#111 James Ellis Ford: producing Depeche Mode, Blur, and Pet Shop Boys, "sometimes it feels totally surreal"

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What's it like to mediate a disagreement between members of one of the biggest bands in history? And to do that while you're trying to produce their new record?

This is a question which is answered in this week's episode, in which our guest is one of the most prolific producers of Big UK Acts of the last two decades.

As well as being a member of Simian Mobile Disco, James Ford (occasionally with his middle name included) has a production credits list which includes Depeche Mode, Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Pet Shop Boys, and Beth Gibbons.

If that's not going to yield some good podcast content, then the blame should fall squarely on the host.

We discuss the role of the record producer today, as well as how that role has changed over time. Regular questions like the one about AI are covered. And we also get into detail about some specific projects, including the making of the brand new Pet Shop Boys record in James' home studio.

This is a highly illuminating discussion on a topic that isn't particularly well understood. One of the best episodes so far, and a worthy follow-up to Steve Davis last week!

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Listen to the music discussed on the show via the Not A Diving Podcast Spotify playlist

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