LISTING - Kipper interview

NIGEL GRAY
Q&A

He's the man behind "The Police sound"
In the late 70's, he produced Siouxie and banchees, Godley & Creme, Wishbone Ash.
30 years ago The Police came to his "Surrey Sound" studio, to recorded their first album "Outlandos d'Amour"... they would record the next two other in the same place !

Some weeks ago, he said OK for a short Q&A with LiSting.
here it is for you :

- Could you tell us more about your work as being a sound engineer in the 70's, and now. (I'll add some info from your bio on you site).
I taught myself how to engineer by building my own studio. I already had a full time job as a doctor so never worked in any other studio.I recorded demos for people to pay for the studio in my spare time.

How were The Police introduced to you ?
They were looking for a cheap studio and came to me and liked it so carried on with me during the first 3 albums. (nb. Nigel produced Klark Kent album too)

How did eventually influenced them on their music ?
I just made them sound like 'the police' in the studio as well as on stage.

Were there many tracks that were recorded but not included on their albums/b-sides (ie. still unreleased) ?
NO

Did you really notice some bad tensions when they were in recording sessions ?
During Zenyatta it was clear that Sting wanted his songs sounding more like his rather jazzy demos but the other 2 and I wanted them to sound like 'the police' I made them work out Police-style arrangements for the songs which worked out very well.

Did you attend asome shows from their reunion tour ? What do you think about the 2007' Police ? (energy, sounding,...)
I went to Wembley. They were excellent !

I heard that the Police had been preparing a cover album after releasing the album called "Synchronicity" before. What did they suppose to record in the album then ?
Sting wanted to re-record the old hits with his ideas for arrangements but no producer wanted to do it.

Would you one day write your memories about all your career as a sound producer, I mean, you know much about bands on this side...
No, too boring.
I have a TV film about 10 minutes long about Surrey Sound made around 1981, I will put it up on you tube one day !

So now, you've sold Surrey Sound studios in 1987, and have your home studio. What are your current projects ?
I only record simple stuff for my own amusement. Today I will record some kids from the local school which is fun!.

Did you get in touch with game company " MTV Rock Band" that recently released some tracks for their "musical karoké" game including "Roxanne", Can't stand losing you", "Truth hits everybody" and "Message in a bottle" that you produced ?
We all, fans, discovered thes tracks last week, and enjoyed the separated tracks. Some of us are musicians, and can play "a bit in the band" with it.
If so, do you know if other tracks could be released ?
I know nothing about this.

Learn more about Nigel's studio

Thanks Nigel for answering our questions