STEVE OSBORNE

Making a name for himself initially as a remixer alongside Paul Oakenfold, Steve Osborne subsequently grew into one of the UK’s most in-demand producers. He has worked with an enormous roster of clients that includes Placebo, Suede, KT Tunstall, Doves and, crucially, Happy MMaking a name for himself initially as a remixer alongside Paul Oakenfold, Steve Osborne subsequently ondays. Their dance-rock record Pills ’N’ Thrills And Bellyaches epitomised the ‘Madchester’ sound in 1990 and, as Steve reveals, was a remarkable – and memorable – recording experience.

Steve’s career was kickstarted by an early role as a ‘tea boy’ at the legendary Trident Studios. During his initial time there, he sought to make himself an indispensable font of knowledge regarding production equipment and was soon required to step in and help out with sessions. Today, Steve still espouses the value of making yourself a resourceful asset in the studio to the next generation of producers during his masterclasses at BIMM. He currently operates from Peter Gabriel’s beautiful, gear-packed studio Real World, close to Osborne’s home city of Bath – which is where we meet the seasoned producer…

MusicTech What was it that initially sparked your interest in music production?

Well, I think it was probably when I heard The Dark Side Of The Moon for the first time. It was at my sister’s 16th birthday. One of her friends put it on and I was just totally blown away. Before that, I’d only really heard the early Beatles records and a few more mainstream things. But my parents didn’t have an extensive collection. That was definitely the point