TN:122 James Blake Tape Notes

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In this episode, John is joined by James Blake to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’.

With the idea of simplifying his solo work primarily with synths and drums, James shares his process of crafting an album with the purpose of getting away from the computer, reflecting on the impact it had on his creativity and mental health.

A true master of modular synths, he talks us through the long journey learning to create ‘listenable’ music with them, discussing the ways in which they are able to create sounds that he couldn't have imagined. 

Listen to discover the enlightening advice James received from Universal's Head A&R, how to best record your voice if you plan to pitch it, and how to adopt the mindset of making music for fun.

Tracks discussed: Loading, Big Hammer, Playing Robots Into Heaven

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Listen to ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ here.
Republic Records, Polydor Records, UMG Recordings

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard
Sequential Prophet 8
Native Instruments Massive
Intellijel Metropolis
Make Noise MATHS
Make Noise Black and Gold
Soma Pulsar-23
Roland SH-101
Roland TR-8S
Roland TR-909
Erica Synths LX-02
OEK Sound Soothe
FXpansion Geist
Valhalla Reverbs
Valhalla Vintage Verb
API Desk
Logic Pro

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TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Andy Tindall - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
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