TN:116 Sub Focus

Tape Notes

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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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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