142 episodes

Tape Notes is a podcast about the art and craft of music production. Hosted by John Kennedy, each episode reunites an artist and producer to talk about the highlights of their collaboration in the studio. Their conversations lift the lid on every stage of the creative process, from kindling the first spark of a song idea, through decisions on style and instrumentation, to finessing the final product. Full of fascinating anecdotes, the conversations also feature early demo versions and stems from the original session recordings. The result is a unique insight into the working methods of some of the most innovative and exciting talents in music.

Tape Notes In The Woods

    • Music
    • 4.9 • 254 Ratings

Tape Notes is a podcast about the art and craft of music production. Hosted by John Kennedy, each episode reunites an artist and producer to talk about the highlights of their collaboration in the studio. Their conversations lift the lid on every stage of the creative process, from kindling the first spark of a song idea, through decisions on style and instrumentation, to finessing the final product. Full of fascinating anecdotes, the conversations also feature early demo versions and stems from the original session recordings. The result is a unique insight into the working methods of some of the most innovative and exciting talents in music.

    Reissue | TN:16 Alt-J & Charlie Andrew

    Reissue | TN:16 Alt-J & Charlie Andrew

    We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. This selection is our conversation with Alt-J’s Joe and Gus, along with producer Charlie Andrew, recorded back in February 2019.

    EPISODE NOTES
    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 trio 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  
    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

    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
    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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 42 min
    TN:132 Jacob Collier

    TN:132 Jacob Collier

    In this episode, John sits down with singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, delving into the creative process behind his album ‘Djesse Vol. 4,’ the concluding instalment in his four-part ‘Djesse’ album series.

    Jacob first shot to fame in 2013 when videos of his complex vocal arrangements went viral on YouTube. Three years later, he released his debut album ‘In My Room’, written and recorded entirely from his family home. In 2018, Jacob set to work on Djesse, a four-volume, 50-song, album series featuring collaborations with artists around the world, which to date has earned him 6 Grammy nominations.

    Throughout the conversation, Jacob shares his original demos and discusses his approach to fusing such a plethora of musical genres, from rap and gospel, to dance and Kpop. He also discusses the collaborations that shaped the album, with artists including Chris Martin, Lindsay Loomis, and Willow Smith, as well as his audiences from live shows around the world.

    Tracks discussed: Over You, 100,000 Voices, Cinnamon Crush

    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
    linktr.ee/tapenotes 
    Listen to ‘Djesse Vol. 4’ here .
    Hajanga Records, Interscope Records/Decca, Universal Music Operations Limited

    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective   

    GEAR MENTIONS
    Little Alterboy
    Oek Sound Soothe
    Xfer LFO Tool
    Gladiator Synth
    AKG C414
    Neumann U87
    Neumann U87 Customised by Klaus Heyne
    Sony MX4000 Headphones
    Native Instruments
    Taylor 5 String Guitar (custom)
    Strandberg Guitars Electric 5 String
    Mandocello

    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
    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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 16 min
    TN:131 Declan McKenna

    TN:131 Declan McKenna

    John catches up with Declan McKenna to talk about his latest album ‘What Happened To The Beach?’

    Declan McKenna first saw mainstream success in 2015 following the release of his debut single ‘Brazil’ and winning Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent prize. While blending topics of politics and social issues with his indie-pop sound through his first two albums, ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ introduces us to a new world, this time looking inward and drawing on Declan’s personal growth as a musician.

    As well as opening up his hugely varied bag of demos, musical sketches, and jam sessions, Declan shares stories of his time working in the studio with producer Luca Buccellati, talking through the unusual sounds and fantasy locations that inspired his writing.

    Tracks discussed: Mulholland’s Dinner & Wine, Breath of Light, Mezzanine

    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
    linktr.ee/tapenotes 
    Listen to ‘What Happened To The Beach?’ here.
    Sony Music Entertainment

    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

    GEAR MENTIONS
    Soundtoys Little Alterboy
    MWFX The Judder Pedal
    Roland Juno 60
    Shure SM7B
    Mellotron
    Electro Harmonix MEL9 Pedal
    Acoustasonic Guitars
    Logic auto-wah
    Logic Pro X
    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
    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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 37 min
    Reissue | TN:12 Glass Animals

    Reissue | TN:12 Glass Animals

    We’ve been having a look back through the Tape Notes archive to bring back some of our favourite early episodes that you may have missed. The first selection is our chat with Dave Bayley (Glass Animals) from summer 2018.  

    EPISODE NOTES
    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  
    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 Boy
    UAD Amp Emulators
    Vox AC30
    Waves Kramer
    Ableton
    Ableton Spectrum Plugin
    ProTools

    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
    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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 20 min
    TN:130 100 gecs

    TN:130 100 gecs

    John links up with hyper-pop royalty, Laura Les and Dylan Brady, aka 100 gecs, to talk about their latest album ‘10,000 gecs’.

    100 gecs first broke onto the scene with their debut album ‘1000 gecs’ in 2019. Capturing attention online and amongst music fans, the innovative record was described as ‘one of the year's most fascinating, exhilarating experimental pop albums’. Their second studio album ‘10,000 gecs’, released in 2023, sees them maintain their status as hyper-pop trailblazers, this time blending pop-punk and ska in with their signature maximalist sound.

    Reflecting on their writing process and how it has changed over the years, the conversation covers a range of topics, from the vast number of alternatives each track goes through, to the crazy sound design and effects that make up such an enormous part of their style.  

    Tracks discussed: Hollywood Baby, 757, The Most Wanted Person In The United States

    ----------------
    Thanks to Audiomovers for supporting this episode. Their Listento Plugin has been a gamechanger for us and we use it across all of our remote interviews and recordings.
    To see their full range of plugins, visit audiomovers.com and use the promo code TAPENOTES1 at checkout to get your free month (usually only two days).
    ----------------
    Thanks to Tape It for supporting this episode. Tape It is a recording app designed specifically for musicians and songwriters. Among many of Tape It's incredible features, you can record straight from lock screen, set markers and have complete control over your record settings, and that just the start.
    To find out more and get the full app free for a month, head to www.tape.it/tapenotes
    ----------------

    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
    linktr.ee/tapenotes 
    Listen to ‘10,000 gecs’ here .
    Dog Show Recordings, Atlantic Recordings

    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

    GEAR MENTIONS
    Native Instruments Guitar Rig
    Waves Tune Real Time
    Soundtoys Decapitator
    Toontrack Superior Drummer
    Xfer Serum Synth
    Mace Guitar Amp
    Shure SM7B
    Orange Amp
    V-Drums
    Mesa Dual Rectifier Amp Head
    Splice
    Logic Pro X

    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
    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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer, Videographer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    David Yu - Engineer (LA)
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Raphi Elton-Rowley - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 14 min
    TN:129 Matthew Herbert

    TN:129 Matthew Herbert

    John ventures into the depths of Kent to catch up with Matthew Herbert and discuss his latest work ‘The Horse’.

    Renowned for his innovative sound exploration, Matthew gained recognition under various names, including Doctor Rockit, Wishmountain, and Herbert. He's produced for artists such as Bjork and Róisín Murphy, composed for stage and screen, and earned international acclaim for his records. His latest collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra resulted in 'The Horse.'

    Alongside a full album playback, the conversation covers the thought process behind the sounds, collaborators and story of each track, Matthew also shares his thoughts on ways in which to engage with music and creativity, and how to do it in a way that keeps you continuously inspired.

    Tracks discussed: Full Album

    LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
    linktr.ee/tapenotes 
    Listen to ‘The Horse’ here.
    Matthew Herbert, Modern Recordings, BMG

    Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

    OUR GEAR
    https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

    HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW
    If you'd like to help support the show 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

    TAPE NOTES TEAM
    Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
    Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
    Will Lyons - Editor
    Nico Varanese - Videographer, Editor
    Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
    Jessica Clucas - Production Assistant
    Katie-Louise Buxton - Production Assistant
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
254 Ratings

254 Ratings

@uktechlawyer ,

The ultimate music lover’s podcast

Podcasts were made for this - deep-diving into the making of great albums, hearing from the artist and their producers about their creative decisions, inspiration, sounds and tech they used. Often opening up their DAW and breaking down tracks. I have listened to some of these multiple times. John is the ideal interviewer too. Please keep the episodes coming!

Pine Cone Mike ,

5 Stars Baby

The James Blake interview has tipped me over the edge to write a review: long time listener. Absolutely love the content. X

Mark Cinders ,

Genuinely incredible

Fave music podcast that there is

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