Tape Notes
In The Woods
Tape Notes is a podcast about the art and craft of music production. Hosted by John Kennedy, each episode reunites an artist and producer to talk about the highlights of their collaboration in the studio. Their conversations lift the lid on every stage of the creative process, from kindling the first spark of a song idea, through decisions on style and instrumentation, to finessing the final product. Full of fascinating anecdotes, the conversations also feature early demo versions and stems from the original session recordings. The result is a unique insight into the working methods of some of the most innovative and exciting talents in music.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 43min
TN:160 Djo & Adam Thein
Joe Keery, known for his role in 'Stranger Things' and his music project Djo, teams up with Adam Thein, a talented producer and musician. They dive into the creative journey behind their acclaimed album ‘The Crux’. Topics range from the intricate songwriting process and the balance of Joe's acting career with music, to the integration of vintage sounds and modern production techniques. They also share personal stories about the evolution of tracks like 'Delete Ya' and 'Charlie's Garden', highlighting the joys and challenges of collaboration.
50 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 50min
TN:159 Barry Can't Swim
Join Josh Maney, known as Barry Can't Swim, a Scottish artist celebrated for his melodic dance tracks, and producer Ben Norris, aka O'Flynn, as they discuss their collaborative work on the album 'Loner.' They delve into the creative process, from sampling sounds found in unexpected places like an Indian restaurant to the balance of styles in tracks like 'Still Riding' and 'Kempton.' Discover their insights on navigating challenges in music production while maintaining creative integrity and exploring the intersection of personal inspiration and collaboration.
8 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 50min
TN:158 Lorde & Jim-E Stack
Lorde, the celebrated New Zealand singer-songwriter, teams up with American producer Jim-E Stack, known for his innovative collaborations. They delve into the making of Lorde's bold new album, ‘Virgin’, exploring themes of self-discovery and identity. The duo shares insights into their collaborative process, discussing how the lyrics and production inform each other. They also reveal unique production techniques, including crafting a special drum loop, and reflect on the organic evolution of tracks like 'Grown Woman' and 'Shapeshifter'.
23 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 40min
TN:157 Jamie xx
Jamie xx, an influential English musician known for his work with The xx and his solo albums, dives into his creative journey for the album 'In Waves'. He shares insights on balancing analog synths with digital workflows, and how the pandemic inspired his music. The discussion covers his unique sampling techniques, the emotional depth behind tracks like 'Breather' and 'Daffodil', and the joys and challenges of collaboration in music production. Jamie also reflects on the vibrant sounds influencing his art, blending personal experiences with innovative soundscapes.
Jun 10, 2025 • 2h 2min
Reissue | TN:42 Caribou
Dan Snaith, the talented electronic musician known as Caribou, shares insights into his album 'Suddenly,' discussing its deeply personal themes and innovative production techniques. He reveals how he distilled 900 ideas into a single cohesive work while reminiscing about his artistic journey. The conversation touches on serendipitous moments in the studio, the emotional depth of his songwriting, and unique soundscapes crafted using advanced tech. Listeners are treated to demos and stories behind tracks like 'Magpie' and 'Sister,' highlighting the fusion of nostalgia and innovation in his music.
15 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 53min
TN:156 Air
Nicolas Godin, one half of the iconic French electronic duo Air, reflects on the creation of their legendary debut album, Moon Safari. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about tracks like 'Sexy Boy' and 'La Femme d’Argent', highlighting innovative techniques and emotional connections within the music. Godin discusses the magic of creative collaboration, the evolution of their sound at Abbey Road, and the influence of minimalist resources. He also touches on their 25th anniversary reimagination, blending nostalgia with fresh inspiration.
6 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 14min
TN:155 d4vd
In this engaging conversation, d4vd, an American artist known for his viral hit 'Romantic Homicide', shares his journey from making music for Fortnite videos to releasing his debut album 'Withered'. He dives into the nuts and bolts of producing tracks on BandLab using just his phone, showcasing his DIY spirit. The discussion touches on the emotional depth of his music, including the themes in songs like 'You Left Me First', and highlights the importance of authenticity amid his rising fame.
10 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 17min
TN:154 Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Join Hollywood star and jazz musician Jeff Goldblum, along with musical director Alex Frank, as they discuss their creative journey with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. They dive into the making of their album 'Still Blooming,' sharing anecdotes about spontaneous jam sessions and intricate arrangements. The duo reveals the magic behind blending jazz with pop vocals, their excitement for live performances, and the emotional depth of their music. Tune in for insights into their collaborative spirit and the joyful unpredictability of the creative process!
30 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 52min
TN:153 Porter Robinson
Porter Robinson, an acclaimed American producer and DJ known for his unique blend of pop punk and hyper-pop influences, shares insights on his latest album, ‘SMILE! :D’. He discusses how his childhood guitar journey reshaped his songwriting, alongside the nostalgia-tinged inspirations from tracks like Coldplay's. Porter reveals the intricate process behind his songs, including the collaborative effort on 'Is There Really No Happiness' and explores the evolution of his live performance setup, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth in his music.
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 41min
Reissue | TN:40 DJ Shadow
DJ Shadow, an innovative American DJ and record producer famed for his sampling techniques, shares insights into his creative process. He reveals how a rescued record collection inspired his diverse album 'Our Pathetic Age.' Listeners will learn about his meticulous sample editing and a mixing mistake that led to a sneaky re-release. The discussion dives into his experiences working with legends like Nas and the playful spontaneity behind tracks like 'Nobody Speak.' Plus, find out how punk culture and personal nostalgia shape his music journey!
