How Steve Albini recorded Kurt Cobain's guitars on In Utero - an in depth interview

The man who needs no introduction - the legendary Steve Albini talks with me about how he recorded Kurt Cobain's guitars on Nirvana's final album In Utero. We also discus the microphones used on In Utero.

[@jackson.d1500]

Didn’t realize how valuable this video would become

[@keytonlarue9833]

Me either it happened so fast :/ rip Steve, and Kurt

[@User-jk8wq]

It blows my mind to think that Steve had never been asked to go into such specific detail about recording Kurt's guitars before this interview. I'm so glad the world got to know this amazing information before his untimely death ❤

[@le_th_]

No, I'm pretty sure we knew this was valuable at the time, but no on anticipated his death so shortly after filming this.

[@jackson.d1500]

@@le_th_ I just meant that it ended up being one of his last interviews.

[@birdzzzondayflu2489]

We’re all so close

[@NevilleWearsPrada]

Can't believe it. RIP legend. Makes this interview even more special.

[@ToneOClock]

Such a shock. Can't believe it

[@Pennyroyal_T.]

🙏💜

[@KarlKnowsMinecraft]

Came here to say the same thing, I’m so glad Aaron got to have this conversation with him

[@sharingiscaring0]

This interview may be his second last audio interview. The very last audio interview with him I've seen so far would be the small segment at Conan Newtron's Protonic Reversal 10 year Anniversary Special about 8 or 9 days ago, if anyone cares to know.

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

Just in time

[@reneruiz4418]

He’s gone now, rest in peace

[@mgr741]

Fucking bummer!!!!

[@joemom1012]

@@mgr741 yep

[@joeldeutscher7077]

I love how even Steve Albini's zoom chat has natural room reverb. That's dedication to his style, lol.

[@adilO.o]

Hahahahaha 😂😂😂

[@adilO.o]

I am beyond sad about the sad news. RIP Steve Albini ❤😭😭😭 I had to think about this joke about the Room reverb on his zoom call… what a legend he was ❤️

[@sabbracadabra8367]

lol

[@le_th_]

Like the man said, this is his life's work

[@user-rv5di3gt2x]

And know this is probably Steve's last interview. R.I.P.

[@billepperson2662]

The podcast channel Kreative Kontrol just released an interview a few hours ago with him that took place on may 23rd I think? About a week before he passed...

[@frankie_ghiloni]

Bro, I know we are all crushed by his passing… You’re literally keeping the legacy going in a way that is going to be detrimental to how well the history is preserved. Thank you for that, this video being made so close to his passing really gave us a way to peek into his life and mind and I’m glad we got to see him in that light. RIP Steve 🫡

[@Josh-ol8sy]

detrimental means negative

[@leeringduckling]

@@Josh-ol8sy bro means instrumental

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

​@@leeringduckling Sending mixed messages but he's got the spirit.

[@trevortrela4765]

I think we’re all feeling extremely lucky to have this video now. RIP you fucking legend.

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

Three weeks ago this was an amazing insiders look into the process and equipment. Now it’s a historical piece of work. Unreal.

[@le_th_]

It was always going to be a historical piece of work, we just didn't realize how quickly it would become that.

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

@@le_th_ true that

[@michaelsantoro170]

Just coming back to this to say Rest in Peace. Watched this as it launched 3 weeks ago, and wow. Did not expect him to be gone so soon, RIP steve

[@NastyNatey]

I was expecting a certain level of jadedness from Steve and was happy to see him enthusiastic and supportive of your project. Benefits all of us fans. Thanks Steve and Aaron. Cheers

[@StuffnSuch]

I think he used to be a lot more jaded in the past. He’s seems to have chilled out in recent years.

[@michaelgallardomusic]

@@StuffnSuch yeah and Rick Rubin acts like a yoga instructor now social media changed everybody

[@narnball]

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if he’s possibly more open in this context vs. some slick magazine.

[@BernieRunns]

Steve is the man. I can listen to him talk about records and recording for hours.

[@RevertFlip]

Can’t believe Steve is gone man his work will always be remembered and his amazing talents and memories will live on RIP to the man who produced punk rock

[@dgerch]

Man, beyond the fact that this is so dense with useful information, it’s really encouraging watching two people with no ego, just immense mutual interest, communicate with each other so charitably. This sort of interaction is humanity at its best. Albini was a great interview and always willing to go as deep as the person asked him. This is a very rare quality and, selfishly, it’s sad that the world won’t get another thirty years of wisdom and inspiration from him. Truly one of a kind.

[@davidwaldeck8736]

Steve seemed hesitant to record Nirvana and then for awhile was somewhat ambivalent to the record and overall experience. But since the 20th anniversary in 2013, he has done so many interviews about In Utero. He's always so enthusiastic and almost always reveals some sort of new information. His recollection of detail is incredible. I love it. Thank you, Steve!

[@PMAWoodner]

The band and record label hung him out to dry after the sessions, making his professional life far, far more difficult.

[@davidwaldeck8736]

Yeah. Exactly what he didn’t want to happen.

[@iggypopisgod9]

The band and record label hung him out to dry after the sessions, making his professional life far, far more difficult. Its just a record not the end of the world. Its a luxury to even make records. Lets not get it twisted. Steve did just fine.

[@PMAWoodner]

@@iggypopisgod9 "Steve did just fine"?!? That's literally the opposite of what he himself said about the experience

[@NgaTaeOfficial]

With Steve’s passing, I take solace in this saying “it’s always sad when a great man dies, but at least the greatness did not die before the man”.

[@TR-xb4ih]

coming back to this today on 5/8 after learning steve has passed. RIP steve, thanks for keeping the nirvana community alive. thank you aaron for your dedication, excited to see where this takes you

[@omareg599]

Glad that Aaron got to interview Steve first hand. Rest in power Mr Albini, thanks for your music and production.

[@MorzakEV]

Can’t believe this was only a few weeks ago now, and the news has just broken about Steve’s death. It’s an absolute sudden tragedy and my heart goes out to Steve’s family. I’m so glad you got to have this chat with him and Steve got to share himself and his genius a little more with the world.

[@traskirata]

its a good thing you made this video when you did. not even a month later and all of this incredible knowledge would be lost. r.i.p. steve albini

[@Steaminlidz]

Steve's comments about your channel (and investigative approach) mirror what your everyday layman viewers feel. Huge kudos to you.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

It was genuinely touching to see Albini go out of his way to defend what he's doing with this channel and offer encouragement, I think he related to the sort of obsessive dedication to the minutiae as a fan of something. I think Albini was humble to a fault but I like his idea that the greatness of In Utero was due to Nirvana finally getting the space to breath and be creative as professional musicians and artists without undue influences. For Bleach, they were still raw and figuring themselves out and it's really a composite album pieced together from different sessions. Nevermind was very much a manufactured product and while there are great songs on it and all that, there were a lot of other cooks in the kitchen - Nevermind was an investment. In Utero was the only real instance where Nirvana had the chance to go into a space and dictate the terms and make exactly what they wanted to make. It's wonderful that Albini afforded them that opportunity - I think that's why Krist is so fond of that album in a way that seems very personal to him, he loves and defends Nevermind in an artistic sense. He defends its pop sensibilities and production value, but I get the impression In Utero means more to him. I'm positive Kurt would've come around to a similar way of thinking if he'd had the time to do it. And of course it's wonderful that Albini gave them the opportunity, and WE got to hear it.

[@patton303]

Aw man. We just lost one of the greatest dudes who ever lived. Steve left such a legacy of incredible recordings, supreme integrity and old school punk ethos. He will be sorely missed.

[@ipvoc19]

Much respect to both Aaron and Steve for this exceptional interview. RIP Steve 🙌

[@realgreyrecords6015]

Aaron, so glad you did this interview with Steve. Cool that he loved your research on the In Utero project. RIP Steve.

[@jacobgaunt2438]

This is insane! An interview with the man himself! We’re getting spoiled today

[@le_th_]

You had no idea that day just how spoiled you were.

[@lita534]

Damn, fact that you finished your work on recreating his record, and Steve passed away shortly after your interview. Its scary.

[@dejooooo]

One of the most interesting channels Ive seen in a while

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Hurts to speak of Steve in past tense. Such an incredible producer & recording engineer. A truly authentic artist that never sold out. Rest In Power 🤍

[@norecess9472]

I can't believe that. He was a great man who's made a huge impact on rock music and industry. He's made one of my favorite album of all time. This is the last interview with him, and we're all gonna respect him as a great producer and a musician forever, rest in peace

[@SpeeedMC]

R.I.P 🕊️

[@coldloner7453]

31:00 bro I screamed, I can’t believe how good that actually sounds, I’m blown away man, thank you.

[@alexkeenan5768]

Welcome back, man!!! Been a minute we’ve all been waiting on your vids!!!!!

[@AMurder0fCrows]

Wow... Sooooo glad you did this interview

[@jessielike2]

Steve Albini is absolute legend

[@le_th_]

Now, that statement is true.

[@scorpthe]

Steve was such a great Engineer and such a nice guy! Your detailed exploration of the sound he made on In Utero became a huge part of your life. I just cannot imagine what you feel now... Like life itself gave you a chance to talk with him before he passed away. And you're the one who worthed it to interview him about his methods on this particular album. Historical call, warm tube vibes and ribbon mics. Thanks, Aaron. Rest in peace, Steve Albini 😢

[@brentonpasley4068]

Can't believe the news today. So happy you got to do this amazing interview with him. Thank you!

[@XselfwillrunriotX]

Just saw the news about Steve. Thought of you right away man. Steve’s work is a HUGE reason why I became so in love with recording and making music. My heart is crushed

[@denverrandy7143]

That was some really heartfelt loving words from Steve.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

I've never seen a more heartfelt, unsolicited endorsement of a fan's passion project. It was touching before, and now it legitimately makes me tear up.

[@DrillForAbsentee]

with all due respect to the late, great Steve Albini, in utero would not have been the album that it is without him recording it. He has always been a humble dude.

[@Barnowl-vr5bv]

I just heard today that Steve had passed. May he rest in peace. I got a chance to record at pachyderm a few years after in utero. We worked with the house engineer from Pachyderm. He told us how crazy/surprising it was when the fake named band booked the place. Then when they showed up to record, it was Nirvana with Steve Albini. We were there for 5 days. Studio was incredible. The board was supposedly takin out out of another famous facility where numerous big name bands had recorded through. That was back in 97’ I think I heard pachyderm closed. And then someone bought it and tried to Resurrecting it years later. The studio is in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Very picturesque place. Thank you for a fantastic interview. Did you ever get to Steve studio in Chicago?

[@chadlyfe9771]

That's crazy, whats more impressive is those recordings will probably be studied for years to come by scientists as proof of man evolving from Ape....especially scentless apprentice.

[@AMurder0fCrows]

Yeah, I'm subscribed. Yeah, I want one of the aluminum guitars. Yeah, I'm nerding out on this stuff. Between you and @NirvanaGuitars I've learned quite a bit and am grateful you put the work in.

[@justinentz-ip7bl]

Wow i watched this the day it came out and now. Im gutted. This for better or worse this is now a historical video. Rip Steve.

[@wailinjennings]

Great video as always. Thanks for your commitment to diving so deep into something I think a lot of us cherish. Stoked to see the site go up!

[@FiestaRed]

I just finished binge watching all your videos yesterday and this was a really nice surpise waking up to this morning. It's always a great day when theres a new upload, especially when it comes to these types of videos :)

[@magraretsbane6274]

Incredible! Steve is a living legend, it’s great to see you get to talk to him

[@ruination775]

Such a sad loss. Still can't believe that he's gone. We always wanted to record with him. It was our dream..... RIP Steve Albini 🖤

[@douglasdog1]

Thanks for the great interview! Always enjoy listening to Steve.

[@sweetgav1793]

wow first time ive found this channel. I've seen so many steve albini interviews and videos but this one is perhaps the best I've ever seen. The questions, the subject matter, and production, everything. So sick man, thx for making this!

[@bigmuffmelvin7388]

So cool to see an actual casual interview with such a legend. You can tell Steve actually loves what he does

[@middle_pickup]

Thank you for giving the world this info, Steve and Aaron. Enjoying your videos, and always happy to learn from Albini's perspective on the world.

[@HYP3RC0L0R]

Much love to Steve and Aaron both. Aaron I love your project and I am also obsessed with the in utero sound and what a learning experience you got to go through.

[@fattyma4]

That was super duper nice of him to have said all that about your channel and In Utero studies, mang....

[@junoinbloom]

THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! thank you for all that you do. i love Nirvana, music production, Steve Albini, and everything in between.

[@KarlBonde]

YES!!! HE’S BACK!!! ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS MAN

[@juicebox5453]

legendary interview, I can’t thank you enough for what you do Aaron!

[@marijandesin8226]

Oh man, what a sad day I just had to come here and pay my respect

[@flapjack413]

That was freaking rad. Thanks for sharing, Aaron. Also, I'm eagerly looking forward to the launch of those IR's!

[@Thomasb257_]

RIP Steve, this came out of nowhere. He will go down as one of the best producers of the 90s and even far beyond that.

[@shaunspins]

Really enjoyed the interview. Interesting to hear about the Mesa and DS1s, plus the guitar used during vocals. Look forward to the guitar. Take care.

[@Bkoded]

oh boy this is gonna be good it was indeed good, ill never get enough to steve albini talking about various things, even outside of his recording techniques, hes such a humble and well articulated person, I cant believe i havent heard the rainstick story before either. Its super cool that he was so willing to do the interview and so appreciative of the work youve put in so far. Cant wait for the IR pack, it sounds incredible!

[@paulbrogan6428]

That was great Aaron- thanks so much for this project

[@therealpeagey]

Aaron, your work is incredible. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's like the missing piece of the In Utero puzzle. Be sure we'll support your work in june. Take care.

[@TheStephensjoshua]

Rest in Peace. Mr. Albini. Watched this video a month ago. Thank you for this. A really great touchstone expressing his talent and experience.

[@TungstenOvergaard]

Thanks for bringing this to us. Thanks Steve for giving us the opportunity to know all this things.

[@jargero8203]

What a gift we have... to have people like SteveAlbini fighting for our souls work!

[@TR-xb4ih]

this might be one of the most underrated channels on youtube. incredible content aaron!

[@ThePicturesofyou]

A-MA-ZING !!! Waiting whatever it will takes to get that IRs. Great work man !!!

[@zloboslav_]

This was so cool! I loved the interview! I'm excited about the website too. :)

[@taketwo1076]

Wow, his appreciation towards you “burrowing in” on an album, and a sound. Such a special acknowledgement and a true shared passion between you two. I’m grateful you got to have this chat with him. May he rest in peace. Legendary and yet so modest. Thanks for giving us this content. Hope you are handling this loss well. Much love

[@damnyphantom]

So stoked to hear about the IR pack and website. Glad to see you back brother! Truly living the life

[@SalvationCOD]

I live about an hour from Cleveland, Mississippi. The Grammy Museum is incredible. Anytime you're in the area, make sure to go. To many, North Mississippi is the birthplace to American Music.

[@justinlambert4937]

Amazing vid, Aaron - this made my day

[@CT-ho6si]

I have yet to hear an interview w/ Albini that I thought was too long. Likewise every time you've mentioned that you're "rambling" or "going on and on" I have been deeply interested and if anything was happy for you to go deeper. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the vids.

[@jodysouth4193]

I’m so glad you got to interview this genius when you could. Thank you so much for your determination and love for this craft.

[@devinthorn8182]

Welcome back homie! Steve Albini is a legend in his own right and he’s one of my biggest influences when it comes to music and my process in creating it.

[@Uninterested69420]

RIP Steve Fucking devastating man What the fuck😭😭

[@user-fn7ve1ek8z]

That's what i call "S" tier content, nice work man (I mean all the way from scratch to the current days with interviewing such a legends on your channel)

[@greyworld13]

you bet we're still watching! you're helping me with making my own album in the future too with all this, so im grateful for everything you're doing man. thanks

[@callumrochon9414]

Holy shit this is awesome. Thank you Aaron!

[@simongoodenough9406]

Great interview, you are truly blessed to have had that opportunity ❤

[@RevertFlip]

Hey Aaron u got Steve albinis last interview and u aced it u definitely made his last interview enjoyable thank you Aaron for documenting his amazing life and talents RIP Steve albini

[@nessy9022]

It's definitely not his last, Vish from Kreative Kontrol interviewed him on April 23. There's another April interview on YT with an Australian channel Six Pack. He was a busy guy so I guess there may be more from around the same time 've not yet found.

[@benjamink7105]

It's nice to see Albini talking so much about this record the past few years. It's particularly nice when he can take time for dedicated "fan sites" as I think of them still. You know, back in the day we would have people like Aaron and they would have little fan made websites, fan sites, and you'd read the Chris Lawrence Kurt Cobain Guitar FAQ or whatever. It's nice to see how much further people can take it today with the expanded internet for research and, of course, KZbin, to the point where all these years later the band's current fans and community members are interviewing Steve Albini on a video call! So much more advanced now than back in the day, lol. I remember having an AOL chat with someone vaguely Nirvana related once, someone at Geffen perhaps...ancient times... Anyway, this is amazing, congratulations, I'm sure it was fun! Thank you for all the hard work.

[@metaphoria3]

Glad to see u back love catching up w these guys thru your channel keep rockin! \m/

[@peteytwofinger]

of course i am still watching . always quite a fine time listening to mr albini . thanks for all your work .

[@mavelaw]

RIP I can't believe it

[@ramblin1209]

I hope you got to go to the studio and see Steve before he passed away. This was a nice video you watch. Two professionals talking about what they love.

[@pattonPwr]

Thank you for doing this ❤

[@sampledude8846]

RIP Steve Albini.

[@nu385]

RIP Steve. Thanks for the great music.

[@frankcrack777]

Awesome interview! 🔥🔥🔥

[@thechaz83]

Rest in Peace Steve Albini. We love and miss you already. So talented

[@danthegeetarman]

Very cool to see Steve reflect on the album. Some very cool little gems in this conversation too. That vocal ambience trick is brilliant. Also cool to get some closure on the whereabouts of the mics and Valeno guitar. Was wondering about where those went so now it makes more sense

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Great interview! Steve is the man. 😎 In Utero always was and always will be my favorite Nirvana album, so I totally get it. It's one of my favorite sounding albums, period... They're so unique, with the drums being my favorite part. No other album sounds like that. Love the guitar too of course, but I digress. Anyway, keep up the good work! 👍

[@AntonyGoodall]

Love your work man!

[@MikeyUK93]

You have done incredible work bro! loved watching everything :)

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

You should gift Steve an aluminum guitar, since he sold his Veleno

[@dodgedforgottenn]

Maybe YOU should gift him one. They are NOT gonna be cheap.

[@Anzac1]

Too late sadly

[@danielscheuch]

Damn RIP Steve, so good you got this interview Aaron, if only it was longer.

[@DaveWire]

every video is growing excitement, now Steve Albini wow! THANKS ! The sound of the IRs pack is going to be incredible, I hope that in June it won't be postponed I can't wait anymore lol

[@eurikadude]

Been a big fan of Albini's production since I heard Surfer Rosa, In Utero and 24 Hour Revenge Therapy. It's really cool to see him so humble and open about the process to fans

[@sonicd57]

R.I.P. Mr Steve Albini. You are a true legend. Thank you for being so open to speak with us in such detail over the past few years. Inspirational 🙏

[@siavashmassoudi]

Rest in Paradise Steve. Thank you for your impact on music. 🤘🏽