Nirvana's In Utero Problem: Steve Albini Discusses Record Label Issue (Daniel Sarkissian Interview)

In Utero, recorded by Steve Albini, is Nirvana's third & final studio record. Nirvana specifically chose Steve Albini as the producer they wanted to work with for In Utero, despite their record label's objections. This set the ground work for what would end up becoming a strenuous situation for Nirvana & in particular for Steve Albini. In this interview with Steve Albini, he discusses this experience in detail.
This is my second interview with Steve Albini, I originally interviewed him in December of 2017 for my documentary 'Rock is Dead?' - if you would like to see 'Rock is Dead?' the film is available on my KZbin channel
ROCK IS DEAD? Full Film: • Rock is Dead? Full Fil...
WHAT IS CLASSIC ROCK? - CANADA & USA:
- iTunes apple.co/2KNOCD2
- KZbin bit.ly/2Kbji5C
- Vimeo bit.ly/2Iv1ywd
- XBOX bit.ly/2K8AF6Z
- Google Play bit.ly/3cwDybU
WHAT IS CLASSIC ROCK? - WORLDWIDE:
- Vimeo vimeo.com/ondemand/whatisclas...

[@DanielSarkissian]

Make sure to subscribe for more ............ Full interview with Steve Albini coming soon: This is my second interview with Steve Albini. The first interview we did was an in-person interview back in December of 2017. This new interview was also supposed to be an in-person interview, but due to the coronavirus situation, we elected to do this over Skype

[@MrBooYa-yd5er]

@dooder it's never been as bad. Check out The Chats if you like classic punk rock

[@brianhurt116]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks for taking the time and for guiding such a great interview. Looking forward to more.

[@brianhurt116]

@@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631 False. Lame. Seeing the chemistry is beneficial and enjoyable.

[@brianhurt116]

@@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631 No need to be negative, man. Be thankful this is here at all. Being entitled and judgmental on the internet is not a good look for anyone. This interview is awesome.

[@markvonwisco7369]

@@Reformed_Hamburglar Yes. Yes it is. Clueless billionaire David Geffen.

[@MatthiasProspero]

It's a shame there aren't more Steve Albinis in the music industry.

[@saint6563]

Steve has been involved, in many different facets, on almost 1,200 releases. "Technically" [mixing/producing/etc.] he's on almost 900.

[@jjwillis2691]

Yeah it's hard to sit back and blame Steve for nirvanas early departure from the scene and Cobain's untimely death. People will point the finger at anyone when all is lost. If he still remembers Kurt fondly than there's no ill will. I think Kurt did too many substances during and after his last record. That's why it sounds half complete or splintered. Too much of anything can do damage if not physically then psychological.

[@AmericanSpyFox]

According to Kurt Cobain, Steve made up all this drama for attention. I found a 1993 article full of Kurt quotes.

[@saint6563]

@@AmericanSpyFox What did Steve say in this interview that was "made up"?

[@MatthiasProspero]

@@AmericanSpyFox link? Not suggesting either side is perfect, but Albini's record speaks for itself. I say that also as a devoted fan of Kurt Cobain.

[@Podcastage]

Albini is so unique, and an absolute legend. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ceptor7018]

U are the reason why i got a proper microphone for my music

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

Steve Albini is just a real, stand-up guy working in a world of unethical clown-bags. He is an example of a man with principles and ethics...rare stuff these days. Plus he just f-ing rocks. Punk rock in every way, to the end. Peace.

[@vilimbubas1302]

Correct

[@hunterdavis3003]

Big black!

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

All true. He’s very generous with his time and knowledge, has a great sense of humor, great taste in a lot of things. And In Utero is hardly the pinnacle of his career; he’s worked on so many better records. My current favorite recording of his is the Screaming Females song “Something Ugly” from 2012. Brilliant stuff. 3-piece punk rock recording doesn’t get any better than that.

[@Onche518]

Well his best works are from his own bands

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

jesus ocando Yes, everyone has stories about Albini being a dick... 25+ years ago. He isn’t like that anymore. Watch any interview with him, or read what people who’ve worked with him in the last 20 years have to say. People change.

[@markadairofficial]

This is going to sound random, but very true. I picked up Steve Albini from Dublin airport to bring him to Belfast about 4 years ago to do a talk. He got in the back seat, lay down, and within minutes of him in the car, he was snoring. After a few days of taking him to record stores where he signed autographs, I took him back to Dublin airport where we spent 2 hours talking about Nirvana, and I asked him how the 2013 remixes came about. He said it was Krist's idea to do the remix. He apparently heard a Pink Floyd remix in 5.1, and phoned Steve up to get the ball rolling. Of course just before he left my car, I shook his hand and asked him if he would sign my 12' In Utero album. He signed it : "Mark, Thanks for everything! Steve Albini 2016". Photo uploaded to here : ibb.co/Bj3DFtd Edit - I wasn't expecting this short story to be so popular! I've now added another short story. I met Krist Novoselic when he was playing with Flipper in 2006. About 3 hours before the show, I asked the bouncer 'Can I get inside to use the bathroom?' He let me in. I had no intentions of using the bathroom, I just had to meet Krist. I heard the band soundchecking, success! I had to take a peek. I open the main doors of the stage, all of the sudden, I'm watching Krist play bass and absolutely couldn't believe my luck, because back then, he hadn't played live in a long time, and I never thought I'd hear that thundering Gibson bass and Ampeq amp! I watched them until they finished soundcheck, and I thought I should go over and say hello before the bouncer notices me. Krist went to the bathroom, so I waited until he came out of course... He comes back out of the bathroom, I said "Krist", he looks right at me, and now it has become very surreal. I said "My name is Mark, I just wanted to shake your hand and tell you that you inspired me to play bass. As a token of thanks, I want to give you my bands album", then I handed him a large envelope/press pack with the album inside. He took the pack and said "Aw, thanks Mark. I'll put it in my case, thanks for coming down!. I then said "I don't actually have a ticket, I just wanted to say thank you". Krist said "I think they're still selling tickets at the door... but STICK AROUND here and you'll be alright." I then asked for a photo, and got Bruce Loose (lead singer of Flipper) to take our photograph. Bruce said "Ah look at Krist, playing the big rock star!". I got to be at the front row, and stayed the whole show. For half of it, I closed my eyes and just experienced that REALLY loud bass, and took it in as him playing live, 2 meters in front of me, imagining I was back in 1993, haha. Krist was so kind and a gentle giant, I was absolutely floored by the whole experience, and by typing it out, I got to relive it again. I hope this story brightens your day. Me and Krist Novoselic in 2006 : ibb.co/XCN65Kq (He's a tall guy! I'm 5.9 foot, He's 6 foot 7"!) I also won a competition on his KZbin page, where he sent me this note to confirm the correct answer, as well as a Nirvana book mark, and fliers for 'FairVote' which he was heavily involved in at the time. ibb.co/gM0sGqD Me trying to open Kurt Cobain's car '64 dart in 2018. : ibb.co/DksvwSW Thanks everyone.

[@lifegetsintheway4296]

That's amazing.

[@lehmooz7402]

Thats brilliant mate

[@mattm8689]

Sounds random to some yes, but what is random to some is amazing to others. Awesome story man!!🤘

[@Prime_Diecast_And_Toys]

Mark J Adair that’s awesome . Thanks for the share

[@Cairo98_]

Great little story, thanks for sharing.

[@satevo462]

The worse part about being a musician is the music industry.

[@buffluffstuff]

What's the worst part?

[@peterhopqk]

@@buffluffstuff Exactly that. The music industry.

[@buffluffstuff]

@@peterhopqk it was a joke about worse/vs worst

[@peterhopqk]

@@buffluffstuff It is still true.

[@buffluffstuff]

@@peterhopqk dude I'm just pointing out people don't know when to use worse vs worst. That's it.

[@Antonio_Vasquez]

In Utero, hands down, is Nirvana's best album. Steve's production is absolutely magnificent.

[@thebeasters]

Can you imagine what would of followed. Just started to peak

[@nickfanzo]

Atonio Vasquez agreed

[@leekayfabe]

I love the songs, but I think it is probably my favorite sounding record ever.

[@Antonio_Vasquez]

@@vitalogynevermind6829 Second best.

[@shnpio]

Vitalogy Nevermind nope

[@Vaeren222]

In Utero is one of the best sounding records of all time and the best sounding grunge record.

[@solomonlee5298]

Period.

[@rowanb4395]

Agreed!

[@ronaldmcisaac]

Yup.

[@Seekarr]

It's Nirvana's artistic masterpiece. Of course it wasn't going to be as big as Nevermind, which was made to be the ultimate pop album. In Kurt's definition, the pop industry was basically the under 6 minute verse chorus verse style of music. In Utero was still wildly successful at 15 million sold (officially, it could be more).

[@patthewoodboy]

agree

[@tokinGLX]

steve is honorable af, and i am thankful for him and people like him

[@RS-pp7ng]

This is why major record labels are all dying and Steve is still making records :)

[@DeadKoby]

Steve is very artist centered..... Some of his stories are funny. My favorite was about a dude that had created his own vocal sound... cupping a mic and screaming through a guitar amp. Steve thought it sounded like rubbish, but recorded whatever came from the guitar amp. The artist was THRILLED that it was HIS SOUND on a record.

[@flower5185]

Nah, record labels are dying because there's significantly less money in releasing music once selling physical media fell off a cliff. Albini is still working because of his integrity and because he's damn good at it

[@mikeblanchard7579]

@@flower5185 major labels are also dying because almost every successful band/artists start thier own label now

[@allsystemsgo8678]

@@mikeblanchard7579 No, they're dying because of downloading. Theirs not a successful band out there that wouldn't rather have the business model pre y2k.

[@mikeblanchard7579]

@@allsystemsgo8678 downloading really? Where do you think the music comes from first in order to be downloaded? That's right a label releases it....downloading kills sales not labels lol

[@archiebotten4061]

Kinda funny how they told him it was awful but now it's arguably the best studio album

[@christyree3723]

I fucken agree 100 percent

[@chefpoet1972]

I agree. As great as Nevermind is In Utero is, in my opinion, a better album for not having just "hits."

[@Cairo98_]

@@chefpoet1972 That was the sound Kurt wanted. Wish we got more 'acoustic' stuff though, Unplugged is so good lol.

[@bofdiggy1918]

No offense but that comment is crazy. Nevermind was the 90s Sgt. Pepper or Dark Side of the Moon. Its a perfect album, cover to cover. Impossible to follow-up. I might even argue that Smells like Teen Spirit is the worst song of the lot.

[@archiebotten4061]

@@bofdiggy1918 i meant nirvana's best studio album but ok sure

[@rowanb4395]

I still remember exactly where I was standing when I heard the drum tone on this record for the first time! and THEN Scentless Apprentice came on! Absolute classic, Great work Steve! Your ethics are through the roof and It's good to know people like you exist.

[@shane1472]

He seems like a really good dude

[@mafeuk]

The more I know about Geffen records the more I think they are the worst major record label of all time. So sad how they fucked the life of a man with integrity as Steve Albini and then in 2008 how they fucked over music history with the fire that destroyed the master recordings of artists under Universal Music Group including Nirvana.

[@vilimbubas1302]

Businessmen has destroyed all society, all labels are like that, if you didnt know that than you didnt work ever for employer or you live on Mars, and than i wonder why we live in fucked up society...How old are you? 10? Mothers milk? Smells like...

[@craigusselman546]

@@Z.November in his Nirvana paid giant COVID yacht.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

Vilim bubaš You’re a fucking idiot

[@wanderingsurf2842]

@@Z.November accurate.

[@vilimbubas1302]

Michael Mcdonald- And you are better? Businessman maybe?

[@deondoughty4418]

A great interview. Steve, you’re ethics are tremendous. Your art of recoding has created Rock and Roll masterpieces. Thank you for your dedication and talent.

[@christyree3723]

Spot on

[@scottlosey4978]

Mostly punk....., but, absolutely spot on!

[@TheReverb1]

@@scottlosey4978 and other excellent bands like Man or Astroman? but the best drums are his recordings of Shellac

[@krisfrederick5001]

Don't worry David Geffen is "self quarantining" right now on his yacht not worrying about you Steve. Or caring about anyone else. But we appreciate the record and what you went through, I had no idea it was like that.

[@MrBooYa-yd5er]

He was over noble but I think it would have been more stressful for Kurt without the selfless nature of Steve. Kurt wanting almost all of the money for himself was not but it may have been Courtney's influence and he was under a lot of pressure.

[@krisfrederick5001]

@@vilimbubas1302 Cheer up buttercup

[@mattm8689]

Vilim bubaš 🤦🏼‍♂️no influence??? Without them there would be no nirvana as we know it. Yea Kurt would have been successful himself but to think that he coulda done it all himself without them and still make the music that we all know and love is just pure idiotic insanity. Kurt was a once in a life time musician and artist but without Dave playing drums as hard and as intense as he did and Krist being the one and only bassist to ever play with Kurt I have a hard time seeing Nirvana becoming what they became. I’m one of the biggest Nirvana fans ever and Kurt Cobain is dam near a god to me (which he would have hated so much) but I just don’t see how you can actually be a true fan and believe some BS like that.

[@sugarwalls2022]

@@vilimbubas1302 You can only write what you just wrote if you never played with several people, or/and not possess enough sensitivity to understand differences from musician to musician. We all sound different, we all "feel" different. They were Kurt's songs yes. But Kurt didn't write the drum parts nor the bass parts did he? Didn't play or record those instruments either did he? They did have a huge influence on Nirvana and Kurt's songs. Try this exercise: -imagine Vinny Colaiuta on drums and Jaco Pastorius on bass playing with Kurt Cobain. How would Nirvana sound like?

[@noiseannoys_]

First off. If I had a billion dollars I’d be on a yacht too. Don’t act like you wouldn’t. If not a yacht then a big fucking house. I don’t get why people hate on the rich right now. And I’m poor as fuck. I’m a bar tender and was one of the first to get laid off. So, yeah, complaining about the rich in this situation is just projecting jealousy. And to whoever was calling Dave and Krist session player?!?!?! Obviously has never been in a band before. If Kurt recorded In Utero or any album for that matter with 100 different drummers and bass players it would never sound like Nirvana. Dave Grohl is fucking Dave Grohl and Krist is highly underrated for his bass playing. There’s chemistry when it comes to bands and some members just can’t be replaced. There’s a reason Krist was the only bass player and that there was 4? drummers before Dave. Just like there was a reason Kurt decided to add Pat as a second guitarist.

[@3aw77]

Utero one of the best sounding records out in this World

[@zackmano]

Nirvana was lucky to work with a guy with some real integrity. Unfortunately DGC and many of the people surrounding the band were basically running a con job on them, grabbing as much as they could and trying to keep the money rolling in.

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

Unfortunately that is how the music business works.Emphasis on BUSINESS. Glad all the bean counters and talentless hacks (unless one considers making profit at all costs talent) are dying out. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Peace.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

I can and will listen to Steve all day. His generous sharing of acquired wisdom has enriched my life many times over.. And is a resource which will forever benefit anyone interested in music, recording (especially on tape) or coffee. Thank you for getting him back to your channel! 👍👍

[@gianlucacupo533]

Thanks for the great content, quality people are very few in this world...always a pleasure to hear two of them.

[@Ludeguy83]

This is why kurt wanted steve to produce in utero... outside the box!!! Steve is that kind of guy! Cheers, awesome video

[@dagedelu]

"in utero... outside the box" ... funny line, made me laugh.

[@austinhunt4260]

Thank you Daniel. Love your work and always love listening to Steve. Has to be one of the most articulate and ethical music industry legends ever.

[@scottdorfler2551]

He recorded another great album in 94, Jesus Lizard, Down. Another one of my all time favorites. Another incredible sounding record!

[@BeatleBradley]

“Down” is a masterpiece. My fav JL record for sure.

[@skyb8687]

What a unique underrated band

[@malloid]

"Goat" is my favourite Jesus Lizard album - also recorded by Albini. Dave Grohl has said on numerous occasions that he was heavily into The Jesus Lizard at the time. This almost certainly informed their decision to hire Albini for In Utero.

[@malloid]

And let's not forget "Head" either - also recorded by Albini. "7 vs. 8" on that LP is just sublime.

[@scottdorfler2551]

@@malloid It's impossible for me to pick a favorite J.L. record. My favorite is the one I'm listening to at the time.

[@rufonfire9015]

People: "Nevermind is too clean" People: "In Utero is too dirty" C'mon people!!!!

[@Cairo98_]

Love them both. When I want heavy Nirvana, I'll listen to Bleach, when I want softer Nirvana, I'll listen to Unplugged. When I want to just jam out to their hits, Nevermind it is.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

True Nirvana fans would like anything. Hell, I'd buy the Fecal Matter tapes if that was their follow up to In Utero.

[@terrymcginnis4633]

i loved that about in utero

[@AndyNyle]

i wonder if nevermind was called nevermind for that very reason that it was too clean and not what Kurt/Nirvana saw as their sound

[@Cairo98_]

@@AndyNyle Or the lyric in SLTS: "Oh well, whatever, NEVERMIND" who knows.

[@SpiritsOfAnotherDay]

Good interview DS. Nice interviewing style... Steve Albini is always a concise and self-actualized person. Good stuff out of this particular piece.

[@pheonix72]

Awesome interview. Such a talented engineer/producer. I remember the gossip, opinion pieces, editorials and articles in the music press around that time -- especially Melody Maker -- and this interview fills in the blanks.

[@philthymofo]

Steve's catalog of recordings is a list of some of the best albums in existence.

[@AirCanada1J5]

I think you go to the grave happier with something like this than compensation. You are correct btw.

[@iCapobranco]

We had the chance to work with Steve Albini in 2018. He recorded and mixed our last album. We were amazed by the guy, he is an incredible professional and a genuine talent at his job. Would work with him again at any time.

[@jaybone8119]

A rarity to find an ethical person in the entertainment industry. A real standup guy, In Utero is one of my favorite records of all time.

[@christyree3723]

Daniel, you just got yourself a new subscriber. Thanks for this amazing interview.

[@fizzyfuzz5878]

You have such an underrated channel. The people you talk to is incredible in relation to music history.

[@123spleege]

I spent 8 days at Electrical with Albini and my band. One of the best experiences of my life. He was open to any question. Totally picked his brain on Nirvana and he was fair and diplomatic. Also, microphone choices, building his studio, air spaces, and surfaces....as much as I could wring out of him. so cool. He would just cruise around in his blue mechanic's suit. The interns were great as well. And there were always new Onions on the control room coffee table. He is what he says he is with no crap. We slept in the studio and I remember getting pizza delivered most days. Really great guy and I got an old Rapeman flyer from the day as well.

[@hoirecords]

123spleege I got to spend a few weeks there with my band as well. I couldn’t say enough nice things about Steve and how gracious he is with his studio, his time, and his knowledge. He seems embarrassed by the attention of being called a saint in an industry of scoundrels, but look at the man’s actions. I’ve seen three or four educational videos during this pandemic alone where he freely gives his time to help/educate others.

[@Freakaboogie]

WOW. another fantastic video!!

[@scottdorfler2551]

In Utero is by far my favorite Nirvana record. One of my favorites records period! The energy you captured in that recording inspires me to this day. I'm a true believer in live recording. It's the hardest thing to pull off but it's worth the time and effort for the right bands. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You're a freaking genius.

[@DadaPoopoo]

You think Steve is scrolling through KZbin comment sections looking for validation?

[@scottdorfler2551]

@@DadaPoopoo No but that night I did.

[@DadaPoopoo]

@@scottdorfler2551 (っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ

[@octavioimazio]

I just saw one minute of this interview and i am already Fan number one!

[@christyree3723]

Steve your recordings are amazing.

[@PepisMusicmx]

Thanks for this interview

[@scottudell7202]

Steve Albini is, in my opinion, one of the greatest producers to ever live. His work has always astounded me. And the fact that he only takes a flat rate and doesn't want to take royalties from the bands he works with is absolutely awesome. You don't find many top-tier recorders (he hates the term "producer") who do that.

[@scottlosey4978]

GREAT, GREAT CONTENT......I SUBSCRIBED AND LIKED......I enjoy hearing information that has not been over told ... over analysed.....

[@bluespyusa8979]

I love seeing close ups of you nodding...they make Steve's points much better : )

[@arekkrolak6320]

This guy is a legend, I was on one of his gigs in Poland great stuff!

[@shane1472]

Great interview

[@Plymouthmusicschool]

I love his ethics...makes a lot of sense. I think that some producers take the lifetime royalty option because they are helping in the writing process as a producer. Nirvana didn’t need help in that aspect. They in essence produced the album themselves and full creative control.

[@ToneSherpa]

That Steve sure is a unique and interesting guy. We need more guys like him around.

[@atwistoflemon666]

Daniel Sarkissian you should have so many more subscribers! Your content is amazing.

[@willjam71]

I get the feeling these old players in the nirvana world feel comfortable talking with you. You come across as someone who wants to learn about those years, and not just some fan boy. Great interviews and an amazing enduring band. Love nirvana forever

[@amysainz9737]

I own the steve Albini mix on vinyl.. Recorded on tape and mastered for vinyl. Spectacular record to own.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

In Utero is a brilliant record. Geffen or whatever didn't have a clue.

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

No, they had real commercial concerns, like the record beginning with the worst song, arguably a filler track. You're right: it is a brilliant record, but not what anyone would think might follow NVM.

[@Thisworldthisweek]

My favorite is In Utero.

[@DamusNostril]

we've only heard the re-recorded album that had tracks remixed by Scott Litt and Wallace. so in all fairness we've never heard the original mix that the management at Geffen had heard. I know they did a re-release in 2013 which had an 'albini' mix, but that's not the '93 original. if you asked those at Geffen, I'm sure they'd say they saved the album from being a dumpster fire. I like Albini but he might have his head up his own ass.

[@hoirecords]

DamusNostril I’ve never hear that the album was re-recorded except for the vocals/mix on two songs. That may have just been a re-mix on the two songs as well. I can’t remember, but either way, the album is the album that Steve Albini recorded with the band, and unless I’m mistaken, aside from All Apologies and HSB, it’s the mix that Steve did with the band as well.

[@thevinyltruffle]

The Albini mix is by far the best. I love that album and this mix makes it that much better. Real fucking grunge.

[@christopher9152]

Albini is a great producer and an intelligent, thoughtful guy. Always enjoy his interviews.

[@TJS3]

This story is weird one, I too had first the picture that Steve Albini is dick and hard to work with, this comes from the mainstream media. Then after reading interviews, books etc. the truth is Steve was doing the normal work he does and gets blamed for it. Still to this day In utero is my favorite record.

[@JWMCMLXXX]

I believe this is my first time on your channel. I dig your interview style man. Thanks for posting.

[@RS-pp7ng]

Cheers for doing this Daniel.

[@riffprodutora5850]

You deserve the best, Steve! Keep up with the good work!

[@Mineav]

I may not agree with everything he says, but I greatly respect a man of principle like Mr. Albini.

[@tanglung4379]

i think u create a piece of history , music history , nirvana history , nice interwiew , very good job .

[@voronOsphere]

Steve's one of my very favorite engineers! Also, I love his bands, especially Shellac!

[@nellsonogmore5938]

The sound of In Utero changed my way of thinking. That drums sound!!

[@gerrypeacemaker9407]

Neil Dugmore You should check out the drums on his Rapeman album ❤️

[@DJBuglip]

The 37 thumbs down were probably all the execs at Geffen.

[@DJBuglip]

Yep. We got offered 12 points by Mercury Polygram in 1990. Out of that 2 would go to our manager, and 1 or 2 would go to our engineer. That's exactly how it worked.

[@FrenkOFrenk]

DJBuglip corporate rock sucks

[@allyp-lu2mc]

execs at Geffen that are now collecting shopping carts for work & giving handjobs for their coke...

[@paulterl4563]

lol

[@ghostwriterinme5050]

Great interview, who knew. I have a lot of respect for Steve Albini with all things considered.

[@465marko]

I never knew it had such a negative impact on him at the time, sending him broke, being ostracised etc. Previously I thought he'd gotten paid a pretty large flat fee, so must have done alright from it. But it sounds like he might have been better off if he'd never touched it. He's a good guy though. i really admire him.

[@DeLoreanPug]

dooder, In Utero was recorded in his previous studio in which he still had bills to pay, he owns his current studio in Chicago and still has bills to pay. Without income a studio can’t survive regardless of if the studio owns the building or not there are a ton of bills that are connected to that business itself. That’s why a ton of large studios have shut down or open their doors to other opportunities to bring in revenue like holding classes in audio engineering and holding private events etc. it’s a tough business to be in these days I’m sure, but Electrical Audio is in a very good position currently. He may have suffered a bit during that time but now he’s a highly sought after engineer that is somewhat affordable.

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

tIMothy Francis Pachyderm wasn’t his studio, he just worked on a few records there, including Rid Of Me. He recorded all over the place. He had a studio of his own before Electrical Audio, but it wasn’t Pachyderm.

[@TestMeatDollSteak]

In the short term, he might’ve been better off if he hadn’t worked with Nirvana, but I’m sure he’d admit that in the long term his connection to that band and album has immensely helped him professionally. Today, the record label’s criticisms of In Utero are merely an esoteric footnote in the band’s history, and Kurt and Nirvana’s impact on modern musicians has arguably only increased over the intervening years since the band’s demise. Millions of people love that album, its songs and production have withstood the tests of time, and there’s no question that Steve’s involvement with that record continues to bring him big business, as well as near celebrity attention to this day.

[@465marko]

@TestMeatDollSteak Yeah, gotta think you're right. Short-term pain for longer-term gain. I'm pretty sure that album was my entry point to Albini, the first thing that made me pay any attention to him at all. And I'm guessing that's true for a lot of people, given how big the album was and how strongly his name was tied to it. I think he was still pretty distinctive before In Utero, but I guess he wouldn't be as well-known.

[@aryehwiznitzer9060]

In the letter that they reference he just tells the band to pay him whatever they think is fair. Which is pretty cool in my opinion. I think the people in that band are decent people and not douchebags so I assume they paid him pretty well.

[@jwconstruction9065]

I love people that have their own thoughts and just don't go along with everyone else, because they know there's e better way, ur the man Steve

[@bongos91]

Great job here Daniel good interview!

[@silversuit66]

I wish we could hear more from Steve’s production on Auteurs After Murder Park. Masterpiece record - his production on it was amazing.

[@cashcoinmedia]

You did well steve...you did well!

[@Hassebas88]

Haven't seen the video yet: Steve Albini = King.

[@pietroenrico]

Just loved Steve Albini's ethic views and posture. Awesome, thanks for that =)

[@johnloughner6572]

My friend Scott from zao worked with Steve for their album the fear is what keeps us here. I always envied him for getting that chance but proud at the same time.the album is amazing by the way. Especially the track it's hard not to shake with a gun in your mouth.

[@CRAIGANJOS]

I would ask Steve - when you helped record Ruins - Graviyaunosch what did you do to the Bass ??? it is so low

[@jacksonvega7751]

Albini has come out on top in the end. Hes a producer/engineer of the highest esteem, hes one of the big boys now for sure n hes got there by livin n workin on his own terms. Hes a GrandMaster man.

[@caseycbenn]

Head of David's Dustbowl, the song Roadkill. For me the way Steve just captured the room tone of the band was a sign of pure integrity. He didn't get in the way of the sound. It felt like he just knew where to focus the attention of the beats and groove without sterilizing the natural sounds. Nirvana went to him and have stated many times that they wanted to make a record that wasn't over produced and sounded more like the band captured live. The record label felt that they lost. The fans felt that they ultimately won out in the long run. Albini may have been shaken up in the short term post Utero, but ultimately came out with his integrity intact. Best case scenario given the situation both he and the band were thrown in.

[@louisespencer9889]

I love the way In Utero sounds. To Mr. Albinj, with love, from Memphis TN

[@agr0vattt]

What a great and honest dude 🤟🤟

[@carlosvg1480]

This guy has been a role model since I was a teenager. I wish more people inside the music industry were in line with his thinking...

[@gl3nnium]

Undoubtedly a great guy. Steve must be so sick by now of people asking him the same royalties question about inutero. I've seen him answer the same question in interviews half a dozen times. He even spent a big chunk of his Sonic highways episode answering it. Oh well. Massive respect for Steve Albini.

[@skyblinked]

Great interview, thoughtout secondary questions too.

[@RustinChole]

It’s always been my favorite nirvana album. Imagine if In Utero has been scrapped. Jesus.

[@blackphillip8486]

My favorite album he ever produced (and one of my favorite albums overall) is Made Out of Babies sophomore release "Coward." Goddamn, words can't do that masterpiece justice. If you only check out one song make sure it's the album closer "Gunt."

[@southwestbleach]

AMAZING feature. !!!

[@pointsbeingmade7996]

Loved this. I have the 2013 mix as well. Steve has some great ethical points.

[@thepmanvan111]

I've been in the music biz for over 20 years. Never had good dealings with a label. Best projects I've done did not involve labels. Cheers.

[@archocystosyrinx]

A mullato, a Steve Albini, a mosquito, my libido

[@Broyale26]

They shitted on Steve Albini, but I will never shit on you.

[@jamisonkasian2755]

One thing that may have been cut/edited (or maybe just alluded to as Albini's fee vs royalty talk and the fallout of the record took center stage here)- as part of nirvana circumventing label interference they paid for the record themselves- no advance from geffen/dgc for studio time, etc. Pretty sure Albini is the one who put that thought into their heads, as it put their management and dgc in a tough spot and gave the band an insane amount of freedom. It also precluded the label from demanding the album be re-done, as only the promotion and distribution was on the geffen dime. Then again, as Albini mentioned, nirvana's management and label were not exactly subtle in the campaign to shit on the record and spin it as a failure creatively and commercially. David Grohl was smart to have Foo Fighters be an self-owned entity, only using major labels for P & D.

[@BELLAoBARTALK]

Great interview. Steve is awesome.

[@markmagnolia]

Next video the making of you know your right

[@TheSlandis]

My daughter was fortunate enough to work with Steve at a workshop at Berklee College of Music. She holds him in high regard and I can see why.

[@MrStobie8]

Great interview thanks 👍

[@ltcm5052]

This is fascinating. Albini is such a genius.

[@RickKosickFilms]

I always liked how this album sounded. Yes, it's a lot different from Nevermind but that's the beauty of making a record. The first note you hear on Utero makes you wonder what's coming next.

[@nateblack8669]

Big Black is the most influential band on me and the reason why I started using a drum machine. I've also seen Shellac and met Steve and Todd. I love this man ❤

[@megargento]

Great person. Really great man. And he produced an iconic álbum.

[@christyree3723]

Musicians do do the hard part thank you Steve

[@theknowerandtheknown]

The way that album ended up sounding is special and so on its own

[@michael_dalessandro_lena]

Great interview.

[@xtrobitzmusic2405]

🦴 Good to see Steve Albini is still a music producer. Good Luck and don't give up if the music doesn't pay. On a different subject, I'm a bit over some of the mini alternative celebs whingeing about the industry because COVID19 has rendered them nutless. They are without a small live audience to breathe a few bucks into their bank account. Maybe they should spare a thought for the whispering souls. A lot of people died out there one third into 2020. This is my uninsightful quarantine rant.

[@edwardhealy6766]

Great interview. Also Steve Albini is a legend.

[@lehmooz7402]

That right there is a man of integrity! 👌

[@greatfelixo]

Albini's production is one of the main reasons that In Utero is the best Nirvana album. Glad to see he is still putting out great records, the new Flat Worms album is killer if you haven't heard it. Would love to hear him work with Oh Sees in the future.

[@mdrumt]

In Utero sounds awesome, that roomy drum sound really puts you in the room with the band, the crunchy rawness of all the rest, band on awesome!

[@SiliconMolybdenumNitrogen]

Mo Tee have a listen to Jesus Lizard then with a good pair of headphones !

[@wowiehowie3133]

Frank Zappa quote “Those record company pricks.”