Tape Notes In The Woods

John is joined by Kieran Hebden, better known as Four Tet, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Three’, along with a selection of his other work.

Following his start in music writing and recording as part of post-rock band ‘Fridge’, Kieran released his debut solo album as Four Tet ‘Dialogue’ in 1999. Since then, his constant experimentation and blend of hip-hop, jazz, krautrock, electronica, dance, and folk have seen him become one of the most innovative producers of today. He has released twelve albums as Four Tet, remixed artists like Radiohead and Bjork, and collaborated with Burial, Fred Again and Skrillex, among many others. 

Sitting down together, Kieran breaks down his production journey and writing process, sharing the samples at the core of each track and reflecting on his approach to the most important element, the arrangement. Digging into the production details, he shares tips on keeping loops alive, making kicks pop, and the subtle textures that help place a track in its own world.

Tracks discussed: Daydream Repeat, Skater, Looking At Your Pager

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
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LISTEN to ‘Three’ here.
Text Records

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
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Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Soundtoys Little Alterboy
Soundtoys Microshift
FabFilter Pro-L2
Izotope Ozone Maximiser
Native Instruments Kontakt
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Roland TR8
Arturia DrumBrute
ATH-M50X Professional Monitor Headphones
Sennheiser HD25

OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear

HELP SUPPORT THE SHOW
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KEEP UP TO DATE
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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! 
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TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
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John joins Kasabian producer, songwriter, and frontman Serge Pizzorno to discuss the band’s latest record, ‘Happenings’.

Kasabian, an English rock band formed in the late 1990s, burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with iconic anthems like ‘LSF’ and ‘Club Foot’. Since then, they have released eight albums, earning multiple NME Awards and a Brit Award for Best British Group in 2010.

Sitting down with guitarist and co-founder Serge Pizzorno, the conversation dives into his production journey—from experimenting with a loop pedal at eleven years old to collaborating with renowned producer Mark Ralph. Serge shares insights into his hours-long loop jams, reveals how he transformed an Asda voice note into a fully-fledged track, and discusses the secrets behind crafting iconic riffs.

Tracks discussed: Call, Coming Back To Me Good, G.O.A.T.

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘Happenings’ here.
Sony Music

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
linktr.ee/tapenotes 

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
XLN Audio RC20
Soundtoys Decapitator
Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
Valhalla Reverbs
Atari ST Sampler
OctaMED
ARP 2600
Hofner Bass
Moogerfooger Delay
Behringer PRO-1
Roland TR-808
Fairchild Compressor
Cubase Distortion
Fruity Loops

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: 
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Twitter: @tapenotes 
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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 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
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John is joined by singer, songwriter, and producer Charli XCX, as well as producers A.G. Cook and George Daniel, to discuss how they wrote and recorded the album ‘Brat’.

Charli XCX first saw success collaborating on Icona Pop's 2012 smash hit ‘I Love It’ and Iggy Azalea's chart-topping single ‘Fancy’. Since releasing her debut album in 2013, she has continued to innovate and energise the music scene, earning a Global Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to pop. More recently, Charli released her sixth album ‘Brat’ working alongside George Daniel and PC Music pioneer A.G. Cook.

Sitting down with Charli, A.G., and George, the three cover a range of topics including the inspiration behind each track. As well as treating us to plane demos and stories of testing tracks in Charli’s club at home, the trio discuss how they approach collaboration, and break down what truly makes something Brat. 

Tracks discussed: Club Classics, Apple, 365

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
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LISTEN to ‘BRAT’ here.
Atlantic Recording Corporation

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
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Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Native Instruments Reaktor
Native Instruments Razor
Celemony Melodyne
Antares Autotune
Xfer Serum
Xfer Serum Presets
Soma Pulsar
Malekko Manther Synth
Logic Echo
Logic Pro
Avid ProTools

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 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
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John is joined by IDLES' Bowen, along with producer Kenny Beats, and producer and engineer Mikko Gordon, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘TANGK’.

Idles are a British post-punk band who gained recognition with their 2017 debut album ‘Brutalism’. Known for their gritty, powerful sound and explosive live shows, their five albums to date have earned them nominations for the Mercury Prize, BRIT & Grammy Awards. Their latest record, ‘TANGK’, sees the band team up with producers Nigel Godrich and Kenny Beats, and digs into topics of love and gratitude, all while maintaining their signature Idles energy.

Linking up between Kenny’s LA studio and Mikko’s London studio, the trio discuss how they utilised the different strands of experience and expertise from all involved. As well as dubious covers and Christmas day demos, they share stories of writing team breakouts and the unexpected moments that came when they drew inspiration beyond their usual domains. 

Tracks discussed: Roy, A Gospel, POP POP POP

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LISTEN to ‘TANGK’ here.
Partisan Records

GEAR MENTIONS
Venn Audio V-Clip
Electro Harmonix Loop Station
Electro Harmonix POG Pedal
Moogerfooger Pedals
Vongon Pedal
Beyerdynamic M500 Mic
Electro-Voice RE10
U47 Microphones
1176 Compressor
API EQ 560
Shure SM57
Empirical Labs Distressor
Altec Solid State Mixers
Altec Tube Mixers
Augspurger Speakers
Yamaha Disklavier Piano
Ableton Saturator
Ableton

OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

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 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Matty and George of The 1975, recorded back in March 2019.

EPISODE NOTES
John ventures up to Spitfire Audio to meet with Matty and George from The 1975 to talk about how the album 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' was recorded and produced.

Somewhat bleary eyed after a massive night at the Brits (scooping two awards), the boys reveal the inner workings of The 1975's production methods and writing techniques. We're treated to demo versions and extensive track breakdowns from their award winning album, showing what it takes to create a 1975 hit.

We get to hear why Matty scats to write lyrics, how George uses a Barry White bass trick for creating lush vocals, and hear THE definitive explanation of side-chain compression.

Tracks discussed: I Like America & America Likes Me, How To Draw / Petrichor, It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
linktr.ee/tapenotes 
Listen to ‘A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships’ here
 Dirty Hit, Polydor Records, Interscope Records

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Arturia Synth Emulators
Izotope Vocal Synth
Korg Legacy Collection
Moog
Shure SM58
Teenage Engineering OP1
Waves CLA Vocal Plugin
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha Reface DX
Logic Pro
Cubase

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 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John sits down with American singer and guitarist Annie Clark, aka St Vincent, to talk about her latest album ‘All Born Screaming’.

Immersed in music since childhood, after studying at Berklee College of Music, Annie toured with acts including The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens. Adopting the name 'St. Vincent', in 2006 she released her debut EP 'Paris Is Burning', and released her debut album 'Marry Me' the following year. As well as having collaborated with artists including David Byrne, Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift, St Vincent has released seven acclaimed studio albums, and has won four Grammy Awards.

John and Annie dig into the inspiration behind the record’s creation, touching on her development as an artist and producer, as well as her collaborations with esteemed artists such as Dave Grohl, Mark Guiliana, Josh Freese, and numerous others.

Tracks discussed: Broken Man, Hell Is Near, Sweetest Fruit

TAPE IT
Thanks to our friends at Tape It for supporting the podcast.
Visit tape.it/tapenotes or use the promo code TAPENOTES in the app to get 50% off.

MUSIVERSAL
Skip the waitlist and get your 25% discount HERE

LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
linktr.ee/tapenotes 
Listen to ‘All Born Screaming’ here.
Total Pleasure Records

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Neumann U87
Neumann U67
Coles Ribbon Mics
Neve Console
Buchla Synth
Arturia Lab 5
Sequential Synths
Roland TR-808
Publison Synth
Korg MS20
Lomo 19A19
EMT 140 Plate
Federal Compressor
Erica Synths Perkons Drum Machine
Eventide H3000
1176 Compressor
Nashville Telecaster
St Vincent Signature Series Guitar
Tascam Cassette Tracks
Avid 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 
Tim Adam-Smith 
Will Lyons 
Nico Varanese 
Alex Patterson
Guy Nicholls 
Jessica Clucas
Katie-Louise Buxton 
Seb Brunner-Stolovitzky 
Jonathon Coughlin
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices