TN:122 James Blake
09/26/23 • 104 min
1 Listener
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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
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
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
OUR GEAR
https://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgear
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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
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).
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
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
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
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
TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Andy Tindall - Videographer
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant
Previous Episode
TN:121 Disclosure
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).
In this episode, John heads to Miloco’s The Yard Studios, to catch up with Guy and Howard of Disclosure, and talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Alchemy’.
Having taken a break from their relentless touring schedule, the pair guide us through their reassessed approach to creativity. From stories of managing burnout and heartbreak, to balancing meaning and feelings with the key production choices of each track.
As well as sharing Howard’s very first AirBnb demos, Guy digs deep with a vast production breakdown, including sharing his go-to method of creating kicks and the small additions to a track that can make it sparkle.
Listen to find out the quickest way to come up with a new track idea, why it’s so good to be musically naive, and the best ways to check if things still sound cool.
Tracks discussed: Looking For Love, Simply Won’t Do, High Than Ever Before
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Alchemy’ here.
- Apollo Records, AWAL
Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective
GEAR MENTIONS
BigKick - https://geni.us/vOoH
Fairchild Compressor (Real thing)
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 ...
Next Episode
TN:123 Bakar & Zach Nahome
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).
In this episode, John is back at Strongroom Studios to catch up with Bakar and producer Zach Nahome about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Halo’.
Looking back at the varied starting points of the songs, Bakar and Zach chart the journey of the album writing process, from writing in hotel rooms and AirBnbs to some of the most legendary studios in the world.
As well as sharing the conversations that helped fuel their creativity, we are given a glimpse into how the pair forged Bakar’s distinctive sound, sharing tips on bringing modern elements into music that feels old, and building distinctive worlds of reverb.
Listen to find out why you shouldn’t delete old beats, how a thief managed to unknowingly shape the sound of a track, and how working with an ‘anti-setup’ outside of the studio can benefit the song.
Tracks discussed: Alive!, Facts_Situations, Right Here, for Now
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES
Listen to ‘Halo’ here.
- Black Butter
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 :)
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....
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