Musician/Producer Steve Albini Has Died

Steve Albini, who produced seminal albums by Nirvana and many others and was guitarist for Shellac and Big Black, has died at age 61. According to Pitchfork, staff at Albini’s Chicago-based recording facility Electric Audio confirmed his death from a heart attack.

Albini was born on July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, California. Albini was raised in Montana before moving to Illinois, where he became a pivotal part of the Chicago underground music scene. He first gained attention in the early 1980s as a member of the punk rock band Big Black, and later played in bands such as Rapeman and Shellac.

Albini was known for his work as a producer, although he preferred to be called a recording engineer. He has been involved in the production of over 1,500 albums. His ethos was characterized by a commitment to analog recording techniques and a hands-off approach that emphasized the artist’s vision without his interference.

Artists who recorded with Albini include Nirvana, Pixies, Bush, Breeders, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, PJ Harvey, The Jesus Lizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Gogol Bordello, Joanna Newsom, Superchunk, Low, Jawbreaker, Cloud Nothings, Helmet, Cheap Trick, Slint, Veruca Salt and Foxy Shazam.

Shellac will release their first album in 10 years, To All Trains, on May 17 through Touch and Go Records. Albini, Shellac drummer Todd Trainer and bassist Bob Weston captured To All Trains, their sixth studio LP, at Electrical Audio between November 2017 and March 2022. Too All Trains follows the trio’s 2014 album, Dude Incredible.