One of pop's pretty faces forsakes teen screams in search of artistic credibility - but has he got what he came for? Tim Goodyer finds out about computer love, classical arrangements and self-production.

As well as writing, singing and playing on his new single 'When A Heart Beats', Nik Kershaw also took the credit for its production. In an interview with Nick Webb he displays a rarely seen side of his character and discusses his knowledge of recording studio technology and approach to songwriting.

Nik Kershaw

We talk to the man who produced himself, and find out who won.

Golden boy of the teeny bop scene a closet guitar hero? It's true, all true. Muso musings captured for posterity by Dave Burrluck and Susan Rookledge.

Simon is both a musician and a producer. This month he talks to Paul White about, amongst other things, his work doing 12" remixes for Nik Kershaw.

The words "Stock, Aitken & Waterman" have adorned 50 hit singles in the last two years. Tim Goodyer finds there are two secrets to their success: determination and new technology.

Janet Angus discovers the secret of Peter's success in producing big selling dance music.

Tony Banks talks to Kendall Wrightson about his new solo album, Technology, and the latest chapter in the book of Genesis.

While many producers are content to work within one or two musical styles, Peter Collins casts a much wider net - using high technology to increase the number of possibilities open to him.

Alphabet Coup

the importance of being alphabetical

From Gretsches to Strats, from Pop to Jazz. The ever-changing songwriter talks chords, choruses and contrapuntals with Adrian Deevoy

Hi Energy wizard Mike Stock collides with Chas de Whalley during a sweaty get-down-and-shake-it interview

Duran man Andy Taylor gives Chris Maillard a Station announcement

Difford and Tillbrook

squeezed out

Crying And Shouting With Bath's Finest

Messrs Smith and Orzabal explain how it can take a year to make two singles but only two months to make an album, among other things. Bits in between the chat by Dan Goldstein.

From his involvement in the infamous Frankie Goes To Hollywood sessions, Andy Richards has become an accomplished producer and programmer in his own right. Nicholas Rowland listens to a rationalisation of technology.

Engineer Dave Meegan recalls how depression helped land him a plum position at Trevor Horn's Sarm West Studios. Chris Allison listened with great interest.

Mark Brzezicki Drums On Nik Kershaw's 'LABATYD'

Mr B shows how to play the drums on Nik Kershaw's 'Life's A Bitch And Then You Die'.

Touring With Nik Kershaw

Drummer Mark Price tells what it's really like to be up there on stage. Did anyone say terrifying?

Nominated by Steve Levine, Steve Lillywhite, Peter Collins, Hugh Padgham, Swain and Jolley

Six stars outline their home demo set-ups

sketching song ideas at home. how certain successful stars record their demos - John Entwistle, Nik Kershaw, Annabel Lamb, Adrian Belew, Blancmange

This, however, is the bit where we tell you gossipy tittle-tattle you've never heard before.