In this episode, John joins Nick Douwma, a.k.a. Sub Focus, to talk about how he wrote, recorded, and produced his latest album 'Evolve'.

Unable to stop John from dancing out of his chair, Nick ploughs on and talks us through the evolution of his most recent tracks. Sharing some of the first demos and samples that kick-started his process, we hear stories of late-night hotel room sessions and road-testing tracks live before settling into them.

As well as delving into some of the history and theory behind Drum & Bass, we're treated to a production masterclass, diving deep with tips on oscillators and tuning, harmonics, and things to bear in mind when you're having phase issues.

Listen to find out why you almost never double the speed of an a cappella, why the key of a track is so important, and how to constructively use your time outside of the studio.

Tracks discussed: Fine Day, Ready To Fly, Secrets
LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  
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Listen to ‘Evolve’ here
EMI, Universal Music Operations Limited

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Sonorous PaulXStretch
Oszillos Mega Scope
Xfer LFO Tool
Thermionic Culture Vulture Emulation
Clariphonic DSP MkII
Korg M1 Piano VST
Valhalla Shimmer
Celemony Melodyne
Akaizer
Spitfire Strings
Xfer Serum
ROMpler Instrument
Reese Bass
Roland Juno 60
Shure SM58
Neumann U87
Apple AirPods Max
Cubase
Ableton

OUR GEAR
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Visit our website to join our mailing list: www.tapenotes.co.uk

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.

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