"The Problem With Music" by Steve Albini

I just read the essay "The Problem With Music" by Steve Albini right now. If you don't know, Steve Albini is well known for being the producer (or "recording engineer" since he hates being associated with self-proclaimed producers who don't know anything about recording) of albums like In Utero by Nirvana, Surfer Rosa by Pixies, and Razorblade Suitcase by Bush. Anyway, it's the first time in a few years that I've read the essay, and I still enjoy it. He's a bit cynical in a few parts, but I think he's right about a lot of stuff in there. I recommend it to anyone interested in music, especially if you're a musician.

I don't really have a lot of experience in the "industry" or anything, but the way he describes people in this essay reminds me so much of a handful of people I've met in different places that are in the industry. Even some of my professors in college. Their constant usage of the words "punchy" and "warm" and their obsession with Neumann microphones and of course every way The Beatles did anything.

I think Steve Albini is a pretty interesting guy, and I love his work on Razorblade Suitcase and Surfer Rosa. I mean, come on, the guy engineered "Where Is My Mind?" by Pixies! And I love the way the drums and guitars sound on Razorblade Suitcase. Albini has a studio in Chicago, and I plan at some point in the next ten years to go to Chicago and record something at his studio and have him engineer it, just for the experience (and because I'm sure it would sound great). Maybe some drum tracks or something. I'm sure many people would see it as a big waste of money, but it just seems like such a great life experience since I care about music so much. Besides having him engineer the recording of my music, and obviously learning some stuff from him in the process, I'd love to have a conversation with the guy about music and recording.