Nick Launay: One Of The World's Most In-Demand Record Producers

[@Producelikeapro]

Share your comments or questions for Nick Launay below!

[@rentdebtrecords8984]

Absolutely loved Nick's work with The Cribs and Marr. One of the most interesting bands in the UK and a fantastic sounding record.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@rentdebtrecords8984 marvellous idea!

[@Producelikeapro]

@Mike DeCamp haha indeed!

[@akagerhard]

@Mike DeCamp Goats, Flamingos, Rabbits, Bats, Pigs, etc. etc. etc. they mean something to some groups, they mean something else to others, but basically they are animals. You could never be sure that the answer you get is what it actually represents. He could be a furry, he could be part of an organisation or secret society that identifies with white rabbits, he could simply like rabbits, it could be a gift, it could be a prop given to him to place in the video (for money). It can be absolutely everything. But in reality it's just a plush rabbit-head and wether it means more to you is really more up to you and your life-experience than anything else.

[@akagerhard]

@@Producelikeapro it may be a question that one doesn't want to answer, but I do wonder how much he is earning and what his main scources of income are. This is very interesting to me. I'd care about your income in a similar way, but with you I know you have the youtube-channel and the academy and everything. With him.. he has some big royalties probably, but he seems to be producing and mixing music because he likes it.. which is not necessarily a steady or good scource of income - yet the view from his place is beautiful. Basically I wonder wether one can live off of only producing and mixing music one likes.

[@ThreadBomb]

As people might gather from the other comments, Nick Launay is an important figure in Australian music, due to producing multiple classic albums by Midnight Oil, Models, INXS, and of course Nick Cave. I for one am heartened to hear he goes to goth clubs, especially as successful producers often become very cosy and only really experience music on their home hi-fi or at special showcase gigs.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@Producelikeapro]

And yes, Nick is an amazing talent

[@thecoastCoverband]

Warren this was one of the most enjoyable interview thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@dooleyfan]

I remember Nick Launay from his amazing work with Midnight Oil, had no idea about how many historic albums he worked on. If you’ve never heard Midnight Oil’s 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go and listen to it as soon as you can. A band at their best, with a producer who gets it.

[@abzulooks6012]

maybe Warren thinks it would be a bit too niche or obscure (ummm INXS?) but I think a one hour chat with Nick about his work with Australian bands would be really worthwhile. 10 to 1 is one of the 80's best albums, personally my favourite Oils album. And the production plays a big part.

[@fytakytemusic]

"10 to 1" was mind-shattering to my 15 year old self, yet it still holds up strong today.

[@JustinHeronMusic]

Much love and respect for Nick Launay. Thank you so much for this - this was a real treat.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@akasetkya6253]

Warren you’re channelling Parkinson, you just let it flow, great interview. Nick Launay thank you for the pleasure, and your great contribution to Aussie music. Oils 10,9,8 is a master piece.

[@fytakytemusic]

Agreed! 10-1 is awesome!

[@simonhusseymusic]

One of the most innovative producer/engineers and a such huge influence on us aspiring Australian’s from the early 80’s on. Thank you for a great interview!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Simon!!

[@paulmiller1746]

Its only in recent years I realised that Nick wasn't Australian The Church (kinda reminds me of Steve Kilbey a little) Models INXS Midnight Oil Boom Crash SilverChair etc etc etc. NIcks name is on a quite a bit of my nrecord collection. Simons name is on more than couple as well

[@MattDollMusic]

Loved that! 👍🏼Great hearing Nick’s beginnings

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Matt!!

[@petesawchuk]

Gentlemen - your passion & enthusiasm for the "art of music" is completely absorbing & inspiring - THANK YOU!

[@DoItYourselfMusician]

You've got to get him to talk about the Midnight Oil records in another interview. Love Nick's work so much. Such an underrated producer.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! When he gets back from Producing in the UK we will do another one with him!

[@mightyV444]

@DoItYourselfMusician - 'Red Sails In The Sunset' was one of those records, right?

[@DoItYourselfMusician]

@@mightyV444 10-1, Red Sails and Earth and Sun and Moon.

[@mightyV444]

Thank you, @@DoItYourselfMusician! 🙂 And their 'Oils On The Water' show from '85 has got to be one of the best gigs I've seen so far here on YT 😀

[@bobeschism9426]

Fantastic Lydon story! Great interview Warren, more Nick please.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@idolbass]

Absolutely loved this interview. Takes me back to 80/81, we were touring Australia and supporting many hot local bands in Melbourne. One of them being The Birthday Party. Our manager at the time was over in Europe/England negotiating out of our contract with Polydor and into Virgin. Sigh, it didn’t happen and we didn’t end up in England. So I see Nick and imagine what could have been. Our band was The Reels the Album Quasimodo’s Dream was produced here in Australia at Alberts studio. Give it a listen sometime. Thanks.

[@quadrod]

Amazing, this guy has been involved with most of my album collection.

[@themotownboy1]

The first commercially available 12 inch single in the US was "Ten Percent" by Double Exposure on the Salsoul label in 1976.

[@MarcBecker_Music]

Such a great interview. I could listen to Nick tell stories for hours! Thank you, Nick and Warren.

[@nigelbentonakauapoap3691]

Apologies for my exuberance... I'm loving this interview, loving Nick... involved with some of my all time favourite music... what a guy! Thank you Warren, another gem! 🙏

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha don’t apologise! Nick is amazing

[@agrainofmalt]

Didn't even touch on Midnight Oil... bugger ;) Top interview. Great stories. Thanks for that, Warren! Love Nick's work so much.

[@CatherineMeeson]

hey James how ya doin, fancy meeting you here lol. which Oils album?

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, part two has to come soon! Thanks ever so much James!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@CatherineMeeson haha good to see people connecting here!

[@negromister]

@@Producelikeapro please have him talk about his work with Silverchair!

[@gordongurley3982]

+1 for Midnight Oil. Red Sails. He must’ve been 20 or so when he did that record.

[@Hegder]

Yes! I've been waiting for you to get Nick on. Thanks so much. What a legend.

[@mattrixx_audio]

Love this interview Stuart.. Nick had an incredible influence on Australian music from the early 80s. some incredible albums!!

[@yens99]

Oh! We definitely need to hear more from Nix! - Thank you Nick and Warren, this was like hearing a punkrock fairytale put through a gated room!

[@petesawchuk]

Well said, my friend!

[@Producelikeapro]

More to come Jens!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@petesawchuk agreed 209%!!

[@Melmoth]

Absolutely wonderful! A big hug from Buenos Aires from Melmoth (electro/darkwave)

[@briankingart]

Sir Warren, I know none of this music, but I still loved this episode, thank you. I'll listen soon to those bands... Launay was a great choice to interview.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@briankingart]

@@Producelikeapro I think you're the best! And Eric too

[@splashesin8]

Oh wow! I think I may have that record❣️ Omigoodness! 😀 Pop Muzik 💃🕺🏻 Nick Launay and Warren! Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much Audrey

[@JoeyFTL]

On top of being a wonderful person, Nick has got to be the best at doing a Johnny Rotten impression. Hilarious. I could listen to his stories all day

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much

[@leelaunay5613]

You are 100% correct.

[@SilverchairPodcast]

What a fantastic interview subject, human Nick is. Many thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

There is always talent and experience showcased here. Thank you for these interviews as always!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Producelikeapro Cheers!

[@rawpoweraudio]

Excellent interview, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@J-DUB-F1]

He's one of those endlessly charming Londoners that I could listen to all day......story after story after story! :-) .......and SO much history to share!

[@NILGRU]

Nick has influenced so much of my process. I’ve always wished I could AE for him just to soak up a bit of that magic he hears and produces. Thanks for making this happen, Warren. Mucho appreciado!

[@stevedocherty6240]

Another fantastic interview - thank you so much for this. Keep it fun is great advice for anyone trying to achieve something with a group of people. You want everyone to feel that they can speak up and contribute.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@McEnroe911]

What an awesome person. Great interview Warren! Thank you!!

[@coloaten6682]

What an incredible interview! Can't believe Nick is 61, whatever he is on can I please have some!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I hear you!

[@davidholloway3011]

Another killer interview Warren. Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@joaquinbelmonte2891]

Two UK guys in Hollywood hills sharing his stories....great!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, great to be able to chat with Nick!!

[@boogiesnail]

Super interview as always. Thank you!

[@RBMusify]

I didn’t even think about music production when I was listening to some of those bands. Now I’m lighting up Spotify to re-listen. Spectacular.

[@Producelikeapro]

That's fantastic to hear!

[@anthonyhoran3200]

Nick 's work was a massive influence on my own audio stuff from the earliest days (and yes, I still have that "Pop Muzik" 12 inch single!) and the series of albums he produced in that early '80s period were just so exciting - hearing all this bonkers audio creativity crammed into records that sounded like they were from the future. I still hope that one day, one of my favourite Launay productions - "Pleasure of Your Company" by Models - finally gets the remaster it's sorely needed for decades (the only released CD seems to be a flat tape transfer off whatever was on the shelf at the time!) The Midnight Oil, INXS, The Church, Big Pig... even The Armoury Show albums all got decent CD remasters at some point. I too got interested in tape machines at an early age, with my dad putting me in front of one at the age of 2 or 3 and me being fascinated by revolving things that made music happen ever since. My particular thing was editing - originally with splicing tape, but later on digital. And it was that anything-goes production and editing Nick did, as well as the edit-mania that Steve Lillywhite did for records like the first Big Country album, and Mike Howlett's super-deluxe warm production on everything from Berlin to Flock of Seagulls to OMD, or the late Colin Thurston's work with Duran Duran (!) that inspired me in the various audio things I've done over decades. This is such a great interview, and Nick tells hugely entertaining stories.

[@spencergroup]

So glad I came upon this. I actually saw Nick Launay live as I was walking through the North Hall at the NAMM 2020 show. He was giving a talk and I decided to sit down and listen. He was absolutely fascinating as he shared valuable insights. I also remember him telling the story about John Lydon and PIL! Classic. Anyway, the whole show was ending and nobody really cared to leave, unfortunately we had to. I could have stayed and listened to him for another couple hours, he was that interesting.

[@ManicMaximus]

Incredibly inspiring.. Thank you Nick and Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@johndrew8]

Another great interview full of history and insights for now and the future. Way to go WH!

[@gbaxter6465]

I love Nick's stories!! He seems like such a humble guy but stands toe to toe with Johnny Rotten!! Pretty bad ass.

[@purplezebrahoover]

Could have listened to Nick all day. Fascinating guy. Thanks, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@magicknight8412]

As always, very eye opening and bloody interesting !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you so much!

[@tootory9506]

I Saw Nick Launay with Joe Chicorelli but this interview was So much better, cause you let him Talk and he was in a good head space in this interview as well! The Stories and Time Line Are So Vivid and Enduring! I Was able to Check Out All The Artists/Albums/Songs As He Went Along.. Love When You Add The On Screen Photos of the Albums and Producers So We Can Easily Research Them! Thanks Soo Much!

[@richardmcarthur40]

That was a great interview Warren. What a guy, tremendous stories

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Richard!

[@FriendGaugeShotgun]

we need to hear this stones/beatles mashup!!!!! great interview sirs!!

[@TLW4118]

Just watched his plugin video and decided to get the Soundtoys Little Alterboy. It’s on sale currently along with almost all their other plugins. Man that thing is so useful. His demo sold me on it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much TL for sharing!

[@TheeRocker]

Awesome interview :D What an outro !!! I had to replay at 57:21 a few times lol.

[@palsheldon6520]

One of the best.. thanks. Nick is always so.. real..

[@tonye9045]

Amazing resume, fantastic interview, thanks Warren!

[@tonoormusic]

Great interview! I've heard of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs before, but I never listened to it until today :) After Nick's passionate talk about the Isis EP I listened to it 4 times in a row, fantastic stuff!

[@goopah]

Absolutely fascinating stories. More stories with Mr. Launay please!

[@airforu9923]

YOU nailed this interview nice one dude , if only we got the creds from when we were 21 let alone now .Being in the right place right time is always KEY .KEEP doing what ur doing Kids . DON'T STOP for anyone . AND go book a studio recording is fun and u may do something that will be with u for ever ever .

[@Producelikeapro]

Being in the right place and the right time armed with a remix that you’ve edited from a two track and added elements to that sounds amazing! For 19,999 people that are presented with incredible opportunities maybe one will be prepared to take it! I’ve had 4 assistants go off to win Grammys, however, most interns and assistants I’ve had quit as soon as the hours get long and they don’t get what they want quick enough! All of them either no longer work in music or aren’t successful at all!

[@airforu9923]

@@Producelikeapro LOve u brother Dont u forget how much u give , i know sometimes we all think WHY me . just dont forget how much good u do . KEEP doing It. It's the hardest job in the world working in music and it can also be so easy we forget it's a JOB . Thank u for ur reply nice to know u read it .

[@Producelikeapro]

@@airforu9923 Thanks ever so much!

[@grep4]

This was a great interview - great fun stories. Nick seems like a really cool and genuine guy. That's the kind of producer/engineer that would be awesome to work with - whether you are the artist or engineer! Aside from you, of course, Warren. ;) Thanks Warren for doing this interview.

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

This guy has mixed some of my all-time favourite records... - Midnight Oil!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!!

[@danepaulstewart8464]

My favorite record producer EVER!! I wouldn’t be ME if Nick hadn’t made those records. 😎👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@KordTaylor]

"The antithesis of Australian" BRILLIANT!

[@teslatravels4197]

Amazing. Great stories from Nick.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@gospelrecordz3506]

Really enjoyed interview, great history/stories from Nick, always thought Pop Muzik was an underrated pop classic!

[@markukeley2924]

Don't stop, Nick! (You, too, Warren!)

[@ericmartin6727]

Such a great listen, thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@christophercheney1006]

Such a great video! I'm an ignorant fool. I only knew of Nick through "Amazing Disgrace" by The Posies. Holy moly, dude is no joke! As always, thank you so much for the lessons Warren!

[@AndreLeoMusic]

This was amazing, thank you. Nick ... Grinderman 2

[@frankthomas8782]

"We are changing the world, but we're not politicians" words to live by for everyone working in the music industry.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed Frank! Thanks ever so much!

[@curtisburns]

If he writes a book I'm definitely reading it. Great interview.

[@manfredmuller7165]

I visit Frigiliana last summer, its a wonderful village in the mountains

[@pjsixhundred]

Another great interview. Thanks.

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Fantastic interview Warren thank you, and thank you Nick for sharing your stories. I'm such a fan of a lot of this stuff, especial the Birthday Party, Kate Bush, Phil Collins et al. What a career you've got going there Nick. ha ha.

[@uptownphotography]

Great interview Warren and super interesting stories. Nick is too cool....maybe even cooler... Philip NYC Area...

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@uptownphotography]

@@Producelikeapro Well, Warren, you didn't get my bill yet...You may want to take your thanks back once you see it....All the best. : ) Philip NYC Area

[@omniripple]

I think the thumbs up is broken, i pushed it a million times, but it only increased by 1. Sooo good!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hahaha thanks ever so much

[@MrSteviedan]

Great interview - you let the guy talk, and he had some great stories. Pure post-punk heaven. Could you please ask him about working with John Martyn and Level 42 next time around? Thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Definitely! More to come!!

[@faz0482]

What a top bloke! And you as well!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much

[@adamphillips6747]

For all the vintage snobs the best line is - "it's close enough".

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, I love that too!!

[@TheFeelButton]

Great interview Nick and Warren! Cheers!!

[@demondik]

This made things changed a lot in my mind! This is all I can really say about it! (at least right now!)

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous

[@willemmoller6736]

great interview, thanks Nick and Warren! I'm about the same age as Nick and still addicted too . . .

[@NewFalconerRecords]

He obviously has a great affinity with Australian artists 'cos he's worked with so many over the years and still does today judging by the two he mentioned at the top of the interview. He basically brought Australian music into the 1980s when he produced Midnight Oil and Models, and that was just the beginning.

[@BrunoSilvaRox]

It’d be great to ask him about the mixing of Silverchair’s Young Modern, which he was supposed to make but didn’t, and also the overall production of that record.

[@proverbialwhatever]

Silverchair's Freakshow was a game changer for me as a 13 year old!

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous Bruno!

[@SilverchairPodcast]

When I interviewed him for my podcast he said those mixes must exist somewhere but he doesn't have access to them. Hopefully one day we'll hear it!

[@Dwolfmusic]

@@SilverchairPodcast i love your podcast. Listening to it right now!

[@girolamo5637]

I MISS THESE INTERVIEWS!! lOVE IT!

[@catsockstudio]

Great interview, great stories! 👍

[@jammynem]

What an awesome inspiring guy! thanks for sharing chaps

[@ShiningHourPop]

Really interesting interview. I have that Pop Muzik 12” somewhere. It was also released as a dual groove record and the version played depended on where the needle arm landed!

[@Luke08Sadler]

Was thinking maybe i'll check this out and listen fkr 5 minutes before doing something else but ended up watching the whole thing. Nick is such an engrossing speaker with great stories!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Luke!

[@darrenross9168]

Hi Warren, Nick, wow! such a great interview, amazing and interesting, thank you, have a lovely day, all the best.

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

I haven't watched this yet, but I know it'll be good, coz it's one I've been waiting for. Go Nick (edit) and it's my favorite Kate Bush album

[@craigsanderson4330]

This is one of the best!

[@topofthemornintoya]

This is mega! What a story teller

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed!! Thanks ever so much

[@dennisbmx]

Great interview by a great interviewer, who knows when to just sit back and listen. Top notch as always.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Dennis!!

[@themattprofessor]

Great interview, Love his ethos and albums he has worked on. Only just found out he did Whats this for! Would love to meet him.

[@mattoverman8251]

That was an amazing pop music story...thank you

[@catvalleyrecords8619]

Lovely guy .. mad career, big heart

[@poloslair]

What can I say but....Just great. Cheers

[@MidnightBlueMovies]

Totally fascinating person. I think we are the same age as I was 17 in 1977.

[@CatherineMeeson]

Nick totally mad paisley, I'll have the womens please, lol and what a fantastic communique, really love these interviews Warren finding out who is behind so much of the music I loved as a teen, you guys totally rock! :) the closing comment gold.

[@johan.svensson]

This was really really nice.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@TR4Ajim]

Another great interview!! BTW - waiting patiently for the “Hard Days Night” album track analysis👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Coming soon

[@nigelbentonakauapoap3691]

Ahhh... hence the BoHO Don Quixote vibe!... have been lucky enough to visit a hill top walled village just like that in Andalusia... what a place to grow up!!

[@johndugan3798]

Four Enclosed Walls , now I know how this great song and album was produced!

[@Beatledave7]

He has the coolest shirt collection alongside your very good self! 😁

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

He did Seance for the Church in about 1983 ... quite a departure for them, soundwise. They didn't like the gated reverb sound on Electric Lash, but the overall album sound was interesting ... a very depressive feel. He probably got them out of what could have been a shitty rut, soundwise.

[@CatherineMeeson]

really, The church, my favourite band in the universe, i gotta get my vinyl out now, loved Seance, Nicks name was familiar but didn't know why, Birthday party, goth punk stuff etc, makes sense now