Recording with Laura Tapp

My first recording session of the year took place this weekend - recording drums for my latest Cracking Tunes signing, Laura Tapp. We've been trying to do this for a year or so but due to various reasons we've had to cancel the odd session, so it was nice to finally get these tracks down. We recorded a double A-side single with Marto Randle as our producer (and he also played bass, guitar and keys, because he's a nice chap) in his newish studio in Melbourn (the one in Cambridge, not Australia, sadly). It was such a good session - I always enjoy working with Martin on projects like this as we go back many years, and Laura herself is a huge talent. Her voice is just different to other female singers I've worked with - there's a gravelly nature to it, but she's always in near-perfect tune and it's really strong. She writes good songs too - proper pop songs, uplifting stuff, lovely to drum to (*muso alert* for one of the tracks, 'Curtain Call', I got to play my little 10" Sonor sub-snare as a main snare, really snappy but never found a use for it until now, sounds great *muso alert over*). I knew she was good but I didn't know she was this good, the studio seems to bring out the best in what she does. Such a nice vibe all weekend - 2 days, 2 tracks, no pressure, everything done well, lots of banter, lots of mutual appreciation happening, just perfect. We're mixing it next Sunday and also recording a quick acoustic track (with congas) for a free download too, and then releasing the main tracks in April. I like it when things are this easy, despite having a huge hangover today following Tom Tilbury's 30th birthday celebrations last night, my head still hurts from it now.