Tape Notes

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 an

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 Limited Intro Music

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/

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  htt

In quite possibly one of the most synth-heavy episodes ever, John catches up with Matt and Andy of Bicep to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Isles’. Unravelling the mystery of how they do what they do, Matt and Andy talk us through the countless demos and subsequent iterations, exploring the abundance of sounds and samples sent to them from collaborators and how this influenced the direction of their music.  From hours spent experimenting in the studio to what they did when creativity hit a low, we hear stories of mixing vintage gear with the latest kit, the intricacies of using drum machines to trigger synths, and anecdotes on how they both became masters of the modular synthesizer. Listen to find out how they ended up with a ‘Kenny G’ version of a track, why they bought every kids Casio keyboard they could get their hands on, and why there is no such thing as a warm-up set in Belfast. Tracks discussed: Atlas, Apricots, Saku, Lido   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 6. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the other artists and producers we've had on and hear their tips, tricks and stories. Have a listen to see what you've been missing!   You'll hear highlights from: Paul Epworth Disclosure Biffy Clyro and Rich Costey Georgia and Mark Ralph Jacob Collier Nova Twins and Jim Abbiss Nothing But Thieves Sports Team and Burke Reid Glass Animals Haim with Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam Batmanglij Lianne La Havas with Beni Giles and Sam Crowe   SUBMIT A JINGLE For all of the details on sending in a jingle, email jingles@tapenotes.co.uk   Submit your Tape Notes jingle and we'll play our favourites each week on the podcast. Jingles can be in any style, can feature the Tape Notes theme, lyrics, or none of those things - be as creative as you'd like (as long as they're between 5-15 seconds).   SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show y

In this biscuit fuelled episode, John is joined by Lianne La Havas along with producers Sam Crowe and Beni Giles to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Lianne’s latest album ‘Lianne La Havas’. Delving into Lianne's most personal work yet, the trio takes us through the moments the initial song ideas were formed, through the various stages of their development right to the finished versions.  Illustrated with recordings made throughout the album’s journey, we hear stories of capturing the perfect vocal takes, trying piano voicing's on guitar and tales on the phenomenon of song writing.  Listen to find out why talkback mics sometimes trump fancy mics, how they ventured to the scariest parts of a flute, and how cabbages made it onto the record. Tracks discussed: Bittersweet, Green Papaya, Seven Times   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Lianne La Havas' here. 'Lianne La Havas' - Warner Records UK Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS A

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes. SoundBetter is the world's leading music production talent marketplace, giving you access to the best mixing & mastering engineers, singers, songwriters, producers, and studio musicians in the industry. You can work with Billie Eilish's drummer, U2's mix engineer, or hire the topliners that wrote on the latest BTS record, these pros are keen to work with Indy artists. Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more. In this episode, John catches up with Danielle from Haim along with co-producers Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam Batmanglij to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Haim’s latest album ‘Women in Music Pt. III’. With recordings of jams, writing sessions and iPhone Garageband demos, Danielle, Ariel and Rostam pull apart their creative process, exploring the inspiration behind their ideas and what they did to bring them to life. From hearing song ideas through the floor to finding a fix for everyone’s demoitus, the trio treat us to an

Returning for his second outing on Tape Notes, John links up with Glass Animals frontman and producer Dave Bayley, to talk about how the band wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Dreamland’. Born out of an emotional time of uncertainty for the band, Dave discusses the unexpected moments that formed the foundations of the album. Breaking down his writing process from start to finish, we’re treated to the very initial demos and samples recorded on the fly, along with the wealth of production tricks used to create Glass Animals unique sound.  We hear secrets behind reverse drum beats, reverb and delay EQs, as well as the latest iteration of Dave’s crack choir. Listen to find out how Dave attempted to conjure up his inner Dr Dre, how an entire song was forged using just a voice, and what currently sits in the Glass Animals guitar graveyard. Tracks discussed: Dreamland, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, It’s All So Incredibly Loud   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Dr

In this episode, John catches up with Conor, Joe and Dom from Nothing But Thieves, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘Moral Panic’. Loaded up with original demo sessions and ideas recorded while on tour, the boys sift through some of the sounds, stories and musical concepts that shaped their songwriting process. Conor enlightens us on his thoughts about vocal production, breaking down the different shades of his voice across the album. We hear geeky tales of musical maths as well as ideas on the importance of groove and precise rhythmic changes that have the power to completely alter the feel of a song. Listen to find out how a YouTube binge led to the start of a new song, which characters they channelled when recording and why they may have been awarded the key to an East Sussex town.   Tracks discussed: Unperson, Is Everybody Going Crazy?, Real Love Song    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Moral Panic' here. 'Moral Panic' - Sony M

In this episode, John catches up with Nova Twins’ Amy and Georgia along with producer Jim Abbiss to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their debut album ‘Who Are The Girls?’  Reflecting on venturing into the studio for the first time with a ‘big name’ producer, Amy, Georgia and Jim delve into their “ropey” demos written in a tiny room at Georgia's house, unravelling how they formed their raucous balance of electronics, punk and heavy hitting guitar and bass riffs. We’re given a glimpse into the secrets of the duo's mammoth pedal boards, revealing how they are so much more than extensions of their instruments.  Listen to hear drum parts written for drummers with more than two arms, studio debates about a cowbell, and how many biscuits were consumed during the making of the album.  Tracks discussed: Vortex, Taxi, Play Fair   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes   Listen to 'Who Are The Girls?' here. 'Who Are The Girls?' -Nova Twins Ltd in collaboration with 333 Wreckords Cre

In this episode, John catches up with Jacob Collier to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his albums Djesse Volumes 1, 2 & 3. With original Logic sessions, demos and heaps of stems in hand, Jacob unravels the wealth of ideas charting the development of each volume’s sonic environment.  We hear his approach to getting the right balance between the simple and complex, illustrated with samples constructed from audience recordings, scrapped key changes and demo raps.   Listen to find out about the benefits and burdens of knowledge, creating tongue twister grooves for the brain and how to take music beyond the twelve tones as we know them. Tracks discussed: With The Love In My Heart, Nebaluyo, All I Need   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 1' here. Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 2' here. Listen to 'Djesse Vol. 3' here. 'Djesse Vol. 1, 2 & 3' - Hajanga Records, Geffen Records/Decca, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited   GEAR MENTIONS Kiii 3 Speake

In this episode, John catches up with Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil and producer Rich Costey to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘A Celebration of Endings’. Armed with the very first demos and ‘work-in-progress’ recordings, Simon and Rich talk us through each song's evolution, from rehearsals on a farm to getting down intricate drum sounds and a 30-piece orchestra at Abbey Road. We’re given an insight into Simon’s vocal recording process as well as his approach to the biology of a guitar. Rich shares some of his producer wizardry, talking through single mic recording tricks, common rock mixing problems as well as the amps and gear used to help craft the band’s sound. Listen to find out how the pair blew up a pre-war Gibson Amp, what tuning their instruments did to the music and why you should go and follow @tempojunkee on Twitter.   Tracks discussed: North of No South, Instant History, Cop Syrup LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'A Celebration

In this episode, John catches up with brothers Guy and Howard of Disclosure, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘ENERGY’. Chosen from over 200 songs, the pair break apart the individual parts and distinct sounds from the handful of tracks that made the cut. The boys take a deep dive into what it takes to make a Disclosure hit, revealing the tricks and tools they use along the way.  Listen to find out why the best hooks are written in 20 minutes, how conversations with Pharrell led to new chord progressions, and why the brothers nearly went the same way as Oasis. Tracks discussed: Douha (Mali Mali), Who Knew? & Birthday   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS: Korg PolySix Ableton Native Instruments Ample Bass Izotope Vocal Synth Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor Neve Desk Moog Little Phatty Roland Juno 106 Roland Boutique Synths Roland D50 Roland SH-101 Universal Audio Apollos   OUR GEAR https://link

Launching into a brand new season, John rockets over to The Church Studios to catch up with super-producer Paul Epworth, Harry Edwards and Riley MacIntyre to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Paul’s debut album ‘Voyager’.  Paul shines a light on the five year on-off process of bringing the record to life, pulling apart the cosmic sounds and samples that form the basis of the album. From turning his studio desk into an instrument to serendipitous happenings, we hear Paul’s techniques of creating the perfect environment suitable for writing an expansive space concept album.  Listen to find out what happens when you put a guitar through his ‘multi-story car park’ of pedals, how a SpaceX launch impacted the album, and how Paul stopped himself from just making techno.    Tracks discussed: Distant Planets, Where Do We Come From?, Space Inc. & Epilogue   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Voyager' here. 'Voyager' - Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited   Intro Musi

In this episode we pick out a selection of highlights from Season 5. If you haven't heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the other artists and producers we've had on and hear their tips, tricks and stories. Have a listen to see what you've been missing!   You'll hear highlights from: Foals Caribou Jack Garrett Tom Misch & Adam Jaffrey Ghostpoet Rina Sawayama & Clarence Clarity Badly Drawn Boy & Gethin Pearson Grouplove & Dave Sitek Enter Shikari EOB & Flood   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    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    Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with the latest episodes and submit questions: Instagram Facebook Twitter   Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me

In this episode, John heads over to Sports Team HQ to catch up with Oli, Rob and producer Burke Reid, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their Mercury nominated debut album ‘Deep Down Happy’. With DIY demos and a bag of stems, Oli, Rob and Burke break apart what goes into creating the band’s signature raucous sound. We’re treated to tales of sleeping in rehearsal rooms, sneaking into studios and mixing at the kitchen table. Burke talks us through some of his tricks of the trade, from managing the chaos of recording the band while they all still had day jobs, to making simple repeated things sound new and exciting. Listen to hear why they like to annoy Alex during his vocal takes, which stock Logic drummer has become an integral part of the band’s writing process and how they tailor their live sets so no one goes to the bar.   Tracks discussed: Kutcher, Here It Comes Again, Fishing    Listen to 'Deep Down Happy' here. 'Deep Down Happy' - Big Desert Records, Universal Music Operations Limited  

Back at the start of lockdown, John caught up with Georgia and producer Mark Ralph to bring together a special episode for Aim House on how they wrote, recorded and produced Georgia’s Mercury nominated album ‘Seeking Thrills’.  Delving right into the first demos inspired by a night out, Georgia and Mark talk us through their fluid process of bringing the songs to life, from drawing intricate details from their dynamic list of influences, to studio days together programming rooms full of synths.   We’re given an insight into Georgia’s move to becoming a singer, stepping out from behind the drum kit, and Mark shares some of his producer wizardry, enlightening us on song structure, the small things can completely change the feel of a track and much much more. Listen to hear how a grammatically incorrect sentence became the focus of a song, clips of hook lines written on a glockenspiel and discussions on how to make a computer groove.  Tracks discussed: Started Out, About Work The Dancefloor  LINKS TO EVERYTHING

In this episode, John heads up to Assault & Battery Studios to chat with EOB – the solo project from Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien - and legendary producer Flood, to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Earth’.  Armed with demos and tracks written during Ed’s time in Brazil, the pair take a deep dive into the sonic trenches, sharing their musings on the creative process, and reflect on their time working together in the studio. From fortuitous iTunes plays to jamming with world-renowned musicians, we hear Ed’s thoughts on transitioning from the realm of backing vocalist to lead vocalist, as well as the intricacies of blending carnival and dance music.   Listen to find why sometimes it’s a challenge finding beat 1, which track initially began with a swarm of Vihuelas, and why you should never use the word ‘demo’ in the studio.    Tracks discussed: Brasil, Olympik, Long Time Coming  LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Earth' here. 'Earth' - Capitol

In this episode, John catches up with Enter Shikari frontman and producer, Rou Reynolds to breakdown how the band wrote, recorded and produced their new album ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’.   As the band’s most genre-bending album to date, Rou talks us through the challenges of combining techy metal, rave, reggae and ska influences with an oom-pah band and full symphony orchestra. Digging through his fifteen hard drives of demos and jams, we’re shown how every aspect of a track has a purpose and meaning – with detailed rhythms and distinctive sounds reflecting the state of the world in their own way.    Listen to hear the original gibberish lyrics that ended up making the final version of a song, how the band ended up forming and recording their toy drum kit and what plugins Rou uses to create his own audio cuddle.   Tracks discussed: THE GREAT UNKNOWN, Waltzing Off the Face of the Earth (1. Crescendo), satellites* *   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Not