Liverpool's China Crisis are poised for their third album release this month. It shows a marked maturing of styles and attitudes, due partly to the intervention of producer Walter Becker. Dan Goldstein probes the matter further.

From humble beginnings CC have grown into a major force in 80s music. Here, they explain their approach to writing and performing, and their rise to chart success.

Ted Fletcher documents the rise of a talented studio engineer whose recorded credits already include albums by Gary Moore and China Crisis.

Justifiably unwilling to be written off as just another funk act, Loose Ends talk tactics, technique and technology into Tim Goodyer's Walkman mic.

Few producers begin their careers with experimental bands, become world-renowned for their work with electronic pop, and then turn their attention to traditional rock music. Paul Tingen talks to Mike Howlett, a man of many talents.

Uncle Chas de Whalley talks to Barry Andrews about life with Auntie

Howard Jones was the first keyboard player to successfully exploit the new technology to the full by regularly performing solo concerts with nothing but MIDI instruments as his backing band. In this rare interview, Brian Jacobs talks to Howard about his music, recording, his decision to produce most of his new album himself, and his growing admiration for an instrument he once said he would never use.

China Crisis Play 'Arizona Sky'

China Crisis get keyboardistic. Brian McNeill shows some chords.

Some words of wisdom from producer Alan Winstanley close the mag this month.

The art of perseverance.

Goes Chrimbo Crazy

A special seasonal waft of your favourite news and gossip column, this time drifting through the whole magazine and including mini-interviews with the likes of China Crisis and jokes from the likes of us. The fun starts here.

People, Gear, Events, Gossip

happening people, gear, events, gossip

Back on the master tape trail with tireless tracker Trynka. Stars watch out! You've been found out...

And A Happy Birthday To Us

Come to our party, have some jelly, read some of our best bits, and wish us a happy first birthday, hip hip...

The comings and goings of everyday studio folk

Adrian Deevoy on lead typewriter

How To Get Signed

Snatching that elusive deal — how four recent signings did it, and how you can too. Instant success story by Richard Walmsley (£3.5m advance, eight album deal)

what the famous want from St Nick

Greater reliance on hi-tech instruments in the studio means there's more demand for people able to programme them. Paul Gilby spoke first to Karin Clayton about her recently formed agency that supplies programmers for studio sessions, and then to Fairlight programmer Simon Lloyd about his work.

Wave goodbye to constant repatching of MIDI cables and problems with the delay-inducing Thru socket using these useful MIDI routing boxes from Quark. Paul Wiffen enlightens us.

A complete history of record production accompanied by quotations and anecdotes from no fewer than 18 of the world's leading producers.