Tape Notes

this is by far my most favourite podcast out there! thank you, team for this product! 🤍

John Kennedy has a knack for spotting artist’s intentions they hadn’t themselves noticed and takes them by surprise with insightful questions. Without getting too bogged down in specific gear or settings, the conversations stay focussed on the creative processes of songwriting, arrangement and production. I started off by “cherry-picking” episodes featuring artists I’d already heard of - but then realised this is a great way to discover new music and get new production or writing ideas from way outside of my comfort zone. Thr entertainment value is always high. I’m a fan!

I listen to a lot of music podcasts, but this is my favorite. The idea behind Tape Notes is simple: get together with musicians and producers to listen to songs from the earliest demos or voice notes through to the final product (and many of the steps and individual stems in between). It’s fascinating to hear how sometimes a small mistake, an added effect, or new percussion element can completely change the feel of a song. I also learned a lot about the structure and internal dynamics of great songs. In the process, I was introduced to some fantastic new bands. The host of Tape Notes, John „That’s Interesting“ Kennedy, doesn’t get in the way, but knows how to keep the focus on the music and is a pleasure to listen to with his genuine enthusiasm. I’ve discovered this podcast during lockdown and I’m just grateful for the many pleasurable hours it’s provided. I’m almost through listening all the way back to episode 1 and I dread the moment of reaching the end (or, well, the beginning).