This episode documents the work of Steven Wilson, a musician and producer, focusing on his acclaimed career in remixing classic rock albums. The analysis draws upon several sources, including Wilson's own website, articles detailing his remixing process, and reviews of his work.
Wilson's Remixing Philosophy
Steven Wilson approaches remixing with a meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the original artist's vision. His goal is not to reinvent the album but to enhance it, revealing hidden nuances and providing a clearer, more immersive listening experience.
"The equivalent of polishing the Sistine Chapel, that's what I feel I'm doing sometimes with these classic records." - Steven Wilson ("Steven Wilson: Remixing Classic Albums")
This quote aptly illustrates Wilson's philosophy. He sees himself as a custodian, meticulously restoring and enhancing these musical masterpieces for a modern audience.
The Remixing Process
Wilson's process involves several stages:
Commission and Tape Acquisition: Projects often originate from record labels or management companies, often tied to anniversaries or rights acquisitions. The sourcing and baking of original multitrack tapes is crucial.
Identifying Master Takes: Wilson meticulously listens to the raw tape transfers to identify the master takes used for the original mix, often navigating through numerous false starts and alternate versions.
Detailed Comparison with Original Mix: A painstaking process of comparing the multitracks with the original stereo mix allows Wilson to identify every nuance, effect, and mixing decision made in the original recording.
Remixing: Armed with a deep understanding of the original mix, Wilson utilizes his expertise and modern digital tools to create a new stereo mix. This involves careful adjustments to EQ, compression, and other elements while staying true to the original.
Surround Mixing: Many projects involve creating 5.1 surround mixes, offering a more immersive experience, taking advantage of the expanded soundscape.
Impact and Reception
Wilson's remixes have been met with widespread acclaim, lauded for their sonic clarity, depth, and faithfulness to the original recordings.
His work on albums like Jethro Tull's Aqualung, known for its muddy original mix, exemplifies his ability to fix sonic issues without compromising the original's character.
"The remix has clarity missing from the original, it sounds beautiful, and to some it's the definitive mix now." ("Steven Wilson: Remixing Classic Albums")
The depth of his research is also evident in the inclusion of previously unreleased material, offering fans a glimpse into the creative process and unearthing hidden gems. The Jethro Tull remixes, in particular, are notable for the wealth of unearthed material.
"The Tull series has been a lot of fun," he says, "finding all these completely unreleased songs that even Ian can't remember recording. Apparently they quite often went into the studio, recorded a song, and then literally forgot all about it — didn't even mix it!" ("Steven Wilson: Remixing Classic Albums")
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his meticulous approach, Wilson acknowledges the inherent complexities and potential controversies surrounding remixing.
Preserving the "Magic": He recognizes the challenge of capturing the unique character of classic recordings, acknowledging that some listeners prefer the original mixes with all their imperfections.
Handling Mistakes: Deciding whether to correct errors in the original recordings presents an ethical dilemma, as some mistakes become integral to a song's identity.
Artist Involvement: Balancing artistic input from the original artists with his own vision requires diplomacy and sensitivity.
Technology and Tools
Wilson's approach benefits immensely from modern technology, particularly:
High-resolution Digital Audio: The ability to work with high-quality digital transfers allows him to extract detail and clarity often lost in the original recordings.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Software like Logic Pro provides him with the flexibility and precision to manipulate audio and create nuanced mixes.
Plugin Emulations: Access to high-quality plugin emulations of vintage gear allows him to recreate classic sounds in the digital domain, adding authenticity to his mixes.
Conclusion
Steven Wilson's work as a remixer goes beyond mere technical proficiency. He approaches each project with a historian's dedication and a fan's passion. His dedication to preserving the artistic intent while leveraging modern technology has earned him the respect of both artists and fans. Wilson's remixes offer a fresh perspective on classic albums, providing a richer, more immersive listening experience for a new generation while remaining faithful to the originals that inspired them.
Resources
https://www.soundonsound.com/people/steven-wilson-remixing-classic-albums
https://www.loudersound.com/features/why-steven-wilson-is-a-musical-genius
https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Casey_White/albums-remixed-by-steven-wilson/
https://stevenwilsonhq.com/steven-wilson-remixes-yes-classic-album-fragile/
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/lament-ultravox-40th-anniversary-boxset.1195392/
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/best-album-remixes-of-all-time.1212266/
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