Tape Notes

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 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   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    'Isles' - Ninja Tune  'Ultra Mono' - Partisan Records 'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW Release 'On Sunset' - A Polydor Records Release; Solid Bond Productions Limited, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited 'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records ‘TYRON' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release. 'Times' - A PMR/EMI release, under exclusive license to Universal Music Operations Limited

19 Mai 202159min

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 Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Sequential OB6 OB-Xd (Free) Teenage Engineering OP1 Minimoog Roland Jupiter Gem Dopamine UAD Oxford Inflator  Valhalla Vintage Verb Waves Doubler Native Instruments Massive   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   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

20 Apr 20211h 59min

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' - A Method Records/Interscope/AWGE release.   GEAR MENTIONS AKG C414 Neumann U87 Mellotron Roland TR-808 Soundtoys Decapitator Empirical Labs Distressor Tube-Tech Neve Preamps Universal Audio Neve 1073 Universal Audio Apollos Universal Audio Neumann NDH 20 Genelec Monitors Fender Stratocaster Native Instruments Komplete East West Virtual Instruments   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   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

13 Apr 20211h 49min

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. 'Dogrel' and 'A Hero's Death' - Partisan Records  Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Swarmatron Logic Pro  Ludwig Black Beauty Fender Coronado  Fender Mustang Rainger Minor Concussion   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   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

5 Apr 20211h 26min

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 and many many more.   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Casio VL Tone Suzuki Omnichord Gladiator Synth  Logic Pro Garageband   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   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

18 Mar 20212h 6min

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 - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Neumann U87  Coles 4038 Ribbon Mic  Sontronics Mercury Izotope Stutter Edit Hofner Club Bass Hammond Keyboard Vacuvox Fairchild 660 & 670 Compressors Custom Neve Console   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   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

9 Mar 20211h 21min

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/tapenotes    Listen to 'K.G.' here. Listen to 'L.W.' here. 'K.G.' and 'L.W' - A KGLW Release Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Beyerdynamic M88 Mellotron Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Yamaha DX7 Nord Keyboards Ableton 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  Facebook: @tapenotespodcast   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

2 Mar 20211h 31min

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  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    Listen to 'Ultra Mono' here. 'Ultra Mono' - Partisan Records Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective    GEAR MENTIONS Fender Baritone Guitar Drolo Stammen Pedal Moog MiniFooger Ring Mod Pedal Zvex Lofi Junky Fender Twin Amp Hiwatt-100 Hiwatt-200 Sunn Model T  Marshall SLP Marshall JCM800 Fender Bassman Amp Ampeg Roland Jazz Chorus EAR Compressors Neve 1081   API Console Neve Console Aston Stealth Soundtoys Alter Boy Fab Filter Pro-Q3 ProTools 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   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

23 Feb 20212h 15min