A pro studio that's offering its facilities to new bands for free? Mike Myers tells Nicholas Rowland what's wrong with the record biz and how he's trying to put it right.

Recording 99.9F°

A new slant on production for Suzanne's latest album, 99.9F°.

Making up chords with the Gretsch collector.

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.

We report on this top chart group.

The Fishman guide to DIY synths

From records to retailing

Once he prayed to the beat behind Re-flex, he's since become versed in high technology and worked with artists as diverse as Kate Bush and Mory Kante. Ollie Crooke talks to a rhythm programmer extraordinaire.

After three years out of the public eye, Scritti are straight back in the charts with a new LP and single. Green Gartside explains to Tim Goodyer why technology has replaced live performance.

At 28 Seigen Ono is one of Japan's leading producer/engineers whose recording credits include working for David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Lounge Lizards. He is also the creator of some of the highest quality instrumental music yet to be classified under the New Age music banner. Mark Prendergast discovers what he and his music are all about.

After carving a career for themselves with their unique brand of anarchic funk, Shriekback have decided the time has come for a change. Barry Andrews tells David Bradwell about the importance of loving musical equipment.

After an apprenticeship under the wing of the Frankies' Trevor Horn, Simon Darlow spreads his own; he talks to Paul Tingen about the hazards of writing, playing and producing your own album.

Ex-Police drummer and self-styled 'tech-head' Stewart Copeland discusses the merits of owning four Fairlight CMIs, why he's in a group called Animal Logic, and how to write an opera. Logical questions: Nicholas Rowland.

It's a knockout with Stewart/Hall

Tubular Bells, Bayou Moon and other stories

Apart from his claim to fame as the co-producer of Mike Oldfield's hugely successful 'Tubular Bells' album, engineer/producer Tom Newman has most recently been making his mark in the New Age music field with two beautifully recorded albums. Mark Prendergast reports.

Uncle Tom gives studio advice, from a Portastudio to a great big 24-track.

Steve Cogan takes time out to talk to the members of Yen

Jazzer who likes to mix his rhythms

Sgt Pepper

The Beatles' most celebrated LP is 20 years old this month: have a splendid time reading how it was made

George Martin — the fifth Beatle?

George Martin 5th Beatle/2nd Part

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

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

How it was done in the heyday of Pop - Philip Bashe tracked down the bands your dad snogged along to and found out the history of the '60s hits

RETROSPECT: the beach boys

celebrating sweet surfurbia - from good vibrations to kokomo