After the dazzling success of Metronomy’s third album, British producer and songwriter Joseph Mount felt the need to change track. Enchanted by the old-school techniques of the 60s and 70s, he set about making an all-analog album in the age of the internet.

This 3-Part series explores the production process behind the band’s 2014 single, Love Letters. Recorded live onto an 8-track tape machine and later mixed straight to ¼ inch, the record evokes the spirit of classic records but with a subtle modern edge.

Joseph describes how the band used an immaculately restored EMI console, some outboard and a tape machine to shape their musical process from the ground up. He retraces his steps arranging the song for a limited track count, recreating simple modulation effects the hard way, and making risky tape edits to bring it all together.

A digital native, Joseph emphasizes the value of searching for new experiences in the studio and the rewards that come from taking creative risks. When even simple processes become a challenge, anything can happen.

Part 1

09 min

Working on tape, pre-production, arrangement


Part 2
11 min
Live recording, effects, artistic intention, philosophy


Part 3

08 min

Limitations, equipment selection, referencing

home page: https://mwtm.com/itt87

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