Tape Notes

In this episode John makes multiple trips to Brain Yard Studios to catch up with Mystery Jets frontman Blaine Harrison and producer Matt Twaites to talk about how they recorded and produced the album A Billion Heartbeats. Recorded in the room where the album was conceived, Blaine and Matt give us full access to the Mystery Jets creative process, from tales of protests, marches and relief work, to their quest not sound too much like the Backstreet Boys. We get to hear an array of demos and phone recordings including the sound of Matt’s unborn son’s heartbeat which was crafted into a drum loop. Listen to find out what how Blaine ended up in an Icelandic Spa with Bjork, what images he looks at to get the best vocal take and who he turns to when struggling with lyrics.  Songs discussed: Screwdriver, Wrong Side of the Tracks, A Billion Heartbeats LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'A Billion Heartbeats' here.'A Billion Heartbeats' - Mystery Jets, Caroline International Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSAKG C414 Digitech Space StationFender AmpsGamechanger Audio Plasma Distortion PedalMarshall AmpsMellotronMoogRoland Juno 106Boss RC-300 Loop StationSelmer AmpsSequential Pro One Sequential OB6Shure SM57Zoom RecordersLogic 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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk  

This week John is joined by Ezra Collective’s Femi, TJ and James to talk about how they wrote and recorded their debut album You Can’t Steal My Joy. Hot off the heels winning 'Jazz Album of the Year' at the World Wide Awards, the boys reflect upon how the album took shape, from the early rehearsals in a dodgy studio in Croatia to spending two days on a boat recording the whole thing. The boys play us previously unheard demos capturing the moments lightning struck, from a very rough voice memo to a more elaborate Garage Band creation knocked together on the top deck of a bus. Listen to find out how the band learns songs from street beat boxing, the challenge of writing an album for the ‘shuffle generation’, and which seat on the bus James sits in when writing on Garage Band. Tracks discussed: You Can't Steal My Joy, Quest For Coin, Why You Mad? LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'You Can't Steal My Joy' here.'You Can't Steal My Joy' - Enter The Jungle Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSGaragebandLogic 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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk  

In this episode, John is joined by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter from Elbow, to talk about how ‘Giants of All Sizes’ was written and recorded. Craig and Guy look back at some of the sessions tracked over a two year period, reflecting on what was an emotionally challenging time for Guy and how this influenced the writing and mood of the record - something grittier and more contemplative than previous Elbow albums. We get to hear early demos and track break breakdowns, plus bags of wisdom from the big man. Listen to find out how the band channelled their feminine energy, how a monorail journey ended up as a drumbeat, and what happens if you drunkenly text Elvis Costello in the middle of the night. Songs: Seven Veils, Dexter and Sinister, On Deronda Road  LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'Giants of All Sizes' here.'Giants of All Sizes' - Polydor RecordsIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONS Pig Nose GuitarAudio Ease AltiverbColes 4038 Ribbon MicEbowMoog ThereminNeumann U87RME Babyface ProYamaha 4TRK Recorder 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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk  

In this episode John is joined by twin brothers Jack and George Barnett, AKA experimental art-rock music duo These New Puritans, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Inside The Rose’. The boys look back on making music together in their attic as children and uncover some of the many sketches and demos versions created whilst recording the album. We get to hear the moment Jack woke from a dream with a fresh melody composed within his slumber in addition to their general philosophy on writing and recording as TNP. Listen to find out why jack had to avoid barking attack dogs whilst recording in Berlin, what Harmonic Re-synthesis is, and why some sessions were hospital inducing experiences. Tracks discussed: Infinity Vibraphones, Where the Trees are on Fire, A-R-P LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'Inside The Rose' here.'Inside The Rose' - These New Puritans, Infectious Music Ltd., BMG Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSSibeliusLogic ProRhodesShure Mics OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  YouTube: Tape Notes PodcastDiscord: Tape NotesTo 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 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

In a city spanning episode, John catches up with Friendly Fires along with super star producer Mark Ralph (Tom Walker, Clean Bandit, Years & Years) at Iguana Studios and Mark’s Studio, Club Ralph, to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Inflorescent'. The boys explore everything from what survived in the demos recorded in Ed’s mum’s house, to how blending recording techniques with synths and drum machines helped them create their joyful blend of house and funk. Hear how tracking each individual drum and ‘talent boosting’ your own performances is never a bad thing, and how Rick Astley and Barry White left their mark the record. Tracks discussed: Love Like Waves, Can’t Wait Forever, Almost Midnight  LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes Listen to 'Inflorescent' here.'Inflorescent' - Friendly Fires, Polydor Records, Universal Music Operations LimitedIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONS ARP OdysseyARP 2600CodeKnobs Prophet Editor SoftwareColes 4038 Ribbon MicElectro-Voice RE20Kemper Profiler RackKorg MS-20Moog Model DOberheim DMX Drum MachinePeavey T-40 BassRob Papen Sub Boom Bass PluginRoland JD-800Roland TR-808Roland TR-09 Roland TR-909Roland SH-101Roland Juno 60Scaler PluginSequential Prophet 6Sequential Prophet 5Sennheiser MD-421Sherman Rodec Restyler FilterSimmons Drum MachineSpectrasonics OmnisphereSSLXfer CthulhuLogic 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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk 

Returning for another season, John is joined by electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan A.K.A Mura Masa.Catching up at Iguana Studios, Alex invites us behind the curtain and reveals how his latest album R.Y.C was recorded and produced. We get to hear intimate track breakdowns - including a brilliant dive into the early takes of the Slowthai collaboration ‘Deal Wiv It’ - plus copious amounts of philosophical musings on what it takes to write a Mura Masa track and music production in general.Listen to find out why a Patrick Fitzgerald sample worked it’s way into ‘Deal Wiv It’, when you really know a track is finished, and why Alex’s girlfriend is a wise lady. Tracks discussed: Deal Wiv It, Live Like We’re Dancing, Teenage Headache Dreams. LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'R.Y.C.' here.'R.Y.C.' - Anchor Point Records, Polydor Records, Universal Music Operations LimitedIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSSoundtoys Little PlateGoodhertz Wow ControlSequential ProphetKorg MS-20Kemper Profiler RackLine 6 PedalsSoyuz 017 Tube MicrophoneRhodesAbleton 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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk 

In this episode we take a look back at some of the best bits from season 3. 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, hearing their stories, tips and general philosophy on writing and recording. Have a listen, you never know what you might learn! You'll hear highlights from:Ibeyi & Richard Russel (Live from Miloco Studios)Kate Tempest & Dan CareyNitin SawhneyFloating PointsTune-YardsJamie LidellCold War Kids & Lars StalforsThe Lumineers & Simone FeliceEasy Life & Rob Milton (Live at Latitude Festival) LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  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 Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions:InstagramFacebookTwitter Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk  

Back in July we were invited to Latitude Festival to take part in their podcast stage. In this live recording, we caught up with Murray from Easy Life and Rob Milton to talk about how they write and record music together.After a late entrance from Murray (waylaid somewhere on site!) the boys discuss their working relationship and what it takes to create an Easy Life tune.We learn how the boys ended up working together from unlikely beginnings, why it’s crucial to ‘get it down’ when melodies are flowing, and why Murray maybe isn’t as good at the trumpet as he once thought.Tracks Discussed: Pockets, Earth LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'Pockets' here.Listen to 'Earth' here.'Pockets' & 'Earth' - Easy Co Limited, Island Records, Universal Music Operations LimitedIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONSNord KeyboardsShure SM7BLogic Pro OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  YouTube: Tape Notes PodcastDiscord: Tape NotesTo 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 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

Simone Felice, producer of the album III by The Lumineers, joins the podcast to discuss the recording and production process. They delve into the creative use of a cracked piano soundboard and the genesis of the song 'Gloria'. They also explore finding distinctness in songs, capturing raw energy, and refining and balancing elements. The hosts discuss the inspiration behind 'Leader of the Landslide' and the obsession with lyrics. They touch on creating the album, the importance of simplicity and poetry in music, and their favorite plugins and equipment.

In this episode John straddles the pond and catches up with Nathan from Cold War Kids and producer Lars Stalfors to talk about how the album New Age Norms 1 was recorded and produced. Speaking from a studio in North Hollywood the pair discuss how the album was brought to life shining a light on their writing process and revealing the craft and philosophy behind a Cold War Kids track. Listen to find out why Nathan can only play something once when recording, how an accident with Pro Tools inspired the intro to Dirt In My Eyes, and what helps Lars sleep at night. Tracks Discussed: Complainer, Dirt In My Eyes, Beyond The Pale  LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to 'New Age Norms 1' here.'New Age Norms 1' - CWKTWO Corp. u AWAL RecordingsIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective  GEAR MENTIONSProTools X-Form PluginAmpeg FliptopAmpeg B-15 AmpEarthquaker DispatchFarfisaFender Vintage Super Reverb Line 6 PedalsMellotronMoog Sub-37Minimoog VoyagerNative Instruments Guitar RigNord KeyboardsShure SM57Silvertone GuitarVox AmpsWaves SSL Compressor Yamaha CP-80 OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear  KEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  YouTube: Tape Notes PodcastDiscord: Tape NotesTo 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 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