Phil Harding's 80:10 (pt 1) (The Early Years, Matt Bianco/Basia, Stock Aitken Waterman (1/2), Dead or Alive, Bananarama)

80sography - 80s music interviews

Phil Harding had his hands in as many hits in the 80s/90s as anyone you care to mention. We will only concern ourselves with the better decade as we look into his career as producer/engineer and mixer.

1. THE EARLY YEARS (Pre-1980-83)

How Phil got into the business in the 70s, working with the likes of Gerry Rafferty (Baker Street!), The Walker Brothers (No Regrets!) and The Clash (White Man in Hammersmith Palais!), etc.

Phil moves into the 80s with KIlling Joke and a very unique contribution to Sign of The Times by The Belle Stars. There is discussion on the differences (and similarities) between mixing pop and rock.

2. MATT BIANCO/BASIA (1984-88)

Working with Peter Collins leads to engineering Matt Bianco's first album which leads to Phil producing the follow up and mixing Basia's first solo LP.

Through Peter connections are made with Pete Waterman.

General chat on Phil's approach to mixing a track.

3. STOCK AITKEN AND WATERMAN (PT 1) (1983-87)

Phil enters the world of SAW. Talk of who did what within the team and experiences with Lamont Dozier, Princess, Mel & Kim and early Rick Astley.

Further talk on who had "Woolworth's ears" and why SAW didn't produce Pet Shop Boys.

4. DEAD OR ALIVE (1986-88)

Let's face it, this section is almost exclusively about You Spin Me Round, the first SAW number one and an iconic 80s hit.

5. BANANARAMA (1986-88)

Working on Venus, Bananarama wanted the Spin-Me-Round hi NRG treatment, leading to a number of massive pop hits.

Also discussed is the Bananarama vocal approach and how it was decided who at the Hit Factory worked on what.

EITHER/OR

| Does Phil have the Terminator listen to Prince on his ghettoblaster or Robocop listen to MJ on his walkman?

Phil can be found

Website: philhardingmusic.com

Twitter: @phardingmusic

Facebook: Phil Harding

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