Episodes

  • TN:100 FINNEAS

    TN:100 FINNEAS
    Jul 25 2022
    In this milestone 100th episode of Tape Notes, John is joined by the Finneas at Lightship95 Studio, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his album ‘Optimist’ and his new single ‘Mona Lisa Mona Lisa’. Reflecting on the fluidity of his writing process, Finneas talks us through the varied methods and circumstances in which his tracks took shape, from the very first synth sounds that kick-started ideas, to the detailed sonic decisions that helped each element work towards a cohesive goal. Alongside the production masterclass, Finneas looks back on his career so far, discussing his family’s involvement with his music and the impact they’ve had on his creativity. We hear stories from the early days of making music videos with his mum, vocal mic shootouts with Billie, and the essential advice that he still lives by. Listen to find out why mediocrity isn’t a bad thing, how finishing a song isn’t too dissimilar to finishing a meal, and why the correct way to do something isn’t always the correct way. Tracks discussed: How It Ends, Medieval, Mona Lisa Mona Lisa   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to ‘Optimist’ here. Listen to ‘Mona Lisa Mona Lisa’ here. OYOY Inc, Interscope Records   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective.   GEAR MENTIONS Arturia Farfisa Output Analogue Strings FabFilter Twin 2 Spectrasonics Trilian Spectrasonics Omnisphere Soundtoys Decapitator Soundtoys Little AlterBoy Soundtoys Tremolator Antares Autotune Native Instruments Bundle Native Instruments Massive Valhalla Room Neumann TLM103 Chandler REDD Telefunken ELA M 251 Audio Technica AT2020 Shure SM7B Shure SM57 M-Audio Venom Sequential Prophet X Novation UltraNova Synth Elektron Synth Fender Acoustasonic Tube-Tech CL1B Compressor Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Sweetwater Best Seller List Ableton Logic Pro Logic - Compressor Plugin   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   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    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   TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer Rob Leedell - Camera Assistant and Photographer George Durston - Production Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • TN:99 Everything Everything

    TN:99 Everything Everything
    Jul 19 2022
    In this episode, John heads to Fiction Studios to catch up with Jon and Alex of Everything Everything to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Raw Data Feel’. Taking us through the very first scraps of ideas, Jon and Alex pull apart the elements within each demo they often endeavour to carry into the final songs, from the qualities found within their raw desk mixes to the hidden melodies that end up pulling a whole track together. Alongside Jon’s tips on writing to suit different people’s vocal ranges and Alex’s deep dive into his modular synth collection, we’re given a glimpse into the influence and use of AI on the album, including a sneak peek at the lyrics generated when a system is fed with text from Beowulf, Tumblr feeds and the LinkedIn T&Cs. Listen to find out how a studio clean out led to a slide guitar feature, why limitation is such a useful tool and what to start cutting out when you’re bored with a track.   Tracks discussed: Jennifer, Leviathan, Software Greatman   Listen to ‘Raw Data Feel’ here. ‘Raw Data Feel’ - Infinity Industries LLP, AWAL Recordings Ltd   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Linnstrument Roli Seaboard Verbos Sequencer Verbos Electronics Verbos Harmonic Oscillator SOMA Pulsar 23 Cwejman S1 Cwejman MMF 2 Filter Zoom 4040 Pedal Metal Zone Pedals Valhalla Reverbs Neumann U67 Ableton - CV Tools 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 us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    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   TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer George Durston - Production Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • TN:98 Lykke Li & Björn Yttling

    TN:98 Lykke Li & Björn Yttling
    Jul 6 2022
    In this episode, John links up with Lykke Li and producer Bjorn Yttling to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced Lykke’s latest album ‘EYEYE’. Digging into the truly multi-dimensional record, Lykke and Bjorn look back on their process of creating the sonic world in which the tracks all live, from finding different angles to songs by playing them on different instruments, to the breakthrough moments in the studio when an idea just unlocks. Alongside sharing thoughts on feeling the beat and what makes a very Swedish sounding riff, the conversation turns to Lykke’s start in music, the star quality she possessed that drew Bjorn to her despite some vocal and songwriting flaws, and the constant resistance she faces as an artist. Listen to why condoms can be helpful tools when micing up, what headphone-phobia does to your recordings, and how to truly tap into the divine within music. Tracks discussed: OVER, CAROUSEL, u&i   Listen to ‘EYEYE’ here. 'EYEYE' - Play It Again Sam/Crush Music   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Soundtoys Microshift Shure SM58 AKG D190e Soma Synths The Pipe Casio 101 Moog Rogue Crumar String Synth Levin Guitars Hagstrom Amps Roland Amp (Battery Operated)   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 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   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer George Durston - Production Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • TN:97 Foals

    TN:97 Foals
    Jun 21 2022
    In this episode, John is back at Spitfire Audio to catch up with Yannis and Jimmy of Foals, to discuss how they wrote, recorded and produced their new album ‘Life Is Yours’. Giving us a fascinating insight into their process and how they adapted it for their current 3 piece line up, the pair look back on how they kept their creativity organic and spontaneous, as well as the impact of each new producer along the way. With writing-room demos and plenty of stories from the studio, we’re given a full rundown of the elements that went into shaping the band’s updated sound, from the list of keywords they wrote before even playing a note through to the almost hour-long jams.  Listen to find out how they sneak discarded ideas back in to the lives show, why it’s so important for the groove of a song to be set before anything else, and what producers often do to keep their production secrets under wraps. Tracks discussed: Wild Green, 2001   Listen to ‘Life Is Yours’ here ‘Life Is Yours’- Warner Music UK Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes     GEAR MENTIONS Electro Harmonix POG Pedal Prometheus DLX Resonant Filter Strymon Pedal Roland Jupiter 4 Korg Minilogue Sequential Mopho Travis Bean Guitars  Gibson Hollowbody Bass Selmer Zodiac Amp Leslie Rotary Speaker Reaper   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   KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer George Durston - Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    58 mins
  • TN:96 Mahalia & JD. Reid

    TN:96 Mahalia & JD. Reid
    Jun 8 2022
    In this episode, John heads over to Spitfire Audio to chat with Mahalia and producer JD. Reid about how they wrote, recorded and produced the EP ‘Letter To Ur Ex’. Looking back on their early writing sessions together, the pair reflect on their very first meeting and the approach they took to get the best out of one another. From scatting line after line over a beat and jamming ideas until something just sticks, to the promise of food as a reward for finishing each section of a song. Alongside sharing their thoughts on blending the worlds of hip-hop and R&B, we’re treated to a production deep dive, looking at the intricate relationships between the parts that make up a beat and the small yet essential ingredients that add so much to each track in such subtle ways. Listen to find out why Mahalia sometimes sings with a man’s voice, what moments just scream out for a Talk Box, and why it’s always important to look at a track as more than just an instrumental and vocal.   Tracks discussed: Letter To Ur N(ex)t, Whatever Simon Says, In The Club   Listen to ‘Letter To Ur Ex’ here. ‘Letter To Ur Ex’ - Warner Music UK   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Wavesfactory Cassette Tape Saturation Goodhertz Lossy Spectrasonics Omnisphere Arturia CS80 Arturia Mellotron Arturia Juno Chorus  Antares Autotune Keyscape Rhodes UAD Empirical Labs Distressor UAD Empirical Labs Pultec Universal Audio Apollo Twin (JD’s Interface) Native Instruments Rickenbacker Bass Native Instruments Reaktor Native Instruments Kontakt Valhalla Reverbs Valhalla Shimmer Spitfire Strings Spitfire Audio Talk Box MicroKorg Shure SM7B Splice Logic Pro   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   KEEP UP TO DATE For behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @tapenotes  Twitter: @tapenotes  YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  Discord: Tape Notes   To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer George Durston - Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • TN:94 Flume

    TN:94 Flume
    May 24 2022
    In this episode, John links up with Harley Streten, better known as Flume, to talk through how he wrote, recorded and produced the four opening tracks from his mixtape and three albums - ‘Flume’, ‘Skin’, ‘Hi This Is Flume’ and ‘Palaces’. Digging out files from sessions dating back to his early adventures travelling around Europe, Harley gives us a rundown on some of the key parts of his life in music and how his approach to producing has changed over the years. From his early days using cereal box software to his approach to fixing writer’s block and the mental strain of life in music. As well as the long list of failed experiments that never made the final tracks, we’re given a full tour of the painstaking tweaks and subtle changes Harley teases into his work to humanise a production. Listen to find out what question Harley always asks when visiting synth stores, why you shouldn’t be afraid to rip off other people, and what some of the key elements to consider are when navigating success. Tracks discussed: Sintra, Helix, Hi This Is Flume, Highest Building   Listen to ‘Palaces’ here.  Listen to ‘Skin’ here. Listen to ‘Flume’ here. Listen to ‘Hi This Is Flume’ here. Future Classic, Transgressive Records Ltd   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Sonic Charge Synplant Vengeance Vocal Pack Native Instruments Razor Synth Native Instruments Reaktor Elektron Monomachine Reason FL Studio Cubase Ableton   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   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   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer George Durston - Production Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • TN:93 The Chainsmokers

    TN:93 The Chainsmokers
    May 17 2022
    In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios to catch up with The Chainsmokers, Alex and Drew, talking through how they wrote, recorded and produced their latest album ‘So Far, So Good’. Giving us a glimpse into their Hawaii writing sessions and drunken nights in the studio, the duo share the initial sparks and early ideas (both good and not so good) that developed into the final tracks.  As well as a beat building masterclass, creating drum patterns that no one would ever think up, the pair reflect on removing any pressure from their writing process and the impact it had on their creativity. Listen to find out how to get away with recycling beats from different songs, why sometimes it pays to be the least organised producer in the game, and what the best question to ask yourself is in order to handle almost every situation. Tracks discussed: If You’re Serious, iPad, I Love U   Listen to ‘So Far, So Good’ here. ‘So Far, So Good’ - Disruptor Records/Columbia Records   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Arturia Analogue Lab Arturia Plugins Antares Auto-Tune  iZotope Trash 2 Output REV Output EXHALE Output SIGNAL Soundtoys AlterBoy U-He Diva Xfer LFO Tool Zynaptiq Pitchmap Native Instrument FM8 Synth Apogee Duet Interface Apogee Symphony Interface Neumann Mics Telefunken Mics Gibson Les Paul Yamaha Baby Grand Piano Mason Hamlin Piano Nord Keyboards Steinway Pianos   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   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   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer Sam Nahirny - Photographer and Camera Assistant George Durston - Production Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • TN:92 Yard Act & Ali Chant

    TN:92 Yard Act & Ali Chant
    Mar 10 2022
    In this episode, John heads to Bristol to chat with Yard Act’s James, Sam and Ryan along with producer Ali Chant about how their debut album ‘The Overload’ was written, recorded and produced. Catching up after a big night on the Bristol stop of their tour, the band reflect on their process of bringing the album together, from solitary lockdown demos and recording over WhatsApp videos, to learning how to play the drums and the last minute additions after the tracks had been mastered. Sharing their experience of transforming what started as a side project into a successful band, we hear stories of giving, receiving and dealing with criticism, the prompts that encouraged several turning points in their writing style and the dangers of overthinking when working on individual parts. Listen to find out how to write vocals that are suitable for the neighbours, why it’s important to know the difference between congas and bongos, and what in songwriting is not too dissimilar to drawing a monster. Tracks discussed: The Overload, Land Of The Blind, 100% Endurance   Listen to ‘The Overload’ here. ‘The Overload’ - Island Records, Universal Music   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS KNAS Ekdahl Moisturizer Spring Reverb Roland TR8 Drum Machine Vox Continental Keyboard Whurlitzer Philicorda Organ AMS Reverb Traynor Bass Amp G&L ASAT Guitars Fender Jazzmaster Fender Telecaster   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   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   YouTube: Tape Notes Podcast Discord: Tape Notes To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, Tweet us, slide into our DMs, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear!  Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk    TAPE NOTES TEAM Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer Will Lyons - Editor Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing 
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    1 hr and 13 mins