Starting as a trainee tape-op at CBS studios in 1975, Steve progressed to in house engineer and worked with many now classic new wave & punk acts The Clash, The Jags, The Vibrators, XTC as well as many of CBS records pop acts, including Sailor. Beach Boy, Bruce Johnson was to play an important part in Steve’s early career, culminating with Steve producing an album for the Beach Boys several years later. Steve produced all of Culture Clubʼs classic hits and the bandsʼ three multi-platinum albums.
Since then he has worked with a wide spectrum of artistes and composed a number of film scores. Artists collaborations include Honeyz, China Crisis, Gary Moore, Ziggy Marley, Louise, The Creatures, Lemmy & Motorhead, David Grant, Westworld Mis-teeq, Alsou, 911 & “Grief Never Grows Old” the official DEC Tsunami record.
Steve has collected a number of prestigious awards including BPI Producer of the Year, Musicweek Top Singles Producer and a Grammy for his work with Deniece Williams. Steve is a regular guest speaker at various pro-audio seminars for companies such as Yamaha & Korg & Apple Computers. Including production master-classes at the Apple store in London. Yamaha have once again invited Steve to join Chris Martin, Radio 2s Mark Radcliffe, to judge their annual talent competition “Make It Break It” This competition appeals to young musicians and songwriters who are passionate about writing & making music.
Steve has also appeared on many radio and TV programs, he is a regular guest on BBCs 6 Music. Steve is the author of the very successful Hit Kit and the Art of Downloading Music. His radio production company Magnum Opus Broadcasting produces several shows for the BBC; in particular, The Record Producers a radio documentary series for BBC Radio 2. This acclaimed series focuses on the art of record production from the producers perspective. Shows aired so far have featured producers Trevor Horn, Arif Mardin, Nile Rodgers, Bob Clearmountan & Tony Visconti, Hugh Padgham. As a direct result of the success of this initial series,the BBC commissioned a second series, ”production teams”; Swain & Jolley, Langer & Winstanley, Holland Dozier & Holland, Gamble & Huff, Stock, Aitken & Waterman, Jam&Lewis were featured in this series. A third series for Radio 2 & 6 music included – Mick Jones, Brian Wilson, Roy Wood, 10cc. Production on the fourth series has just commenced looking at the work of Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn with further shows scheduled for later in the year. Steve also presented a radio show – ”Live @ Levines”. This show featured conversations with artists and musicians discussing the records that have Inspired them to create the music they make.
Along with his radio and TV work Steve is also busy producing exciting new bands for his new label Hubris Records, first release 6 Day Riot. Currently in the studio with new signings The Glitches, Patch William & Natalie McCool (a previous MIBI finalist).
Steve is a Director of PRS for music, MCPS, BASCA & a member of the MU executive committee. Recently appointed Chairman of The Music Producer’s Guild.
Artist Website
