Nirvana's late, acclaimed music producer Steve Albini would only produce the album if there was “no interference from the front office warheads.”
The studio wizard, who was well known in the world of alternative music, sadly passed away on Tuesday (07.05.24) after suffering a heart attack at his recording studio, Electrical Audio.
And Nirvana, whose classic lineup consisted of late frontman Kurt Cobain and surviving members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, accepted the terms they received from Albini and eventually released their critically acclaimed 1993 album They shared a letter outlining their plans for what became their final LP. “In Utero”.
Albini believed the album should only take a week to produce and advised the “Come As You Are” rockers to ignore all influence from their record label bosses.
He writes: “I think the best thing you can do at this point is exactly what you're trying to do. That's high quality but minimal 'production', with no interference from the front office, and a few To release a record within days. warhead.
“If this is something you really want to do, I would love to participate.”
The producer claimed that he would have “no use” to their records if they were at the mercy of the company's system.
He continued: “If you find yourself in a position where you're temporarily coddled by a record company, only to have them pull the chain at some point (redoing songs, sequences, production, bringing in hired hands, etc.),” he says. If that happens, you'll be disappointed, and I think part of it is I don't want to be. ”
Albini insisted that their music must be authentic and free from outside influences.
He continued: “I'm only interested in working on a record that legitimately reflects the band's own perception of their music and existence. If you're willing to put that into practice as a tenet of your recording methodology, I'll do my best for you.” I will work around you.”
He also warned that if they made a “serious mistake” he would provide honest feedback.
He said, “I see the band as the most important thing, both as a creative entity that gave rise to its personality and style, and as a social entity that exists 24 hours a day every day. I don't think it's my place to tell the band what to do or how to play. I'm going to let my opinion be heard (if I think the band is making great progress) , or if I think there's a major mistake, I consider it part of my job to tell them as well), but if the band decides to pursue something, I'm going to see That it will come true.”
The generous Albini refused to accept royalties from the band, explaining that he wanted to be paid “like a plumber.”
He writes: “I want to get paid like a plumber. I do the work and you pay me what I'm worth. The record company wants me a point or a point and a half.” Assuming sales are 3 million, that's about $400,000. I'm losing sleep over that amount of money.”
He fronted bands that Kurt was a huge fan of, including Big Black, Rapeman and Shellac, and also produced albums by the Pixies, PJ Harvey, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.