Tape Notes

In The Woods
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Jun 1, 2021 • 1h 37min

TN:71 girl in red & Matias Tellez

In this episode John links up with Marie Ulven, aka girl in red, and producer Matias Tellez, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced her debut album ‘if i could make it go quiet’.With Marie’s original bedroom recordings to hand, the pair take us through how they built on the framework of her demos, singling out the minuscule details in each track that you probably wouldn’t notice, but are completely responsible for the vibe. Alongside stories of recording without reverb and taking energy from different genres, Marie discusses the sentiment behind her lyrics as well as the individual syllable and pronunciation changes that had such big impacts. Listen to find out how to create an electronic beat from acoustic instruments, why you should always check things with a tremolo on, and what the appropriate response is when Taylor Swift posts about your album!Tracks discussed: Body And Mind, Did You Come?, Apartment 402 LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes   Listen to ‘if i could make it go quiet’ here.  ‘if i could make it go quiet’ - World In Red, AWAL RecordingsIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSStam Audio SA-47Neve PreampsRetro Instruments Sta-Level CompressorSoundtoys Devil-LocSoundtoys Alter Boy OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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
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May 24, 2021 • 1h 48min

TN:70 Royal Blood

In this episode, John heads down to Royal Blood’s secret studio near Brighton to catch up with Mike and Ben about how they wrote, recorded and produced their chart-topping album ‘Typhoons’.Having written the majority of the record apart from each other in lockdown, the duo reflect on their creative process, from forming demos on the living room sofa to dipping their toes in musical moves they’ve never had the guts to do before.Incorporating the dance floor into their world for the first time, we hear how they combined disco influences with sounds from the depths of hell, as well as the inside details on song structuring, adapting drum parts, and tricks to help nail vocal writing. Listen to find out how a looped mistake can become the basis of a hook, how a £30 amp from eBay helped form the majority of the record’s sound, and how Brad Pitt almost made a feature.Tracks discussed: Typhoons, Limbo, Mad Visions LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Typhoons’ here.‘Typhoons’ - Warner Records UK, Imperial Galactic Limited, Black Mammoth  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSUniversal Audio Apollo TwinUniversal Audio PreampsShure SM7B Spectrasonics KeyscapeSoundtoys Pan ManOverstayer OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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
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May 19, 2021 • 60min

Best of Season 7

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 7. If you haven’t heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the artists and producers we’ve had on and hear some of their top studio tips, writing processes and all-round philosophies towards creating a record.  You’ll hear highlights from: BicepIdles with Nick Launay and Adam GreenspanKing Gizzard and the Lizard WizardPaul Weller with Stan Kybert and Charles ReesAdam BuxtonFontaines DC and Dan CareySlowthai with Kwes DarkoSG Lewis LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below.Bicep - ‘Isles’IDLES - ‘Ultra Mono’King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - ‘K.G.’ & ‘L.W.’  Paul Weller - ‘On Sunset’Fontaines D.C. - ‘Dogrel’ & ‘A Hero’s Death’Slowthai - ‘TYRON’S.G. Lewis - ‘Times’  OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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  'Isles' - Ninja Tune 'Ultra Mono' - Partisan Records'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW Release'On Sunset' - A Polydor Records Release; Solid Bond Productions Limited, under exclusive license to Universal MusicOperations Limited'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records‘TYRON' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release.'Times' - A PMR/EMI release, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited
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Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 59min

TN:69 SG Lewis

SG Lewis, English DJ and record producer, discusses his disco grooves and album 'Times'. They explore the process of releasing the album, collaborating with Nile Rogers, and adding random elements to tracks. Lewis also shares his journey in the music industry, the challenges of updating a mix, and the creative process behind the song 'Chemicals'. He also discusses the importance of a good synth and gives advice on getting music heard.
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Apr 13, 2021 • 1h 50min

TN:68 slowthai & Kwes Darko

In this episode, John is joined by slowthai and producer Kwes Darko at Iguana Studios, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Tyron’.With voice messages, demos and stems in hand, Ty and Kwes lay out the development of each track, from the gear and technicalities of capturing vocals and making a beat that hits hard, to the smallest production details that often have the biggest emotional impact.Delving into the deep stuff, the pair discuss the philosophies and attitudes at the heart of their tight artist-producer relationship, as well as sharing wise words on creativity, development and some of the best forms of inspiration. Listen to find out why Ty had to out rap a rapper on his own track, how they used Twitter as a creative tool, and the reason why you should always check a mix in the car. Tracks discussed: MAZZA, PLAY WITH FIRE, adhd LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective Listen to 'TYRON' here.'TYRON' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release. GEAR MENTIONSAKG C414Neumann U87MellotronRoland TR-808Soundtoys DecapitatorEmpirical Labs DistressorTube-TechNeve PreampsUniversal Audio Neve 1073Universal Audio ApollosUniversal AudioNeumann NDH 20Genelec MonitorsFender StratocasterNative Instruments KompleteEast West Virtual Instruments OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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 
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Apr 5, 2021 • 1h 26min

TN:67 Fontaines D.C. & Dan Carey

Catching up on some much-needed studio goodness, John returns to Mr Dan’s studio to chat with Conor and Tom of Fontaines D.C. and producer Dan Carey, about how they wrote, recorded and produced the albums 'Dogrel’ and ‘A Hero’s Death’.With rehearsal room and garden shed demos in hand, Conor, Tom and Dan give us a rundown of some of the key moments of the band’s career, from first meetings at a 20 person gig to recording an entire album in LA, and then redoing it in London.Digging into the recording process, we hear thoughts on the ultimate ways to capture the full experience of a live band, and Dan explains the ins and outs of getting things down on tape.Listen to find out what was achieved when the band built an amp castle, how a room became their new sixth member, and why so much skill is involved in playing one note bass lines.Tracks discussed: Too Real, A Hero’s Death, You Said LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'Dogrel' here.Listen to 'A Hero's Death' here.'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONS SwarmatronLogic Pro Ludwig Black BeautyFender Coronado Fender MustangRainger Minor Concussion OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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 
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Mar 18, 2021 • 2h 6min

TN:66 Adam Buxton

In this very special episode John steps inside the jingle factory of podcaster, comedian, writer, actor and musician Adam Buxton. Digging into the depths of his archive, Adam charts his life and career breaking down the songs and jingles that punctuated each moment. From finding arpeggiators in music shops and writing ‘smutty’ rhymes with his friends, to applying advice from Nigel Godrich in the epic efforts of Song Wars on the Adam and Joe Show.Alongside all of the jingle fun, we’re treated to comparisons between the aspects of music and comedy, the effects of cultural fascination and exclusion, as well as thoughts on mental health when writing.Listen to find out where Adam got the inspiration to combine Scott Walker with Will.I.Am and Britney, why he decided to recreate all of the audio in Star Wars, and the truth behind how irritated he actually got with Joe during Song Wars. Tracks discussed: The Podcast Groove, Mind of a Pirate, The Counting Song, Special Bath, Playboi Buckles, Like and Subscribe and many many more. LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSCasio VL ToneSuzuki OmnichordGladiator Synth Logic ProGarageband OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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  
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Mar 9, 2021 • 1h 21min

TN:65 Paul Weller, Stan Kybert & Charles Rees

In this episode, John heads to Black Barn Studios to chat with Paul Weller along with producer Stan Kybert and engineer Charles Rees, about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘On Sunset’.From recycling and resampling old tunes to recording new ideas on his phone, Paul reflects on his years of endless experimentation in the studio, sharing his thoughts on what makes a good song along with the decisive musical elements that reinforce meaning.Revisiting different versions of the tracks, we hear the trio breaking down the different mic setups and the vintage gear they used to recreate the sound of an era.Listen to find out why Paul wrote a song on his kids Casio keyboard and how to play a Hammond with a screwdriver.Tracks discussed: Mirrorball, More, On Sunset LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'On Sunset' here.'On Sunset' - A Polydor Records Release; Solid Bond Productions Limited, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations LimitedIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSNeumann U87 Coles 4038 Ribbon Mic Sontronics MercuryIzotope Stutter EditHofner Club BassHammond KeyboardVacuvox Fairchild 660 & 670 CompressorsCustom Neve Console OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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 
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Mar 2, 2021 • 1h 32min

TN:64 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

In this episode, John catches up with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard frontman and producer Stu Mackenzie to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced the albums, ‘K.G.’ and ‘L.W.’Armed with various living room demos, phone recordings and plenty of stems, Stu delves into the successes and difficulties that came with each band member having to write and record from home, sharing how the completely unfamiliar process shaped their two lockdown records.Firing on all sonic cylinders, we’re given an insight into recording and mixing tracks with two drum kits, linear songwriting with constantly evolving time signatures, as well as the effects of microtonal retuning.Listen to find out how the band switch from being ‘gentle fellas’ to ‘heavy monsters’, what they did when they didn’t have a bass that could play low enough and why the flute has ended up on so many of their tracks.Tracks discussed: Automation, If Not Now, Then When?, K.G.L.W. & K.G.L.W. LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'K.G.' here.Listen to 'L.W.' here.'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW ReleaseIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSBeyerdynamic M88MellotronFender Hot Rod DeluxeYamaha DX7Nord KeyboardsAbletonLogic Pro OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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 
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Feb 23, 2021 • 2h 15min

TN:63 IDLES, Nick Launay & Adam Greenspan

In this episode John is joined by Idles guitarist Mark Bowen along with co-producers Nick Launay and Adam “Atom” Greenspan to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s latest album ‘Ultra Mono’.Unearthing backstage phone demos and rehearsal room recordings, Bowen, Nick and Adam look back on how the album was pulled together, from the band’s chats about concepts to the eight days recording the whole record. Reminiscing on their time in La Frette Studios, we hear stories of both the raucousness and intense focus encapsulated within an Idles session. The trio dig into the explosive drum recording, their staircase microphone setup and the special sauce that forms the very essence of an Idles track.Listen to find out what happened when Warren Ellis made a surprise studio visit, why everyone got sent out of the room during some of the vocal takes, and why civilised French lunches were so key to the album’s success. Tracks discussed: War, The Lover, A Hymn LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'Ultra Mono' here.'Ultra Mono' - Partisan RecordsIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSFender Baritone GuitarDrolo Stammen PedalMoog MiniFooger Ring Mod PedalZvex Lofi JunkyFender Twin AmpHiwatt-100Hiwatt-200Sunn Model T Marshall SLPMarshall JCM800Fender Bassman AmpAmpegRoland Jazz Chorus EAR Compressors Neve 1081  API ConsoleNeve ConsoleAston StealthSoundtoys Alter BoyFab Filter Pro-Q3ProToolsAbleton OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you'd like to help support the show you can donate as little or as much as you'd like here, (we really appreciate your contributions :) Donate KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  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 

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