This podcast currently has no reviews.
Submit ReviewThis podcast currently has no reviews.
Submit ReviewIn this episode John catches up with Benny Sings and producer Kenny Beats to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Young Hearts’.
Linking in from their studios in Amsterdam and LA, Benny and Kenny look back on their time spent writing and how each environment had an impact on the music. From experiencing the ‘Kenny Beats Thing’ in LA along with his wealth of collaborators, to spending a solitary week writing in Amsterdam locked in the studio with Covid.
As well as sharing the voice notes that initially inspired Kenny to become involved in the project, the duo dig deep into the lessons they’ve picked up over the years. We’re treated to some tips and tricks behind effortless lyric writing, stock plugin gold, along with a deep dive into mixing and balancing drums and bass.
Listen to find out how to create definition between yourself and a character within a song, how to efficiently keep track of all your sessions, and what the definitive definition of ‘slap’ is.
Tracks discussed: Young Hearts, Pyjamas, Distance
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Young Hearts’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Eventide Instant Phaser Plugin
Eventide Instant Phaser Outboard
Roland TR-55 Rhythm King Drum Machine
Ableton Drum Buss - Stock Plugin
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 :)
Or you can join us on Patreon, where among many things you can access full length videos of most new episodes, ad-free episodes and detailed gear list breakdowns.
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
Patreon: 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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, John catches up with Orlando Higginbottom, better known as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs or T.E.E.D, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘When The Lights Go’.
Digging into the record almost 10 years in the making, Orlando talks us through his process of sorting through the piles of musical material he has created over the last decade, and how he developed each idea into a cohesive album.
As well as sharing production tips on vocal layering and utilising field recordings (notably coyote barks), Orlando reflects on his musical upbringing, discussing how the somewhat unattainable standards in classical music have impacted his work as an electronic producer.
Listen to find out why you should commit sounds when they are 75% right, how lyrics can be such a different commitment to a song, and why Orlando tried to create a U2 album without ever hearing U2.
Tracks discussed: Crosswalk, The Sleeper, Thugs
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘When The Lights Go’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
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 :)
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
Patreon: Tape Notes Patreon
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 ventures over to Hackney to catch up with Tom Odell and producer Laurie Blundell about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Best Day Of My Life’.
As well as studio stories about the relationship between the voice and piano and the mindset needed when separating them, the duo share their thoughts on keeping the soul within songs, and the importance of musical authenticity in today’s world.
Listen to find out which DJing plugin became integral to their process, how Rick Rubin pretty much co-produced the album with inspirational quotes, and why a kick drum became the cause of the pair’s biggest fall out.
Tracks discussed: Best Day Of My Life, Just Another Thing We Don’t Talk About, Flying :))
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Best Day of My Life’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
How To Do Nothing - Jenny Odell
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 special live episode, John heads to Mother Advertising to chat with returning guest SG Lewis about how he wrote, recorded, and produced his new album ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’.
Starting writing after taking ten days off music making and getting bored, Sam reflects on the times spent with his collaborators in the studio and on exotic retreats, sharing the sparks of songwriting inspiration that came from their stories and lives.
In this all-round production masterclass, we’re treated to a deep dive into Sam’s process of updating sounds and processing techniques from past eras for a modern audience, as well as mixing tips including the best ways to make a kick and bass punch over iPhone speakers.
Listen to find out why the phonetics of lyrics are so important, how to create a convincing fake vocoder, and what some of the most effective ways are to gain confidence as a singer when you’re not a singer.
Tracks discussed: Lifetime, Call On Me, Something About Your Love
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘AudioLust & HigherLove’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Transient Designer
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
George Durston - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Eillish'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 Studios to catch up with Charlie Puth about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘CHARLIE’.
Thinking back to the moments that sparked the initial ideas for each of his songs, Charlie talks us through how he translates the almost fully finished versions from his head to the DAW. From using auto-tune to satisfy his perfect pitch, to the simple chorus tricks he uses to help it all punch.
As well as looking back to his early days on YouTube and social media, Charlie discusses how the platforms have evolved and their impact on the way he writes, allowing him to include so many people in his music making process.
Listen to find out what Monday would sound like if it was a song, which of his viral sounds was faked, and how to play guitar like you’re a pianist.
Tracks discussed: Light Switch, That’s Hilarious, Loser
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘CHARLIE’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Kontakt Pre-Bass
Native Instruments Kontakt Church Organ
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, John links up with Lizzy McAlpine and producers Philip Etherington and Ehren Ebbage, to talk about how they wrote, recorded, and produced Lizzy’s album ‘five seconds flat’.
Looking back at their time writing and recording in a makeshift Airbnb studio, Lizzy, Philip, and Ehren dig into their enormous archive of song versions (including John Mayer versions), talking through their process of chipping away at each track and shaping the sounds to match the core expression.
As well as highlighting exactly why parts of Lizzy’s performance are so key to the foundation of each song, we’re treated to backing vocal masterclasses, stories of secret weapon synths, and beats tied together with Philip’s mouldy can of nuts.
Listen to find out how to create sounds that are quietly big and impactful, why all U47s are not created equally, and why as a producer you first have to be an audience member.
Tracks discussed: an ego thing, ceilings, reckless driver
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Five Seconds Flat’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 reunites with Alex Crossan, a.k.a. Mura Masa, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced his latest album ‘Demon Time’.
Reflecting on the process of working out what a lockdown album would sound like and making the complete opposite of that, Alex shares his thoughts on controlling the vibe of a record while still managing to explore every random studio idea with each of his collaborators.
As well as giving us a tour of some of the weirdest sounds in his sample folder, Alex treats us to production gold, demonstrating some of the simplest yet most effective Garage tricks, and the ways in which he created the impression of fake DJ across the album.
Listen to find out how a citrus salad led to a revelation about frequencies, why if an idea’s making you laugh then that’s the right one to follow, and how to sneakily get people to write for your album in their own writing session.
Tracks discussed: demon time, hollaback bitch, e-motions
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Demon Time’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, John reunites with Fred Gibson, a.k.a. Fred Again.., at his house, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Actual Life 3 (January
1 - September 9 2022)’.
Reflecting on what’s been a very busy 18 months, Fred discusses how the success of the Actual Life series has had an impact on how and why he writes music. From the tricks he uses to keep his writing process fast and fun, to the moments his creativity was lost and the advice that came from Brian Eno to focus it.
As well as sharing demos written with The 1975 and sampling songs by his brother, Fred gets hands on with his explanations of the plugins and process he uses, treating us to live beat builds, piano demonstrations and examples of compression demonstrated through table drumming.
Listen to find out what Fred’s reaction to switching DAWs was, why you should put off any technical aspects of a track until the end, and why some people may call the harmonic modulations in his music ‘the work of the devil’.
Tracks discussed: Delilah (pull me out of this), Berwyn (all that I got is you), Kelly (end of a nightmare)
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Actual Life 3 (January
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Expert Sleepers Spectral Conquest
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 :)
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 :)
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
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode John is joined by Vincent Fenton better known as FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced three tracks across his releases - ‘Time For A Change’, ‘Ylang Ylang’ and ‘Vincent’.
Giving us a glimpse at his musical journey through the years, Vincent reflects on each of the decisive elements that help characterise his signature sound, from location and significant life events, to his early homemade synth presets and sample libraries.
Alongside his tricks on how to bring electronic drums to life, and the different headspaces that help focus his music making, we hear thoughts on why limitations can be so exciting and how so often ‘bad’ pieces of gear create something that ‘amazing’ gear simply can’t.
Listen to find out how miniscule chord changes can drastically alter the emotion of a vocal line, what challenges come with moving your entire studio to the middle of the jungle in the Philippines, and why combining your adult and child minds can be the key to creativity.
Tracks discussed: So Much To Me, Ylang Ylang, Different Masks For Different Days
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘V I N C E N T’ here
Listen to ‘Ylang Ylang’ here
Listen to ‘Time For A Change’ here
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments - The Gentleman
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 :)
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 :)
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Herbie Elton-Rowley - Videographer
Andy Tindall - Videographer
George Durston - Production Assistant
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, John is joined by Jamie T and producer Hugo White at Miloco’s The Yard Studio, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Theory of Whatever’.
Alongside all the difficult musical decisions they made to keep the character of each song, we hear tales from the studio of sneakily replacing guitar parts and the challenges that come when there are a lot of big egos floating around.
Listen to find out why the album was almost named after Matt Maltese, why throwing your hat on the floor is sometimes the best way to get your point across, and to hear proof that Jamie actually does work pretty hard.
Tracks discussed: The Old Style Raiders, Between The Rocks, Thank You
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘The Theory of Whatever’ here.
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
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 :)
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 :)
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
Matt Purbrick - Production Assistant
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Nathan Hetherington - PR
Rebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This podcast could use a review! Have anything to say about it? Share your thoughts using the button below.
Submit Review