David Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti says modern producers make ‘b------t’ records
David Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti has hit out at modern music producers, saying they make “b------t records” and “any 12-year-old with a laptop and GarageBand can do it”.
The American producer, best known for his lengthy involvement in producing and arranging many of Bowie’s singles and albums, said “old-school production” was the “only way” to make great records.
Visconti, also known for his work with Marc Bolan’s T. Rex and the winner of three Grammys, revealed he was most inspired by “Fifth Beatle” George Martin and Beethoven, but said producers now put their “stinky sound all over a record”.
Asked by MOJO magazine if there were any modern producers he admired, he said: “No, absolutely not. They’re making b------t records with loops – everything’s sampled.
“Sure, I can make a record on my laptop, no problem. Any 12-year-old with a laptop and [software packages] GarageBand or Ableton can.”
He continued: “My generation was very impressed by Phil Spector. We all tried to make records like that when we had a chance.
“But I only have two idols, [The Beatles’ producer] George Martin and Beethoven. Those two have inspired me throughout my career. Breaking the rules is the only way you’re going to get somewhere new.
“A lot of producers put their stinky sound all over a record and the artist doesn’t want to work with them again.
“My dream is to be a better producer. I want to outdo the last time I was in the studio. I still want to get better and better at what I do.”