Dan Grech-Marguerat Explained

Dan Grech-Marguerat
Birth Date:1981 7, df=yes
Birth Place:Bedford, England
Nationality:British
Years Active:1991-present
Known For:Audio mixing (recorded music)

Daniel James Grech-Marguerat (born 11 July 1981 in Bedford), is an English-Maltese recording engineer, record producer and mixer.

Grech has worked with Lana Del Rey,[1] Keane,[2] and Moby.[3]

Biography

Dan Grech started working at RAK Studios in St John's Wood, London as an assistant recording engineer.[4] He worked with record producer Nigel Godrich for two years,[4] participating in records with Charlotte Gainsbourg, The Divine Comedy, Beck and Radiohead. He won a Grammy Award for his work with Godrich in 2009[5] for his work on Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' which picked up 'Best Alternative Album 2009'.[6]

In 2006 he mixed the Scissor Sisters second album Ta-Dah, including the single I Don't Feel Like Dancin',[7] co-written by Elton John, which went to number one in 8 countries, and top 10 in 20 countries.[8] Later that year, Grech mixed the debut record for the band Dragonette,[9] starting a long-term relationship with the band.

In 2007, Grech produced two tracks for the Radio 1 Established 1967[10] anniversary album, one for The Kooks and one for The Kaiser Chiefs.[11] Following on from this he went on to produce several tracks for The Kooks second album Konk. He also mixed the Moby album 'Last Night [12]

In 2010, Grech produced the debut album for The Vaccines, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?.[13] [14]

In May 2012, Keane released their 4th studio album 'Strangeland', which Grech both produced and mixed.[15]

In 2013, Grech produced Long Way Down, the debut record for Tom Odell, winner of the BRITs Critics Choice Award.[16] In 2013 Grech also produced The Brink, the second album for the Australian band The Jezabels.[17] [18]

In 2014, Grech worked with Liverpool-based guitar band Circa Waves. He produced and mixed their debut album which entered the UK charts at number 10 in April 2015.[19] Singles from the album included Fossils and T-Shirt Weather.

In 2015, he produced and mixed the Birdy and Rhodes duet Let It All Go.[20]

At the start of 2016, Grech worked with Mumford & Sons. He recorded the Johannesburg EP in South Africa with the band.[21]

Grech's releases in 2017 included Liam Gallagher's debut solo album As You Were, he produced 8 of the 12 tracks including the single For What It's Worth. On working with Grech, Gallagher said, “I’ll play him a tune very badly and he’ll go, ‘Yeah, I get where you’re coming from’ and get the acoustics down and away we go.”[22] The album was released on October 6.[23]

In 2018, Grech mixed Staying at Tamara's, George Ezra's second album.[24] In the same year, he also mixed releases for Rae Morris, Mikky Ekko, and Tom Grennan.[25]

Grech has additional production and live credits on 2021's Rag'n'Bone man and Pink single Anywhere Away From Here. He contributed additional production and mixing for the radio single and worked with the NHS choir on the live performance at the Brit Awards.[26]

Grech won UK Mixer of the Year 2021[27] at the Music Producers’ Guild Awards.

In 2021, Grech began working with Sam Ryder,[28] mixing Sam's debut EP Sun’s Gonna Rise. Grech mixed and produced the UK Eurovision entry song for 2022, Sam Ryder's There's Nothing but Space, Man!.[29] [30]

Notable work

George Ezra

Grech opted for a simple, streamlined mixing process when working on George Ezra's Paradise. In the Paradise session, Grech used 73 tracks, containing additional elements such as kick sample tracks and a snare track. Several auxiliary tracks were included, adding delays and reverbs. Grech condensed individual instrument parts such as bass, guitar, synth, and piano into single stereo tracks. The backing vocals initially spread over approximately 20 tracks, were consolidated into six.

Grech divided the lead vocal track into two segments to apply varying treatments to the pre-chorus sections. Despite the simplified layout, the session included hundreds of plug-ins, heavily concentrated on the Akai MPC loop, bass, guitar, and vocal tracks. Grech used colour coding to organise the session.

Grech uses busses sparingly, claiming that the desired sound should be realised with no more than 10 inserts per Pro Tools. At the time, Grech's go-to audio plug-ins were the UAD API compressor and the Waves Audio's RCompressor to achieve specific effects and control frequencies across the tracks. He frequently uses a high pass filter to manage low-end frequencies and prefers plug-ins with graphical interfaces.

Grech has a particular stance on handling vocals, where he usually prefers to remove pre-existing audio plug-ins to shape the vocal sound from scratch, except in instances where a unique effect that adds value to the track is present.[24]

Scissor Sisters

Grech played a significant role in producing the Scissor Sisters' first album. Trained at RAK studios in London and having worked with renowned producer Nigel Godrich, Grech initially joined the project to assist with recording live instruments but eventually took on a larger role, including mixing.

For the Scissor Sisters' first album, the goal was to build upon the existing electronic essence by integrating a richer depth and warmth by adding live instruments. Grech-Marguerat recommended Sear Sound for recording, citing its quality equipment, including vintage microphones and a desk created by Rupert Neve, which expanded the band's sound.

However, the decision to retain the entire project in Apple's Logic Pro, a software they used for ongoing writing and recording, presented a significant challenge. Grech-Marguerat would have preferred transferring the programming to Pro Tools, a platform he found more user-friendly for mixing and audio editing. Grech circumvented this issue by creating a parallel G5/Logic setup. Although this required the cumbersome process of reinstalling and licensing numerous plugins and virtual instruments.

Despite initial difficulties, the setup eventually proved effective, allowing for a fruitful collaboration with band member Scott Hoffman.

Recording sessions were conducted at Sear Sounds Studio A, with the inputs channelled through two MOTU 24 I/O audio interfaces. To accommodate the recording needs, they expanded the system to have 48 inputs and outputs, facilitating intricate recordings such as dedicating 12 inputs solely for drums.[31]

Discography

Year Title Artist Credits
2001 Amnesiac Engineer
2005 The Roads Don't Love You Mixing
2006 Ta-Dah Additional Producer, Mixing
2006 Control Producer, Mixing
2007 In Rainbows Engineer
2007 Track for 40 years of Radio 1 Producer, Mixing
2007 Galore Mixing
2009 Fixin to Thrill Co-Producer, Mixing
2008 Last Night Mixing
2009 Radio Wars Producer
2009 Sam Sparro Mixing
2009 Slow Attack Mixing
2009 Konk Producer, Mixing
2010 Voyage Additional Producer, Mixing
2010 Penguin Prison Penguin PrisonAdditional Producer, Mixing
2011 What You Wanted Producer, Mixing
2011 Remixes Mixing
2011 What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? Producer
2011 Bad Dream Hotline Foe Mixing
2012 Born to Die Mixing
2012 Never Live Another Yesterday Mixing
2012 Strangeland Producer, Mixing
2012 Songs from Another Love EP Producer
2012 Long Way Down Producer
2013 Exile Producer
2013 Track "Bros" Mixed
2013 Rituals Mixed
2014 The Brink Producer
2014 "Real Love" Co Produced and Mixed
2015 Young Chasers Producer
2015 Badlands Mixing
2015 Josef Salvat Mixing
2015"Let It All Go"Birdy & RhodesAdditional Production, Mixing
2015White LightShuraMixing
2016JohannesburgMumford and SonsAdditional Production, Mixing
2016FMAGraceAdditional Production, Mixing
2016Kindly NowKeaton HensonProduction & Mixing
2016White TigerIzzy BizuProducer
2016Remember Us to LifeRegina SpektorMixing
2017As You WereLiam GallagherProduced
2017About UMUNAAdditional Production & Mixing
2017"Waves"Dean LewisAdditional Production & Mixing
2017"The Man"The KillersMixing
2018Lighting MatchesTom GrennanMixing
2018Staying at Tamara'sGeorge EzraMixing
2018"There You Are"ZaynAdditional Production & Mixing
2018Only Ticket HomeGavin JamesMixing
2018Someone Out ThereRae MorrisMixing
2018FameMikky EkkoMixing
2019404Barns CourtneyAdditional Production & Mixing
2019DedicatedCarly Rae JepsenMixing
2019Jade BirdJade BirdMixing
2019YouJames ArthurMixing
2019"Lazy"Kylie & The VaccinesProduction & Mixing
2019Love + FearMarinaMixing
2019My Name Is Michael HolbrookMikaMixing
2019Saves the WorldMUNAMixing
2019False AlarmTwo Door Cinema ClubMixing
2020PossessionJoywaveMixing
2020"What You Gonna Do???"BastilleMixing
2020RookeryGiant RooksMixing
2020KelseaKelsea BalleriniMixing
2020"Bittersweet"Lianne La HavasMixing
2020NightfallLittle Big TownMixing
2020WallsLouis TomlinsonProduction & Mixing
2020Cherry BlossomThe VampsMixing
2020What A Time To Be AliveTom WalkerMixing
2020In A DreamTroye SivanMixing
2021One Foot in Front of the OtherGriffMixing
2021You Signed Up for ThisMaisie PetersMixing
2021"Anywhere Away from Here" - Radio MixRag n Bone Man & PinkProduction & Mixing
2021Evering RoadTom GrennanProduction & Mixing
2022Wonderful Life Two Door Cinema ClubProducer
2022MUNAMUNAMixing
2022"People Pleaser"Cat BurnsMixing
2022Gold Rush KidGeorge EzraMixing
2022Faith In The FutureLouis TomlinsonMixing
2022Hold The GirlRina SawayamaMixing
2022There's Nothing but Space, Man!Sam RyderProduction & Mixing
2022HomesickSea GirlsMixing
2022HistoryThe KnocksMixing
2022Night CallYears & YearsMixing
2023Live More & Love MoreCat BurnsMixing
2023That! Feels Good!Jessie WareMixing
2023Rolling Up the Welcome MatKelsea BalleriniMixing
2023What Ifs & MaybesTom GrennanMixing

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lana Del Rey – Born To Die. Discogs. 23 January 2012. 23 January 2012. 29 November 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161129062704/https://www.discogs.com/Lana-Del-Rey-Born-To-Die/release/3352387. live.
  2. Web site: New Keane album announced, release date revealed. Music Week. 27 February 2012. 1 March 2012. 26 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141026182504/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048648&c=1. live.
  3. Web site: Moby prepares "dance orientated" new album . 2007-11-21 . 2023-09-14 . Music Radar . Future plc.
  4. Web site: Inside Track: George Ezra 'Paradise' . 2023-05-30 . www.soundonsound.com.
  5. Web site: Dan Grech-Marguerat . 2023-05-31 . www.grammy.com.
  6. Web site: Radiohead In Rainbows Credits . . 2023-09-18.
  7. Web site: Tingen. Paul. Scissor Sisters: Recording Ta-Dah. Sound on Sound. 1 November 2006. 1 November 2006. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107101723/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov06/articles/scissors.htm. live.
  8. Web site: i don't feel like dancin' full Official Chart History Official Charts Company . 2023-05-26 . www.officialcharts.com . en.
  9. Web site: W . Will . EQ Interview: The Desexualization of Dragonette . EQ Music Blog . 29 January 2009 . 29 January 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111010175643/http://www.eqmusicblog.com/2009/01/eq-interview-the-desexualization-of-dragonette.html . 10 October 2011 . dmy .
  10. Web site: Various – Radio 1 Established 1967 . 2023-09-14 . .
  11. News: Wood you believe The Chiefs . Casci . Mark . 2023-09-14 . Telegraph & Argus.
  12. Web site: Dan Grech-Marguerat Credits . 2023-05-31 . AllMusic . en.
  13. Web site: 2011-03-15 . 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines'. Recorded in The Square by Dan Grech-Marguerat. . 2023-05-31 . Miloco . en-US.
  14. Web site: Interview: The Vaccines. Doubtful Sounds.... 16 May 2011. 5 January 2012. 3 June 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110603170101/http://doubtfulsounds.net/2011/05/16/interview-the-vaccines/. live.
  15. Web site: Keane brings its emotive pop sound to Gallivan Center . 2012-06-22 . 2023-09-14 . . Burger . Savid . 6 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231006025404/https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=54335887&itype=cmsid . dead .
  16. Web site: Brit Awards tip Tom Odell for the top. BBC. 20 December 2012. 2012-12-22. 15 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190215220424/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20788086. live.
  17. Web site: The Brink – The Jezabels – Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards – AllMusic. Allmusic. 17 February 2014. 28 August 2014. 8 May 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140508174148/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-brink-mw0002601724. live.
  18. News: Jezebels on the Brink . 2023-05-31 . The Irish Times . en.
  19. Web site: Circa Waves on Noel Gallagher, the NME tour and working with the Libertines. Echo Magazine. 2 April 2015. 2 April 2015. 29 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151229230612/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/circa-waves-noel-gallagher-nme-8971154. live.
  20. Web site: Rhodes and Birdy release new video "Let It All Go". 2015-08-19. en-GB. 2016-09-05. 16 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160916164341/http://www.drunkenwerewolf.com/blog/rhodes-and-birdy-let-it-all-go/. live.
  21. News: 'I can't say why we are popular, we've not figured it out' The Times. The Times. en-GB. 2016-09-05. Hodgkinson. Will. 11 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160911204706/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/article4689252.ece. live.
  22. Web site: 'Liam Gallagher: 'Rock'n'roll saved my life'. The Guardian. en-GB. 2017-04-06. 22 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002420/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/04/liam-gallagher-interview-rock-n-roll-saved-my-life-oasis-beady-eye. live.
  23. Web site: Liam Gallagher new album release date confirmed - and you can pre-order it now . 2017-06-23 . 2023-09-14 . . Lovell . Lucy .
  24. Web site: Inside Track: George Ezra 'Paradise' . 2023-05-31 . www.soundonsound.com.
  25. Web site: Interview : Tom Grennan. 2018-02-19. en-US. 2018-02-19. 29 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180429222358/http://mancunion.com/2018/02/19/interview-tom-grennan/. live.
  26. Web site: Bryant . Tom . 2021-05-14 . NHS Choir taking on the charts with Rag'n'Bone Man and P!nk after BRITs . 2023-05-31 . mirror . en.
  27. Web site: Craig . Cameron . 2021-12-09 . The Music Producers Guild Announces its 2021 Awards Winners . 2023-05-30 . The Music Producers Guild.
  28. Web site: MaltaDaily . 2022-05-08 . UK singer and Eurovision 2022 possible winner reveals Malta connection . 2023-05-30 . Malta Daily . en-GB.
  29. Web site: Clarke . Liv . 2023-05-13 . How the UK did in Eurovision 2022 and how many points did they get . 2023-05-26 . . en.
  30. News: How the UK did in Eurovision 2022 and how many points did they get . Clarke . Liv . 2023-05-13 . 2023-09-18 . Manchester Evening News.
  31. Web site: Tingen . Paul . 2006-12-01 . Recording The Scissor Sisters . 2023-09-18 . AudioTechnology . en-AU.