In this episode, John is back at Spitfire Audio to catch up with Ben Coyle-Larner, better known as Loyle Carner, along with producers Kwes and Nick Mills, about how they wrote, recorded and produced Loyle’s new album ‘Hugo’. Reflecting back on their time writing over lockdown, Ben, Kwes and Nick talk us through their extensive process of whittling each track down to the finished article, from the early jam sessions and demos they fell in love with, right through the numerous directions they took each beat. Along with sharing some of the best examples of collaboration and what it can bring, we’re treated to detailed track breakdowns and thoughts on the most effective approaches to take when balancing the emotions of a beat to the emotions within lyrics. Listen to find out what dangers come with making things too musical, how AI came to the rescue multiple times, and what the ultimate studio snack is. Tracks discussed: Hate, Nobody Knows, Plastic LINKS TO EVERYTHING TAPE NOTES  linktr.ee/tapenotes  Listen to ‘Hugo’ here.EMI, Universal MusicIntro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective GEAR MENTIONSD16 Decimort PluginOxford Inflator PluginKazrog True Iron PluginPlugin Alliance Black BoxSerato Sample PluginSoundtoys DecapitatorSoundtoys TremolatorSoundtoys EchoboySoundtoys Little AlterBoyValhalla Vintage VerbMellotronFabfilter Plugins Goodhertz Lossy PluginXLN Audio RC 20Moises AI AppShure SM57DBX 118 ExpanderLewitt 640 MicsTeenage Engineering OP1Logic Stock PedalsFL Studio OUR GEARhttps://linktr.ee/tapenotes_ourgearHELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf 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 :) DonateKEEP UP TO DATEFor behind the scenes photos and the latest updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @tapenotes Twitter: @tapenotes Facebook: @tapenotespodcast  YouTube: Tape Notes PodcastDiscord: Tape NotesTo 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 HELP SUPPORT THE SHOWIf 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 TAPE NOTES TEAMWill Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & EditorTim Adam-Smith - Executive ProducerWill Lyons - EditorHerbie Elton-Rowley - VideographerMatt Purbrick - Production AssistantGuy Nicholls - Production AssistantNathan Hetherington - PRRebecca Ibbotson - Digital Marketing