US indie music has lost a giant with the passing of Steve Albini at the age of 61. Albini, a renowned musician and producer, was a key figure in the American indie scene during the 1980s and 90s, leading bands such as Big Black and Shellac.
His impact extended beyond his own music, as he produced and engineered thousands of albums, including iconic works like The Pixies’ Surfer Rosa and Nirvana’s In Utero. Albini’s collaboration with Nirvana came about when Kurt Cobain enlisted him to work on their 1993 album following the success of Nevermind.
Despite initially having reservations about Nirvana, Albini’s unique approach to production gave In Utero a raw and abrasive sound that resonated with audiences. The album went on to sell millions of copies in the US, solidifying Albini’s reputation as a talented engineer.
Albini, who preferred to be credited as an engineer rather than a producer, ran his own studio, Electrical Audio, in Chicago. Known for his ethical stance on royalties, he charged flat fees for his services, believing it was unfair to profit indefinitely from artists’ work.
His band Shellac was set to release their first album since 2014, titled To All Trains, on 17 May. Albini’s legacy in the music industry is undeniable, with his influence continuing to be felt across generations of musicians.
