Tape Notes

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

6 Juli 20221h 38min

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

21 Juni 202259min

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

8 Juni 20221h 42min

In this episode, John links up with Chaz Bear, the mind behind Toro y Moi, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘MAHAL’. Digging into jam sessions dating back to 2015 with all of the original recordings to hand, Chaz gives us the lowdown on how his musical ideas formulate, and the simple yet impactful journey they undertake to arrive as fully fleshed out tracks. Reflecting on life as an all-round creative, Chaz looks back on how he got started in music, from the early days using his parent's karaoke machine, to the importance of community and collaboration in today's music world. Listen to find out what in The Godfather had such a huge influence on a song, why it’s so difficult to create completely emotionless performances, and how to fearlessly explore ideas in your music. Tracks discussed: Déjà Vu, Magazine, The Loop   Listen to ‘MAHAL’ here. ‘MAHAL’ - Dead Oceans   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Shure SM7B Shure SM57 Neumann Mics API Channel Strip Hofner Bass Reason Ableton FL Studio Fostex Multitracker Wurlitzer Piano   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 - Assistant Nathan Hetherington - PR Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing

30 Maj 20221h 26min

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes. SoundBetter is the world's leading music production talent marketplace, giving you access to the best mixing & mastering engineers, singers, songwriters, producers, and studio musicians in the industry. You can work with Billie Eilish's drummer, U2's mix engineer, or hire the topliners that wrote on the latest BTS record, these pros are keen to work with Indy artists. Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more. 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

24 Maj 20221h 21min

Thanks to SoundBetter for supporting this episode of Tape Notes. SoundBetter is the world's leading music production talent marketplace, giving you access to the best mixing & mastering engineers, singers, songwriters, producers, and studio musicians in the industry. You can work with Billie Eilish's drummer, U2's mix engineer, or hire the topliners that wrote on the latest BTS record, these pros are keen to work with Indy artists. Head to SoundBetter.com to find out more. 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

17 Maj 20221h 23min

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

10 Mars 20221h 15min

In this episode, John is joined by Dave, Donny and Jung from Gang of Youths to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the band’s new album ‘Angel In Realtime’. Taking us on a global tour, the trio guides us through the wealth of sounds, people and places that had such a huge influence on the album, from London street ambience and the goings-on outside their studio window, to Pacific Island chants and the extraordinary samples that opened up a whole new sonic world for them. Alongside a look into their musical melting pot, we hear thoughts on criticism, hate and jealousy within music, as well as their attitudes towards cheesiness and embracing who you are and what you love.  Listen to find out how to make a beat from a box of sultanas, why you sometimes might mistake Dave’s voice for a stoned Michael Buble, and how to create the illusion of something being simple - while still throwing 200 layers of tracks at it.   Tracks discussed: You In Everything, Spirit Boy, Hand of God, Goal of the Century    Listen to ‘Angel In Realtime’ here. ‘Angel In Realtime’ - Warner Music UK, Mosy Music LLP   Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  https://linktr.ee/tapenotes    GEAR MENTIONS Shure SM7B Shure SM57 Shure SM58 AKG Mics AEA R88 Mic Rode Mic Sony C37 FET 47 Mic Rode Pin Mic Warm Audio Spitfire Audio Plugins Spitfire Audio David Fanshawe Native Instruments Una Corda Native Instruments Kontakt Universal Audio 6176 Universal Audio Plugins Soundtoys Devil-Loc Soundtoys Plugins Izotope Vocal Synth National Reso-Phonic Guitars 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  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 Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing  Nathan Hetherington - PR Alex Nixon - Assistant

2 Mars 20221h 57min