 'ZABA' here.
'ZABA' - Wolf Tone Limited
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Audio-Technica AT4040
Fender Deluxe 57
Laney VC20
Marshall Stack
Rob Papen Albino Synth
Roland Jupiter 6
Shure SM57
Soundtoys Decapitator
Soundtoys Microshift
Soundtoys Alter Boy
UAD Amp Emulators
Vox AC30
Waves Kramer
Ableton
Ableton Spectrum Plugin
ProTools
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
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John links up with hyper-pop royalty, Laura Les and Dylan Brady, aka 100 gecs, to talk about their latest album ‘10,000 gecs’.
100 gecs first broke onto the scene with their debut album ‘1000 gecs’ in 2019. Capturing attention online and amongst music fans, the innovative record was described as ‘one of the year's most fascinating, exhilarating experimental pop albums’. Their second studio album ‘10,000 gecs’, released in 2023, sees them maintain their status as hyper-pop trailblazers, this time blending pop-punk and ska in with their signature maximalist sound.
Reflecting on their writing process and how it has changed over the years, the conversation covers a range of topics, from the vast number of alternatives each track goes through, to the crazy sound design and effects that make up such an enormous part of their style.
Tracks discussed: Hollywood Baby, 757, The Most Wanted Person In The United States
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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).
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Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
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LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘10,000 gecs’ here .
Dog Show Recordings, Atlantic Recordings
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
Waves Tune Real Time
Soundtoys Decapitator
Toontrack Superior Drummer
Xfer Serum Synth
Mace Guitar Amp
Shure SM7B
Orange Amp
V-Drums
Mesa Dual Rectifier Amp Head
Splice
Logic Pro X
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, Videographer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
David Yu - Engineer (LA)
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Raphi Elton-Rowley - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John ventures into the depths of Kent to catch up with Matthew Herbert and discuss his latest work ‘The Horse’.
Renowned for his innovative sound exploration, Matthew gained recognition under various names, including Doctor Rockit, Wishmountain, and Herbert. He's produced for artists such as Bjork and Róisín Murphy, composed for stage and screen, and earned international acclaim for his records. His latest collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra resulted in 'The Horse.'
Alongside a full album playback, the conversation covers the thought process behind the sounds, collaborators and story of each track, Matthew also shares his thoughts on ways in which to engage with music and creativity, and how to do it in a way that keeps you continuously inspired.
Tracks discussed: Full Album
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘The Horse’ here.
Matthew Herbert, Modern Recordings, BMG
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
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
YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast
Discord: Tape Notes
Patreon: Tape Notes
To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!
Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John links up pop-rock band Fall Out Boy, and producer Neal Avron, to talk about their latest studio album ‘So Much (For) Stardust’.
Emerging from Chicago’s hardcore punk scene in the early 2000’s, Fall Out Boy rose to fame with hits including ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’ and 'Thnks fr th Mmrs’. Constantly innovating, their eight studio albums have seen them embrace all sides of music, including R&B, and electro-pop. For their latest record ‘So Much (For) Stardust’, they return to their roots, working with producer Neal Avron.
Chatting with Patrick and Neal, the conversation covers the band’s approach to the early stages of demoing, their collaboration with a full orchestra and some of the best players in the business, and how they divide different writing responsibilities amongst each other.
Tracks discussed: Love From The Other Side, Heaven, Iowa, So Much (For) Stardust
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘So Much (For) Stardust) here.
Fueled By Ramen, Elektra Music Group Inc.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Kontakt
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
Audiomovers Listento
Fender Strat
Orange Amps
Dave Smith Poly Evolver Synth
Ensoniq Fizmo Synth
Roland TR-66 Rhythm Arranger
Neumann U 47
1176
LA-2A
Slingerland Drums
Guild S-100 Guitar
Gibson Les Paul
Neve Console
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
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
John sits down with indie rock band Bombay Bicycle Club to talk about their sixth studio album ‘My Big Day’.
Bombay Bicycle Club are a four-piece band from London, that broke onto the indie music scene with their genre defining debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ in 2009. Since then they have been releasing a steady stream of music which has been met with high critical acclaim, earning them an Ivor Novello and a Mercury Prize nominations.
Chatting with band members Jack Steadman and Ed Nash, the three cover a range of topics including the inspiration behind the album, their use of sampling in their music, how over-thinking can negatively influence the production process, and their collaboration with music legends Damon Albarn, Paul Epworth & Chaka Khan.
Tracks discussed: My Big Day, Heaven, Just A Little More Time
----------------
Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
----------------
To support the show and become a Patron, head to Patreon.co.uk/tapenotes. Any and all support is hugely appreciated, we don't take it for granted so thank you.
----------------
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘My Big Day’ here - https://songwhip.com/bombay-bicycle-club/my-big-day
Mmm…Records, AWAL Recordings
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://songwhip.com/laurelcollective/sunshinebuddy
GEAR MENTIONS
Magix Samplitude - https://geni.us/iBEqbXn
Casio Keyboard - https://geni.us/hKfe
Korg Monotron - https://geni.us/T5K1H
Native Instruments Kontakt - https://geni.us/AFPeU
Paul Epworth's Neve Desks - https://geni.us/TFoT0
OUR GEAR
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
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
In this episode, John is reunited with Mike Kerr of Royal Blood, to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Back To The Water Below’.
Following the success of their fourth number one album, Mike reflects on how their purpose as musicians has changed over the years, sharing their process of working out what they love, but haven't done with Royal Blood yet.
Giving us an in depth look behind each track, we hear stories of musical experiments, including making a new ‘wall of sound’ guitar and playing specially modified pianos, while simultaneously inviting new genres into the Royal Blood sound.
Listen to find out the best way to beat the sounds on your demos, tips on how to keep a two-hour live set engaging, and thoughts on why you shouldn’t wait for inspiration to come.
Tracks discussed: Triggers, There Goes My Cool, Waves
----------------
Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
----------------
To support the show and become a Patron, head to Patreon.co.uk/tapenotes. Any and all support is hugely appreciated, we don't take it for granted so thank you.
----------------
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Back To The Water Below’ here.
Imperial Galactic, Black Mammoth, Warner Records
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Devil-Loc
Spectrasonics Keyscape
Mrs Mills Piano
Avid ProTools
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
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
-------
In this episode, John is joined by Dodie and Martin Luke Brown of FIZZ, along with producer Pete Miles, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Secret To Life’.
Discussing how FIZZ came into being, Martin and Dodie explain the reasons and implications of setting their solo work to the side (temporarily), to have a holiday from music, but still doing music...
As well as lots of sharing stories, stems and general shenanigans from their time down at Middle Farm Studios, we hear how each band member brought something different to the table, approaching creativity in so many different ways - from jamming over loops, to singing around their house and recording voice notes in the bath.
Listen to find out why sometimes it’s better just to yell your guitar solos, which piece of kit is the secret 7th member of FIZZ, and which chorus pedal has the wobbliest chorus of all chorus pedals.
Tracks discussed: Secret To Life, Strawberry Jam, The Grand Finale
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘The Secret To Life’ here.
Decca Records, FKA Chairs, Universal Music
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Full Middle Farm Studios Gear
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo
Soundtoys Devil Loc
Shure M267 Mic Preamp/Limiter
ProCo Rat Pedal
Electro Harmonix Polychorus
Studer A80 Tape Machine
1965 Hammond C3
Leslie Speaker
Logic Pro X
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
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
In this episode, John is joined by Olivia Dean and producer Matt Hales to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Olivia’s Mercury-nominated debut album ‘Messy’.
Taking us back to the very start of their story, the pair discuss the inspiration for the album, sharing their approach to marrying different musical cultures and the importance of the chats they had before writing.
As well as playing their writing session voice notes showing the exact moments each song took shape, we hear stories of mouth trumpet demos, creating artefacts to make instruments sound sampled, and the thought process behind choosing mix engineers.
Listen to find out why so much of what makes a good record can come from turning things off, why it’s so valuable to just have things around the studio, and why tea can be such an integral part of the creative process.
Tracks discussed: UFO, Messy, Carmen
----------------
Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
----------------
Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.
To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).
----------------
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Messy’ here - https://songwhip.com/oliviadean/messy2023
EMI, Universal Music
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective - https://songwhip.com/laurelcollective/sunshinebuddy
GEAR MENTIONS
AudioThing Reels
Shure SM7B
Boss CE1 Pedal
Moog Synths
Steinberg Cubase
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
Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.
To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).
In this episode, John is back at Strongroom Studios to catch up with Bakar and producer Zach Nahome about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Halo’.
Looking back at the varied starting points of the songs, Bakar and Zach chart the journey of the album writing process, from writing in hotel rooms and AirBnbs to some of the most legendary studios in the world.
As well as sharing the conversations that helped fuel their creativity, we are given a glimpse into how the pair forged Bakar’s distinctive sound, sharing tips on bringing modern elements into music that feels old, and building distinctive worlds of reverb.
Listen to find out why you shouldn’t delete old beats, how a thief managed to unknowingly shape the sound of a track, and how working with an ‘anti-setup’ outside of the studio can benefit the song.
Tracks discussed: Alive!, Facts_Situations, Right Here, for Now
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Halo’ here.
Black Butter
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Abbey Road Vinyl
Soundtoys Effect Rack
Arturia Farfisa Synth
Arturia Jupiter 8
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Nicky Romero Kickstart
Waves API 2500 Compressor
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Neumann TLM 103
Shure SM7B
Neumann U67
Gibson Les Paul
Fender Strat
Martin Guitars
Philips Philicorda
Squire PBass
KRK Monitors
Rokit 8 Monitors
Neve Preamps
Focusrite
Logic Pedals - Vintage Drive
Logic Pedals - Flanger
Logic Space Designer
Logic Pitch Correction
Logic EQ
Logic Slap Echo
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
Nico Varanese - Editor/Videographer
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.
To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).
In this episode, John is joined by James Blake to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’.
With the idea of simplifying his solo work primarily with synths and drums, James shares his process of crafting an album with the purpose of getting away from the computer, reflecting on the impact it had on his creativity and mental health.
A true master of modular synths, he talks us through the long journey learning to create ‘listenable’ music with them, discussing the ways in which they are able to create sounds that he couldn't have imagined.
Listen to discover the enlightening advice James received from Universal's Head A&R, how to best record your voice if you plan to pitch it, and how to adopt the mindset of making music for fun.
Tracks discussed: Loading, Big Hammer, Playing Robots Into Heaven
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ here.
Republic Records, Polydor Records, UMG Recordings
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard
Sequential Prophet 8
Native Instruments Massive
Intellijel Metropolis
Make Noise MATHS
Make Noise Black and Gold
Soma Pulsar-23
Roland SH-101
Roland TR-8S
Roland TR-909
Erica Synths LX-02
OEK Sound Soothe
FXpansion Geist
Valhalla Reverbs
Valhalla Vintage Verb
API Desk
Logic Pro
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 - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.
To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).
In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios, to catch up with Guy and Howard of Disclosure, and talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Alchemy’.
Having taken a break from their relentless touring schedule, the pair guide us through their reassessed approach to creativity. From stories of managing burnout and heartbreak, to balancing meaning and feelings with the key production choices of each track.
As well as sharing Howard’s very first AirBnb demos, Guy digs deep with a vast production breakdown, including sharing his go-to method of creating kicks and the small additions to a track that can make it sparkle.
Listen to find out the quickest way to come up with a new track idea, why it’s so good to be musically naive, and the best ways to check if things still sound cool.
Tracks discussed: Looking For Love, Simply Won’t Do, High Than Ever Before
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
linktr.ee/tapenotes
Listen to ‘Alchemy’ here.
Apollo Records, AWAL
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
FabFilter Saturn
Izotope VocalSynth 2
BigKick - https://geni.us/vOoH
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Spectrasonics Keyscape
Spectrasonics Trilian
Tube Tech Compressor
Pultec EQ
Neumann Mics
SSL SIX Channel Strip
Fairchild Compressor Plugin
Fairchild Compressor (Real thing)
Ampeg Bass Amp
GEM Dopamine
Kick 2
OEK Sound Soothe
Valhalla Reverbs
Xfer LFO Tool
The God Particle
Roland Jupiter 8
DX7 Synth
Waldorf Wave
Yamaha CS60
Novation Peak
Logic EFM Synth
Logic Ultrabeat
Logic Pro X
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
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
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 -
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 -
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 - Show more
