Tape Notes

In this episode, John catches up with Grouplove’s Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi along with legendary producer Dave Sitek to breakdown how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s latest album Healer.  As their first record with an outside producer, the band reflect on their creative flow, pulling apart tracks bit by bit and showing us how Dave was the perfect weirdo to bring the album together. From jamming out five-hour demos at Hannah’s parent’s house to spending over a month recording from 9pm through to 11am, fuelled by cookies with cream cheese, breakfast burritos and copious amounts of weed.  We hear theories on how people’s souls enter your body to give you songs, why Dave has been the cause of multiple people’s synth addictions, and we are treated to unheard midnight vocal takes recorded just before Hannah’s vocal surgery.    Tracks discussed: Deleter, Expectations, Places    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Healer' here. 'Healer' - Atlantic Recording

In this episode, John catches up with Badly Drawn Boy A.K.A Damon Gough and producer Gethin Pearson to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced ‘Banana Skin Shoes’.  After numerous false starts producing the album – his first after an 8 year hiatus – Damon paired up with Gethin, bringing a new enthusiasm to Damon’s musical endeavours and with him a pool of new talent to draw inspiration from. We get to hear a plethora of demos and track breakdowns as the pair chart the development of the album and gain a fascinating insight into the philosophy behind their creative decisions. From a post Valentine’s breakfast date and a shared love of the Beastie Boys, Gethin and Damon reflect on their time working together and the importance of the relationship between producer and artist.  Listen to hear how Damon’s chat after a toilet break was sampled into something much more meaningful, how he managed to include Brexit, his unborn child and Bono in the same song, and why the best piece of equipment you can have

In this episode, John catches up with Rina Sawayama and producer Clarence Clarity to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Rina’s debut album ‘Sawayama’.     Diving deep into the almost 100 track sessions, Rina and Clarence reflect on how the album took shape, from writing demos in Rina’s bedroom to spending months in an LA studio. We hear the pair’s philosophies on creativity and the hustle of making it in the world of music, along with the secrets in crafting their fusion of R&B, noughties pop and nu-metal.     Listen to find out why Rina tries includes at least 10 hooks in each song, how Clarence tried to match a trap beat to Rina’s mum’s Beethoven performance and which member of The 1975 made a secret appearance on the record.    Tracks discussed: Dynasty, Love Me 4 Me, Snakeskin   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Sawayama' here. 'Sawayama' - Dirty Hit Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Ableton Sontronics Saturn Soundelux U

In this episode, John catches up with Obaro Ejimiwe, A.K.A Ghostpoet, along with engineer and mixer Shuta Shinoda to talk through how they wrote, recorded and produced his latest album, ‘I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep’.    Recorded at the start of lockdown before the album was actually released, Obaro and Shuta shed light on their creative relationship breaking down early demos and treating us to a selection of clips from the monumental amount of session files they racked up. We hear how Obar crafts his music despite a lack of traditional music theory, revealing the methods and approaches he uses to tap directly into the feeling of a song.    Listen to find out how birdsong was meticulously edited to perfectly fit the music, why Obaro has only just managed to use his Mellotron, and how he charmed Sarasara into singing on the record.    Tracks discussed: Breaking Cover, When Mouths Collide, Social Lacerations    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'I Grow Tired But

In this episode, John catches up with Tom Misch and engineer Adam Jaffrey to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Tom’s collaboration album with drummer Yussef Dayes - ‘What Kinda Music’.  Tom and Adam dig deep into the session material, revealing the techniques and processes they used in recording the album. We hear Tom’s thoughts on stepping outside of his bedroom studio to record, as well as revealing the treasure trove of gear and plugins they used to hone his iconic guitar sound.  Listen to find out why a fan made an almost 10-hour round trip to deliver the coveted OP1, what words Tom sings on his songs without lyrics, and why sometimes having a hangover in the studio can benefit the writing process.    Tracks discussed: Last 100. The Reel, Nightrider.     LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘What Kinda Music’ here. ‘What Kinda Music’ - Beyond The Groove. Blue Note Records/Caroline Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Dynacord

In this episode, John catches up with Jack Garratt to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his latest album Love, Death & Dancing.  Jack digs up the original demo sessions recorded in his garden shed, unravelling the multitude of ideas he packed in to each track. Illustrated through a bounty of unheard demos and track breakdowns, Jack charts the emotional journey he undertook writing the album, revealing how he subtly controls rhythm and harmony to tell a story.  Listen to find out how a core guitar riff was saved by a lucky phone recording, how his childhood trombone skills are now coming in handy, and how a few pearls of wisdom from producer Jacknife Lee have impacted his song writing.    Tracks discussed: Time, Anyone, Only The Bravest    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Love, Death & Dancing' here. 'Love, Death & Dancing' - Island Records Release, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Arturia

In this episode John links up with Caribou a.k.a. Dan Snaith, to breakdown how Suddenly -  his first release in five years - was written, recorded and produced.  Diving deep into his hard drive Dan treats us to a plethora of demo versions, track breakdowns and even plays us a few nuggets live. We get to hear the philosophy and stories behind creating his most personal album yet and discover how he reduced a monumental 900 ideas down to a single record.  Listen to hear the results of when Dan was let loose in Floating Points' Studio, how leaving his internet browser open while recording provided a moment of compositional serendipity, and why the title of this podcast could well have been 'Things I learned from Timberland'.    Songs Discussed: Magpie, Like I Love You, Sister    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes      Listen to 'Suddenly' here. 'Suddenly' - City Slang Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS API Lunchbox Arp 2600 ARP Rhodes Chroma Rhodes Flea 47

Kicking off a brand new season, John is joined by Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis to talk about how the band’s mammoth two-part project Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost was written, recorded and produced.  As their first self-produced albums, Yannis gives us a fascinating insight into their biggest project yet, breaking down his writing process from the loops and drones he crafted at home to the final versions of lyrics written almost entirely at the pub.   Listen to find out how some NS10 cones were hacked to create a makeshift microphone, what Yannis projects on to the wall when recording vocals, and how the band managed to tie songs together with trips to Paris and cycling adventures in Annecy.    Tracks Discussed: Syrups, Exits & Neptune     LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part One' here. Listen to 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part Two' here. 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Parts 1 & 2' - Foals, Warner Music UK

In this episode we take a look back at some of the best bits from season 4. 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: Mura Masa Friendly Fires & Mark Ralph These New Puritans Elbow Ezra Collective Mystery Jets DJ Shadow   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes  OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    HELP 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ventures over to Wendy House Studios to catch up with hip-hip royalty Josh Davis AKA DJ Shadow, to talk through how he recorded and produced his latest album ‘Our Pathetic Age’ and his chart-topping album ‘The Mountain Will Fall’.   Josh gives us a full insight in to his largest most diverse project yet, breaking down his writing process from the moment he randomly dips in to his vast record collection for inspiration, to discovering unlikely source material such as an abandoned record collection rescued from a friend

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  

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

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 Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Pig Nose Guitar Audio Ease Altiverb Coles 4038 Ribb

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 M

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 Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS ARP Odyssey ARP 2600 CodeKnobs Prophet Editor Softwa

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 Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENT

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 Carey Nitin Sawhney Floating Points Tune-Yards Jamie Lidell Cold War Kids & Lars Stalfors The Lumineers & Simone Felice Easy Life & Rob Milton (Live at Latitude Festival)   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear   HELP 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 episo

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 Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   GEAR MENTIONS Nord Keyboards Shure SM7B Logic Pro   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the la

In this episode John ventures up to Spitfire Audio studios to catch up with Wes and Jeremiah from The Lumineers and producer Simone Felice to talk about how they recorded and produced the album III.  The guys offer up an epic dissection of their music covering every aspect of the creative process. We’re treated to intimate phone recordings that captured the lightning strike moments when songs were born, copious demo versions detailing their subsequent honing and development, and track breakdowns of the finished songs. It’s a veritable masterclass in songwriting and music production.  Listen to find out why the boys are ‘perfectionists for imperfection’, hear the moment Gloria was conceived when nature called during a bike ride in the mountains, and how sometimes the demo version is all you need.  Tracks discussed: Gloria, Leader Of The Landslide, Salt And The Sea    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'III' here. 'III' - The Lumineers, Decca Records, Universal Music Operat

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 Recordings Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS ProTools X-Form Plugin Ampeg Fliptop Ampeg B-15 Amp Earthquaker Dispatch Farfisa Fender Vintage Super Reverb  Line 6 Pedals Mellotron Moog Sub-37 Minimoog Voyager Native Inst