Tape Notes

In this episode John links up with producer/musician & podcaster Jamie Lidell in his Nashville studio to talk about how he records and produces his music.  Dusting off his old G4 mac, Jamie delves into the archives and revisits some classics from the albums Multiply and Jim in addition to some of his more recent work. We get to hear fascinating track breakdowns revealing the techniques and methods he uses when writing and recording.  Listen to hear why Jamie’s music is influenced heavily by working with his friends, how the falling of the Berlin wall landed him a special microphone, and how Another Day transformed from a whiskey fuelled experiment to a sunny upbeat toe-tapper, all thanks to some late night carrot chopping.  Tracks discussed: Multiply, Another Day, When I come Back Around, A Rose.    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Multiply' here. Listen to 'Jim' here. Listen to 'Building a Beginning' here. 'Multiply' & 'Jim' - Warp Records 'Building A Beginning' - Jam

In this episode John links up with Merrill and Nate from Tune-Yards to talk about how they recorded and produced the soundtrack to Sorry To Bother You and also dive into a classic from the TY back-catalogue.  Speaking from the other side of the pond Merrill and Nate dig into 3 tracks they scored for the Boots Riley directorial debut, exploring the methods and techniques they used whilst recording and discuss how this differs from their usual writing process. We also revisit the Tune-Yards favourite Gangsta, hearing of its humble beginnings in front of an audience in Germany to a full track breakdown.  Listen to find out how Merrill makes her yodel loops, how Walkman’s and Telephone’s left their mark on Gangsta, and whether or not we find out what the band's undercover pseudonym is when they want to play anonymously.  Tracks discussed: Gangsta, SIGNS (Detroit's Theme), Revealed, Steve Lift’s Party   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'WHOKILL' here. Listen to 'Sorry To Bo

In this episode John heads to EMS4 studios in Shoreditch to chat with Floating Points a.k.a Sam Shepherd, about how he recorded and produced his latest release, Crush.  Talking from deep within Sam’s musical laboratory, we peer behind the curtain and find out how Floating Points music is created and crafted, pulling apart some of the tracks from his second album along the way. We get to hear how live performance and classical music are a serious influence in his writing process in addition to experimenting with the impressive number of synths he’s collected over the years. Geekery is in abundance in this episode.  Listen to find out why space was scant in Sam’s student bedroom, who sick Anna actually is and why sometimes all you need is a Yamaha Reface CS in your backpack.  Tracks discussed: Last Bloom, Annasickmodualr, Bias.   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Crush' here. 'Crush' - Pluto Records, Ninja Tune. Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENT

In this episode John heads to the Dairy studios to talk with composer/musician/producer Nitin Sawhney about how he recorded and produced the album Beyond Skin.  In celebration of 20 years since its release, Nitin dusts off the original Logic 4 sessions and gives a fascinating account of how this classic album, most of which was recorded in his bedroom in Tooting, was brought to life.  We not only get to hear some of the tracks broken down in detail but are also treated to live demonstrations of some of the traditional Indian compositional techniques used throughout the album.  Listen to find out why an sm58 is pretty much all you need to record an album, how those mind boggling vocals in The Conference were created, and why Nitin’s guitar is his favourite piece of kit.  Tracks discussed: Homelands, Serpents, Immigrant, Letting Go, The Conference   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Beyond Skin' here. 'Beyond Skin' - Outcaste Records Ltd Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laur

In this episode John returns to Mr. Dan’s studio in Streatham to talk with Kate Tempest and Dan Carey.  Looking back over a track from each album they’ve recorded together, Kate & Dan detail the creative journey they’ve been on since first meeting, and shine a light on the methods and techniques they use collaborating in the studio.  We hear how the duo embraced teaming up with legendary producer Rick Rubin, why having a hangover isn’t necessarily a bad idea before a big day of recording, and why Dan is the ultimate sonic evil genius.  Tracks discussed: Marshall Law, We Die, I Trap You LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'The Book of Traps and Lessons' here. 'The Book of Traps and Lessons' - Republic Records, American Recordings, UMG Recordings, Inc. Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Brauner VM1 Buchla Music Easel Swarmatron Metasonix Drum Machine Neumann U47 Neumann U67 Neumann U87 Roland CR-8000 Sequential Prophet 6 Shure SM7B Telefunken

In this special live addition of Tape Notes, John is joined by Naomi & Lisa-Kaindé of Ibeyi and XL Recordings head honcho/producer Richard Russell, to talk about how they craft their music together in the studio.  In celebration of National Album Day and recorded in The Pool room at Miloco Studios, the trio wax lyrical about their experiences working together and take a deep dive into the methods and techniques used in recording & producing the albums Ibeyi & Ash.  Listen to find out why there's more to using a broken glass samples than meets the eye, that sampling Michelle Obama is a big deal, and why you should never leave the room when you're making a beat with Naomi & Richard.  Tracks discussed: Oya, Transmission/Michaelion, No Man is Big Enough for My Arms    Big thanks to AIM, National Album Day, and Miloco Studios for teaming up with us and making this happen.    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Ibeyi' here. Listen to 'Ash' here. 'Ibeyi' and 'Ash' - XL Recording

In this episode John catches up with Marika Hackman and producer David Wrench to chat about how they recorded and produced Marika's 3rd album 'Any Human Friend'.  Talking from David's new studio in London Fields, the pair look back over their experience working together for the first time and shine a light on the production techniques and methods they used in the making of the record.  Listen to find out how an old land lady of Marika's was the victim some unintentional verbal abuse, hear a phone demo of Send My Love that offers a true glimpse of the creative process in full swing, and find out what life changing piece of advice John Savage gave David.  Tracks discussed: The One, Send My Love, Hold On, Conventional Ride    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Any Human Friend' here. 'Any Human Friend' - AMF Records, Virgin EMI Records, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Apogee Duet Interface Rhodes Fender Mus

In this episode we are joined by Justin and Elliot from Editors and producer Leo Abrahams to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Violence'.  The guys shine a light on some of the working methods they used in the making of the album, treating us to the early home demos that band writer Tom created ahead of tracking in the studio.  Listen to find out what an Ed 'weasel' is and why many were brutally culled by Leo, why Tom is the easiest vocalist in the world to record, and why Justin's guitar solos are more 'Top Gun' than they are 'Joey Santiago'.  Tracks discussed: Violence, Darkness at the Door, Nothingness   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Violence' here. 'Violence' - Play It Again Sam  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Aelita Synth Arturia MiniBrute Eventide Izotope Stutter Edit Korg MS-20 Max for Live Granulator Moog Neumann U87 Pioneer CDJ-900NXS Roland RS-505 Paraphonic Roland Juno 106 Spitfire Enigma Library Uni

In this episode John is joined by Jack & Suren from Bombay Bicycle Club and producer legend Jim Abbiss to talk about how they recorded and produced 'I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose'.  Celebrating 10 years since its release, Jim and the boys reminisce over their experiences working together on this iconic debut and how their relationship and approach to recording and music production evolved from the early days as wide-eyed teens to the later, more experienced sessions.  We get to hear the impressive bedroom demos Jack crafted as a music obsessed 15 year old plus fascinating breakdowns from some of the tracks from the album.  Listen to find out why 'Dust On The Ground' didn't end up as an 8 minute instrumental, how using a fan can create some pretty unique guitar sounds and hear a brilliant break down of 'Always Like This'.  Tracks discussed: Cancel On Me, Dust On The Ground, Always Like This    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose

In this episode John is joined by Maverick Sabre and producer Charlie Perry to talk about how they recorded and produced Maverick's 3rd album 'When I Wake Up'.  The boys break apart some of the tracks from the album recounting the journey these songs undertook from tracking in Maverick's living room to fleshing things out in the studio, divulging their approach to production and some writing along the way.  Listen to find out why having neighbours for fans is conducive to recording at home, how an Armagnag fuelled drum performance on 'Preach' was cleaned up, and why Maverick likes to write with movies playing in the background.  Tracks discussed: Preach, Slow Down, Her Grace    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'When I Wake Up' here. 'When I Wake Up' - FAMM Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS API Desk Aria Jazz Guitar Fairchild 660 Compressor Fab-Filter Multiband Compressor Fender Deluxe Gibson ES-335 M-Audio Mic Roland RD-64 Steinway Pianos

In this episode John journeys to Mr Dan's Studio in Streatham to talk with Nick Mulvey and producer Dan Carey about how they recorded and produced Nick's Mercury nominated debut album 'First Mind'.  The boys dive deep into the working processes and shared memories of the time they spent together in the musical playground that is Dan's home studio.  Listen to find out how a collection of dirty cups worked their way into the rhythm section of 'Venus', what advice a dream incarnation of David Bowie had for Nick before recording 'Dancing for the Answers', and whether daily micro-dosing of psychedelics was a studio success.  Tracks Discussed: Fever to the Form, Venus, Dancing For The Answers    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'First Mind' here. 'First Mind' - Fiction Records, Universal Music Operations Limited. Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Buchla Synth Swarmatron Gretsch Falcon Mellotron Moog Mu-Tron Pedals Roland Jupiter 6 Prophet ‘08

In this episode John is joined by Erik and Yukimi from Little Dragon to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Ritual Union'.  Chatting from the studio in Gothenburg where the album was recorded, the pair reflect on the techniques and approaches they used in the recording of their 3rd studio release.  We hear how Little Man was transformed by The Smurfs playing drums, how the accidental recording of electricity cables from the Gothenburg tramline bolstered Crystalfilm and what the first thing to do is when you buy an old 80's synth and how they all left their mark on this electronic classic.  Tracks discussed: Ritual Union, Little Man, Crystalfilm   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes   Listen to 'Ritual Union' here. 'Ritual Union' - Peacefrog Holdings Ltd Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Roland D50  Roland TR-808 Roland JX-8P  Cubase - Quadrafuzz Plugin   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scene

In this episode John is joined by Joel and Theo from Wolf Alice and legendary producer and bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, M83, Paramore) to dissect how their Mercury Prize winning album 'Visions of a Life' was recorded and produced.  We hear how they rose to the challenge of a 7 minute piece in 3 movements (and why it's no longer called Massive A*** Bleach Attack). With demos of all the tracks to be heard it's a fascinating insight into the intense amount of thought this band put in to realising the final masterpiece.  Tracks discussed: Visions of a life, Formidable Cool, St. Purple & Green    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes   Listen to 'Visions of a Life' here. 'Visions of a Life' - Dirty Hit Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS AMS Delay ARP 2600 Mellotron Moog Kontakt Publison Infernal Machine Soundtoys Plugins Logic Pro   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make

John ventures up to Spitfire Audio to meet with Matty and George from The 1975 to talk about how the album 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' was recorded and produced.  Somewhat bleary eyed after a massive night at the Brits (scooping two awards), the boys reveal the inner workings of The 1975's production methods and writing techniques. We're treated to demo versions and extensive track breakdowns from their award winning album, showing what it takes to create a 1975 hit.  We get to hear why Matty scats to write lyrics, how George uses a Barry White bass trick for creating lush vocals, and hear THE definitive explanation of side-chain compression.  Tracks discussed: I Like America & America Likes Me, How To Draw / Petrichor, It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' here. 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' - Dirty Hit, Polydor Records, Interscope Records. Intro Music - Suns

John is joined by Laurie & Isaac form Slaves and producer Jolyon Thomas to talk about how they recorded and produced the band's sophomore album 'Acts Of Fear And Love'.  We get to hear some of the early demos where the original lyrics don't quite sound the way they should, how Laurie and Jolyon layered up the guitar instead of using distortion and why Isaac's simple drum setup is actually a lot harder to play than it looks. All the usual anecdotes and lots to be inspired by as Laurie and Isaac shed on light on the lessons they've learnt recording their third studio album.  Tracks discussed: Photo Opportunity, Chokehold, The Lives They Wish They Had.    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Acts Of Fear And Love' here. 'Acts Of Fear And Love' - Virgin EMI Records, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Ampeg Pignose Amp Fender Telecaster Fender Champ Amp Fender Mustang Gibson Les Paul Gibson SG Neve 1073 Boss TU-3

In this episode John is joined by Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman from Alt-J, and producer Charlie Andrew to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'RELAXER'.  The boys give a fascinating account of the thought processes and production techniques used in the recording of RELAXER.  Hear how a friend's pavlovian response to the smell of burning wood, the Gus whistle test, and swearing at an old school master all left their mark on the band's third album.  Tracks discussed: 3WW, House of the Rising Sun, Pleader   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'RELAXER' here. 'RELAXER' - alt-J, Infectious Music Ltd., a BMG Company Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Akai MPC Sampler Melodyne Moog Roland Juno 60 Soundtoys Echoboy Soundtoys Decapitator Teenage Engineering OP1 UAD Plugins Waves Plugins Ableton   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow

In this episode John is joined by Joseph Mount from Metronomy at Iguana Studios to talk about how the album 'Nights Out' was recorded and produced.  In celebration of 10 years since its release, Joe dusts off his old hard drive to reminisce over how he created the tracks on this underground classic.  Hear how buying instruments at a carboot sale in Chiswick, being an asthmatic whilst trying to clap, and watching TV on the kitchen table with an acoustic guitar all left their mark on the record.  Tracks discussed: On Dancefloors, Heartbreaker, A Thing For Me, Nights Outro   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Nights Out' here. 'Nights Out' - Because Music Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Audio-Technica Mics Casio Keyboard   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   You

John is back at Iguana Studios once again joined this time by artist Frank Turner, but there’s a twist! In an exciting first for Tape Notes this episode’s producer, Josh Block, is coming to us live from the other side of the Atlantic at his studio Niles City Sound in Fort Worth, Texas.  We hear how Frank’s approach to his latest album led him to push beyond the guitar based arrangements of previous work. The journey takes us through many demos, one of which Frank confesses they all grew to vehemently dislike, but of course it still left it’s mark on the record.   There are tips and tricks that are likened to ‘vocal and rhythm butter’ and Josh talks about how he made the move from artist, as a past member of the band White Denim, to producer and the foundation of Nile City Sound.  Tracks discussed: Be More Kind, Brave Face, 21st Century Survival Blues   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Be More Kind' here. 'Be More Kind' - Polydor Records, Xtra Mile Recordings Limited, U

In this episode of Tape Notes, John takes a trip to Deptfrod to visit Jessie Ware and Dave Okumu in Dave’s newly built studio to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Devotion'.  Jessie and Dave look back to the beginnings of their creative relationship and discuss the excitement and trepidation of working together for the first time. We hear demo versions made by Dave ahead their sessions and also dig deep into some of the arrangements and the production philosophy behind the making of Jessie’s debut album.  Tracks discussed: Devotion, Swan Song, No To Love   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Devotion' here. 'Devotion'- Universal Island Records, Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Casio Keyboard Ebow Korg MS-20 Korg Electribe Roland Juno 60   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instag

John ventures up to Dave Bayley’s new home studio in London Fields to talk about how Glass Animals’ debut album ZABA was recorded and produced.  We hear how Dave conjured up the band’s unique style through many late night sessions in his bedroom when he should’ve been studying for medical school. He reveals his producer hero’s and an insatiable appetite for data collection, creating his own sound world through sampling every sound imaginable.  Dave guides us through a fascinating breakdown of Gooey – from an early voice demo recorded on his phone to the finished article and we learn some of his trade secrets along the way.  Tracks featured: Gooey, Hazey, Toes   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'ZABA' here. 'ZABA' - Wolf Tone Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Audio-Technica AT4040 Fender Deluxe 57 Laney VC20 Marshall Stack Rob Papen Albino Synth Roland Jupiter 6 Shure SM57 Soundtoys Decapitator Soundtoys Microshift Soundtoys Alter B