Tape Notes

In this episode, John links up with Dan and Wayne of Imagine Dragons to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album 'Mercury - Act 1. Having spent almost three years writing almost 300 demos, Dan and Wayne look back on the process of whittling down the tracklist and forming the album, from capturing their ideas as quickly as possible, through to working with legendary producer Rick Rubin and deconstructing everything to its purest essence. As well as sharing their thoughts on creativity, songwriting and their life experiences in the world of music, the pair speak openly about the inspiration and meaning behind some of their most honest tracks to date, while also demonstrating how they let the subject of each song help define its production. Listen to find out why samples can sometimes work better than a live performance, how raw magic often is captured on a first take, and the wealth of instruments that Dan can create using only his mouth. Tracks discussed: Dull Knives, It’s Ok, Wrecke

Back in summer 2020, John headed over to The Church Studios to catch up with James Vincent McMorrow, Paul Epworth and Lil Silva to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced James’s album ‘Grapefruit Season’. Taking tracks from Dublin to London to LA and back, James talks us through the myriad of iterations the songs went through, exploring the different writing situations and how all of his collaborators had such varied musical impacts. Paul and TJ lend their producer expertise pulling out individual stems and breaking songs apart, as well as discussing their approaches towards bringing energy to the studio, and sharing thoughts on how production, sounds and songwriting are one and the same.  Listen to find out about the lyric James spent all of his life waiting for, why Paul was such a terrible studio assistant and how a serendipitous ‘adapter’ hunt led to the trio’s partnership. Tracks discussed: Headlights, Gone, Paradise   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Gr

In this episode, John returns to Pixel studios to chat with Maisie Peters and producer Joe Rubel about how they wrote, recorded and produced Maisie’s debut album ‘You Signed Up For This’. Going through their WhatsApp log of voice notes and ideas, Maisie and Joe look back on the chaotic methods of bringing an album together over lockdown, pulling apart how they carefully married Maisie’s original acoustic sound with more produced elements. Alongside the wealth of Joe’s production goodness, Maisie sheds some light on her lyric writing process, from the internal rhyming patterns and carefully considered syllables in her writing, to the subtle nods hidden throughout each track. Listen to find out why Maisie wouldn’t play instruments on her own songs, how to proceed after deciding it’s time to write a banger, and which part of a song you will now have to try and clap along to. Tracks discussed: You Signed Up For This, I’m Trying (Not Friends), Love Him I Don’t   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/ta

In this episode we look back over Season 8 picking out a selection of highlights and some of the most memorable moments from the artists and producers we were lucky enough to speak to. If you haven’t heard every episode from the last season, this is a good way to introduce yourself to some of the guests 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:  Royal Blood Girl In Red and Matias Tellez Rostam Dodie and Joe Rubel Johnny Flynn and Charlie Andrew Fred Again.. Easy Life and Rob Milton   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to the albums featured this season with the links below. Royal Blood - ‘Typhoons’ Girl In Red and Matias Tellez - ‘if i could make it go quiet’ Rostam - ‘Changephobia’ Dodie and Joe Rubel - ‘Build a Problem’ Johnny Flynn and Charlie Andrew - ‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’ Fred Again.. - ‘Actual Life (April 14th – December 17th 20

In this episode, John is reunited with Murray Matravers from Easy Life and producer Rob Milton, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s debut album ‘Life’s A Beach'. From recording in and around lockdowns, in basements, bedrooms and studios, Murray and Rob reflect on the writing process, singling out the sounds, ideas and samples that encapsulate the meaning within the songs. As well as thoughts on retaining fun in the music and creating joke ideas, we hear stories of intentionally not wanting things to sound good, along with the not very Easy Life elements that are crucial to an Easy Life track. Listen to find out what to do when you’re stuck in garage MC mode, how many times Rob recorded the word ‘Skeletons’, and which synth line made Murray cry (and still does). Tracks discussed: skeletons, ocean view, homesickness   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘Life’s A Beach’ here. ‘Life’s A Beach’ - Universal Music, Island Records Intro Music - Sunshine

In this episode, John catches up with Fred Gibson, better known as Fred Again.., to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)’. Having written and produced almost all of the album outside of the studio, Fred talks us through his recording and sampling process, digging into the ways in which each new environment helped shape the individual sound of each track. Fred enlightens us on the best bits about recording on an iPhone and why it’s so key to his writing process. We’re treated to stories of recreating the voice notes compressor in Logic, jamming along with tracks in the club and playback sessions in the pub. Listen to find out how a small change in harmony can completely reframe emotion, why mixing will never solve any song problems, and the best ways to fill time when you're not feeling inspired. Tracks discussed: Sabrina (I Am A Party), Me (Heavy), Angie (I’ve Been Lost)   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘

In this episode, John ventures up to The Old Workshop Studio to catch up with Johnny Flynn and producer Charlie Andrew about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Lost in the Cedar Wood’. From the summer walks with co-writer Robert Macfarlane to tracking the bones of the album in a solar-powered woodland cottage, Johnny recalls shaping the world of the record, combining both timeless sonics and the ancient stories that are relatable even today.  Getting into the technical elements, Charlie pulls apart some of the detailed sounds and techniques used to enhance each song's energy. We hear stories of stairwell recording, unpredictable gear and creating rhythmic textures from everything except drums. Listen to find out why impatience in the studio is often a good thing, why Johnny had to make a last-minute Charango order, and the best way to shut your kids up when recording. Tracks discussed: Ferryman, Bonedigger, Ten Degrees of Strange   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    L

In this episode John heads over to Pixel Studios to chat with Dodie and producer Joe Rubel about how the album ‘Build A Problem’ was written, recorded and produced. Unearthing Dodie’s first phone recordings made in her bedroom, the pair dig into the ways in which they preserved and developed her DIY/scrapbook sound in the studio.  As well as lots of sumptuous album easter eggs, Joe indulges us in a multitude of audio tricks. We find out how they managed to flawlessly capture Dodie’s incredibly quiet, intimate vocals, as well as the sounds of windows, Tupperware, screaming and people's thighs. Listen to hear tales of mood-matching songs and lyrics (then the doing the opposite), how Dodie’s Instagram followers influenced a guitar tuning, and the effects of revisiting songs in different head spaces. Tracks discussed: Special Girl, Sorry, Before the Line   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘Build a Problem’ here.  ‘Build a Problem’ - doddleoddle, The Orchard   Intro Music -

In this episode, John catches up with Rostam to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his new album ‘Changephobia’. Giving us a full tour, Rostam talks us through his incredibly varied songwriting processes, from demoing beats on a Japanese bullet train and jamming with the TV, to improvising parts in the studio and simply writing without his brain.  Going in deep, we’re treated to beat constructions, reverb breakdowns and sax playing that is just all feel, all alongside the subtle sounds that completely transform the emotion in a track. Listen to find out which plugin changed the way he thinks about recording vocals, why clarity can sometimes completely destroy a vibe, and how to treat an addiction to groove. Tracks discussed: From The Back of a Cab, 4Runner, Starlight   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘Changephobia’ here.  'Changephobia’ - Matsor Projects Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Moog Voyager Korg Trident Solaris Synth

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 c

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. ‘Typhoon

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:  Bicep Idles with Nick Launay and Adam Greenspan King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Paul Weller with Stan Kybert and Charles Rees Adam Buxton Fontaines DC and Dan Carey Slowthai with Kwes Darko SG 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 GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear   HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW If you'd like to help support the show you can donate as

In this episode, John catches up with Sam Lewis AKA SG Lewis to get lost in the disco grooves of his album ‘Times’. Digging deep into the writing and production, Sam charts the development of the tracks right the way through from the demos and initial studio sessions, to recreating sounds and samples with disco legends. As well as treating us to unheard Chic versions and heaps of Nile Rodgers riffing, he reflects on learning to record his voice for the first time, along with the realisation that singing isn’t always about singing. Listen to find out about the hardest parts of recreating demo magic, how a healthy dose of sidechain compression can create the ultimate vocal bounce, and why sometimes all you need is an iPhone to record a piano. Tracks discussed: One More, Feed The Fire, Chemicals LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes   Listen to 'Times' here. 'Times' - A PMR/EMI release, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collec

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' -

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. 'D

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://