""The whole of my personality was formed in punk rock, which was an abject rejection of capitalism that wasn't based on cooperation and collaboration." - Steve Albini dies in his studio at 61

I'm shocked and genuinely sad. I'll miss his snarky wisdom even though I haven't spoken to the guy in a dog's age. I hope he made thorough provisions for Electrical Audio in his will, it became one of the last bastions of artist driven, independent music outside the basement and the bedroom.

Steve Albini shall be sorely missed by his friends and clients, but also everyone he ever mentored or even slagged off (other than the dirtbag label execs and stooges in A&R).

He was also really good at poker.

What a legend.

A legend of sticking to his guns.

I can't claim to have known the man well, but he was a great guy once you understood how well meaning he was... and he really mellowed with age like a fine wine. The first time I talked to him, he was a lot more abrasive than the last time we were in contact. Steve had such a generous heart and I regret never booking time at Electrical because even when it felt like he was punching you he was actually hugging you.

The videos he started doing with the Electrical staff were pure gold.... they began with the most useful information ever, how to clean your mixing console (assuming you have one, but similar principles apply to cleaning all your hardware :-)

Oof!

This one hits hard.

Just learned about this a couple of days ago. Rest in peace, Steve.

If you're looking for a listen to celebrate his life, Grandfather's album Why'd I Try, which was mixed and produced by Albini, is available for free on Bandcamp.

I'll miss his snarky wisdom even though I haven't spoken to the guy in a dog's age. [...] He was also really good at poker.

Wait, you knew him? Wow!

No no, I met him and corresponded with him a little. Knew him? Nah.

Anyone could approach him and if that person was coming from a place he related to then he would be really generous with his time.

Anyone worth talking to is approachable. Worst case scenario? They blow you off. If they act that way to a fan or colleague then they're not worth talking to anyway. You have to be unafraid to bug people... and make good conversation.

Grandfather's album Why'd I Try, which was mixed and produced by Albini,

Everyone keeps calling him a producer or saying albums were produced by Steve Albini. Man he woulda hated that.

Everyone keeps calling him a producer or saying albums were produced by Steve Albini. Man he woulda hated that.

My apologies. The proper credit on Bandcamp is "Recorded and Mixed by Steve Albini @ Electrical Audio in Chicago, IL".

Now his spirit can pass on to the great studio in the sky...dude was about to go all poltergeist