Renowned producer Steve Albini has died at age 61, a week before his band Shellac (pictured) was set to release a long-awaited new album. Albini died of a heart attack, staff at his recording studio, Electric Audio,
As a musician, Albini gained prominence as the guitarist and vocalist for the influential punk rock band Big Black during the 1980s. Big Black’s abrasive, confrontational sound, coupled with Albini’s raw vocals and incisive lyrics, helped define the emerging post-hardcore and noise rock scenes.
However, it’s Albini’s work as an audio engineer and producer that truly solidified his legendary status. He’s known for his uncompromising approach to recording, eschewing the glossy, polished sound favored by many producers in favor of a more raw and honest aesthetic. Albini’s engineering credits include seminal albums by bands such as Nirvana (“In Utero”), Pixies (“Surfer Rosa”), and The Jesus Lizard (“Goat”), among many others. His distinctive recording style, characterized by minimal overdubs, a focus on capturing live performances, and an emphasis on natural room sound, has left an indelible mark on the alternative music landscape.
