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