Tape Notes

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

John ventures up to Bow to chat with James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck from the band HONNE to find out how they produced and recorded the album ‘Love Me, Love Me Not’. The boys discuss the changes in their approach to songwriting and production from their first album and go into fascinating detail picking apart three of the early releases from their latest record. We hear how a studio cancellation lead to an unexpectedly fruitful session writing on their phones, what Metalica legend Kirk Hammett likes to listen to after surfing, and why you shouldn’t put your fingers through some letterboxes. Tracks discussed: Day One, You & Me, Sometimes   Listen to 'Love Me, Love Me Not' here. 'Love Me, Love Me Not' - Tatemae Recordings, Atlantic Records UK. A Warner Music Group Company   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Roland TR-808 Sequential Prophet Simmons Snare Logic Ableton Garageband   SUBMIT A JINGLE For all of the details on sending in a jingle email jingles@tapenotes.co.uk   Subm

John joins the band Vök back stage at their headline show in London to talk about how they recorded and produced the album 'Figure' with producer Brett Cox.  We hear how Brett and the band teamed up over the course of a sunny Icelandic summer to work their demos (complete with minion lyrics) into the finished article, helped along the way by the generosity of the band’s home town, Reykjavik.  The search for a perfect middle 8, sampling studio light switches and type writers, plus the creation of ‘sax pads’ all play their part in the story of how Vök’s debut album Figure was brought to life.  Tracks discussed: Hiding, Don't Let Me Go, Show Me   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Figure' here. 'Figure' - Vök, Nettwerk Music Group Inc. Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Rhodes Native Instruments Neumann U87   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow

John journeys up to Rak Studios to meet with Dan Rothman from London Grammar and producer duo MyRiot and talk about their work together on the album ‘If You Wait’.  We hear how the band adjusted from the self-produced recording environment, to working with producer stalwarts Tim Bran & Roy Kerr in the musical playground of State of the Ark Studios and then on to global success.  Dan and the boys relive their favourite moments together in the studio and rediscover some of the production techniques used in the recording of London Grammar’s debut album.  Tracks discussed: Wasting My Young Years, Strong, Nightcall   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'If You Wait' here. 'If You Wait' - Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited, Metal & Dust Recordings Limited Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Strymon Flint Pedal ProTools EBow Roland Juno 60 Steinway Pianos Vox AC30   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scene

John returns to Iguana Studios once more where he is joined by The Big Moon and producer Catherine Marks to talk about their work together on the album 'Love in the 4th Dimension'.  The girls re-live some of their favourite moments in the studio with Catherine and dig into the production processes behind a few of their favourite tracks on the album.  We hear how bringing inflatable pool toys to the studio, using stealth instruments and pretending to play oversized guitars all played a part in the recording of The Big Moon’s debut album.  Tracks discussed: Cupid, Bonfire, The End   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Love in the 4th Dimension' here. 'Love in the 4th Dimension' - Fiction Records, Universal Music Operations Limited. Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Solina Synth Drolo Twin Peaks Pedal Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Pedal Electro Harmonix POG Pedal Roland Juno 60   OUR GEAR https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear    KEEP UP TO DATE For

Back at Iguana Studios once more, John is joined by Australian artist/producer Jordan Rakei and producer Jim Macrae to talk about their work together on the album 'Wallflower'.  We hear how Jordan made the 10,000 mile journey from Brisbane to London to pursue a career in music and the stories behind how his sophomore album 'Wallflower' was created.  The duo discuss Algorithmic chaos, re-recording drums in a local cafe and shed light on many of the production techniques they used during the recording of the album.  Tracks discussed: May, Chemical Coincidence, Clues Blues   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Wallflower' here. 'Wallflower' - Ninja Tune Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Logic Pro Spitfire Audio String Evolutions   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