Kurt Ballou is known for having one of the rawest most brutal signature production styles. His records burst with pummeling grit, yet they're always punchy and huge.
Kurt Ballou is known for having one of the rawest most brutal signature production styles. His records burst with pummeling grit, yet they're always punchy and huge.
We sat down and discussed the method behind his sonic madness with a focus on guitar tone, as well as how he built and maintained his career.
One of the most prolific producers in metal/hardcore/punk, Kurt Ballou worked with a laundry list of bands including everyone from Champion and Have Heart to Kvelertak, Cave In and Nails. He also plays guitar in Converge, one of the most influential hardcore bands of the past two decades (currently on their eighth album).
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- Kurt Ballou's thoughts on studio etiquete
- Surgical EQ tips
- Balancing budget vs time
- The difference between panning space and reverb space
- Cool uses for saturation plug ins
- Using notches instead of low pass filters
- The science of sound
- Of course pedals and cab!
- Smoothing out harsh upper mids
Links:
Here's some of our favorites: