Tape Notes

TN:137 IDLES, Kenny Beats & Mikko Gordon

May 30, 2024

IDLES' Bowen, producer Kenny Beats, and engineer Mikko Gordon discuss the making of the album 'TANGK'. They share insights on love and gratitude themes, team breakouts, dubious covers, and unexpected inspirations beyond their usual domains. The trio talks about utilizing different expertise and experience between LA and London studios while sharing witty stories and moments from the creative process.

01:48:48

Episode guests

Mikko Gordon

Kenny Beats

Bowen (IDLES)

AI Summary

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Idles' album 'TANGK' explores themes of love and gratitude with the help of producers Kenny Beats and Nigel Godrich.

The band's musical evolution on tracks like 'A Gospel' and 'Pop Pop Pop' showcases vulnerability and artistic growth.

Collaboration between producers and experimentation led to unique sounds like drum loops and harmonic feedback in the album.

Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in music production adds depth and emotional resonance to the final tracks.

Deep dives

Origin of Tank Album and Band Formation

The podcast discusses the origins of the band Idols and their latest album "Tank." The band, formed in 2009 by university friends Joe and Adam, quickly expanded to include Mark, John, and Lee. Their music evolved through several EPs before gaining wider recognition with their debut album "Brutalism" in 2017. The band's gritty sound and powerful performances have earned them critical acclaim and award nominations.

Intro

5min

Creating 'Tank' with Mark Bowen, Kennt Beats, and Miko Gordon

8min

The Evolution of 'Roy': From Inspiration to Creation

18min

Musical Spontaneity and Emotional Performance

6min

Exploring Vocal Finishing Touches and MusiVersal Promotion

4min

Exploring the Creative Process of 'A Gospel' by Idols

19min

Analyzing 'Pop' and Musical Transitions

3min

Exploring the Origins of a Song with Unique Harmonic Sound

2min

Exploring the Creative Process of Music Production

17min

10.

Exploring Musical Elements and Creative Process in Music Production

9min

11.

Music Production Techniques and Equipment Preferences

15min

12.

Reflecting on the Emotional Impact of the Closing Song Monolith

2min

13.

Acknowledgement of Patreon supporters and community engagement encouragement

2min

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

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

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

Tracks discussed: Roy, A Gospel, POP POP POP

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Partisan Records

GEAR MENTIONS

Venn Audio V-Clip

Electro Harmonix Loop Station

Electro Harmonix POG Pedal

Moogerfooger Pedals

Vongon Pedal

Beyerdynamic M500 Mic

Empirical Labs Distressor

Altec Solid State Mixers

Altec Tube Mixers

Augspurger Speakers

Yamaha Disklavier Piano

Ableton Saturator

Ableton

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Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

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Will Brown