Hugh Padgham has worked with some of the best contemporary artists - The Police, Genesis, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, and Phil Collins, to name but a few - and has earned his place in the recording industry history books through his sensitive, innovative, and inspired sound engineering and production work. How did he do it? Brian Jacobs finds out...

Hugh Padgham takes us behind the scenes to explain the tricks and techniques used in the recording and mixing of Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight'.

Producer Extraordinaire

The genius behind the 'Phil Collins drum sound' reveals how he got started in the industry, his production philosophy and life at The Townhouse.

Recording 'If I Ever Lose My Faith In You'

Throw a bunch of talented musicians and a world-class producer into a 16th century mansion, add some juicy gear, shake 'em about and what do you get? Ten Summoner's Tales, if you're lucky.

Still in his early 30s, yet a man who's worked with The Police, Genesis, Bowie and McCartney, Padgham is one of the most successful young producers in the world. Paul Tingen coaxes him into revealing a few secrets.

A look behind the scenes at some of MT's own out-takes: quotes from the famous, letters from the punters and photographs from the "rejected" file. So we all make mistakes...

While most musicians flounder attempting to play one instrument, Phil Collins has his cake and eats it. Tony Horkins pieces together the multiple talents and discovers the complete musician

everyone syncs Synclaviers

What's A Gate?

A gadget that only lets certain sounds through — geddit? Deeper analysis on page 20.

What's to know? You just wipe the rust off the strings, plug it into the desk and bob's your uncle. Don't you? Er... not quite.

All the snippety little secret bits of musicians' gossip that no-one else would print

Chas de Whalley records the thoughts of David Bowie's young, gifted and black producer, Derek Bramble

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

Whether you like his music or not, nobody can knock Paul McCartney's achievements as the world's most successful songwriter. In a rare interview he talks to Patrick Humphries about the music, recordings and personalities that combined to produce his first solo album for three years - 'Press To Play'.

An exclusive look inside Genesis' private studio retreat deep in the heart of Surrey.

The Human League are still one of the world's most successful synth bands, but their new album was a long time coming, and they've stuck guitars all over it. The League's Ian Burden explains why.

Mark Jenkins pins down the expert synthesist/programmer best known for his work with Peter Gabriel, and discusses the release of his eighth solo album - 'Metropolitan Suite'.

drum parts and recording arts

Chas de Whalley chews the fat with Howard Grey, the young turk behind some of UB40's and Scritti Politti's finest moments

News from the front

good news bad news

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.

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

A little Tonight music from the thin white one, his band, his producer, Uncle Tom Ziggy and all