BY MR. Bonzai
Mr. Bonzai: So why are you known as the Caveman?
Kevin Shirley: Because I've always looked like this,
I guess. Big, hulking Neanderthal with long hair.
How do you like working here
in Paris?
What's different?
The language is not the same, and the women
are magnificent! I feel like I'm a mute at a
runway show when tramping along the Champs
de Elysees. You see a beauty in purple
skintight low hips pants, and long blonde
hair, just two yards in front of you. You
say to yourself, "Hey, it's Sunday, I've no
plans. I don't have anything to do, and I'm
all grown up - which way do I go?"
But, seriously, the studio here is
phenomenal. The vibe is great, I don't have
to deal with business for four hours before
work; I just get up, have a cafe noir, and a
pain - and off to work, which is a 40-minute
walk along the Bois de Boulogne (a big woods
on the outskirts of Paris). Also, the
English folk living here don't have to pay
tax back 'ome!
What's the most important thing
to remember
when you are mixing?
To stop when it feels good.
What
are your main recording tools?
Neve 8068 console, Studer A800, Urei 1176
compressor, ATR 102 1/2 inch mastering
machine - and I hate to admit it, but I just
spent $50k on a rocking Pro Tools system,
which is awesome when used correctly, like
letting the band play feel, and keeping it.
I've been using Grace preamps, which blow my
mind. Guy Charbonneau turned me onto them
when we recorded the Page/Crowes thing live
at the Greek Theatre.
Where'd you get started as an
engineer and
why?
I started out in radio at the South
African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
I have always, and still do, love sonics -
the sound of records! Television was just
beginning there then, so everyone was
saying, "Why radio," but I have always been
interested in sonics - and I still dislike
the way the video medium takes away the
audio experience. MTV has changed, and I
think destroyed, the way we "hear" music.
If you were a musical instrument,
which
would you be?
French horn.
What's wrong with the music
industry?
Wow, don't get me started - "bottom line"
is the biggest problem. Quick bucks, big
bucks! I see great career bands, entire
genres - like the Black Crowes - get f*cked
over because it's easier to milk "Living la
Vida Loca" (which is a good song) to death.
"Let's bury them because radio is not a sure
thing" - like this is the only way to run
the industry. Also, label execs who like to
present themselves as some untouchable,
holier-than-thou, abusive - in every sense
of the word - mafioso. I better stop,
because this is/was my career.
What music would you like played
at your
funeral?
"You Can Leave Your Hat On," as sung by
Joe
Cocker.
What do you listen to while
you're driving?
Whatever was the second to last thing I
worked on, newly mastered - so, there's been
some time and space since I last heard it.
Then I listen objectively for about the
first time.
If you could go back in time
before the
birth of recording, what would you like to
hear?
I think Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony #6 in
F maj op. 68 - with original instruments,
and him conducting. I'm sure you'd be able
to hear the brook, the picnic, the storm,
and the birds and insects of the meadow -
his vision in music.
What is the first music you
remember
hearing?
Simon and Garfunkel, hammer and a nail song.
What did you learn from
Iron Maiden?
So soon, Mr. B! I learned how to use Pro
Tools, and bite my tongue. I also learned
that not everyone hears things the same way,
and it's all valid.
Who were your musical heroes
when you were
getting started?
Jimmy Page, Trevor Rabin, James Patrick
Page, Pete Townshend, Richie Blackmore, Ian
Anderson.
Who do you respect and admire
today?
Mutt Lange, Bob Clearmountain, George
Massenburg, John Kalodner.
Is there anyone in the world
you would like
to meet?
Some of those girls on Howard Stern's E!
night show! I saw one the other day, Jaime
someone, who's starring in "Son of a Beach."
My God, she was unbelievably gorgeous. I'm a
window shopper - just lookin'.
What is your strangest characteristic
as a
human being?
Well, I'm a dad - and I love being single,
but want more kids.
How would you like to be remembered
in
history?
Only as honest, diligent, and a friend. I
don't need to be a hero.
Do you know any interesting
business tricks?
Sign your own checks!
What was your most ridiculous
experience in
a recording studio?
Aerosmith, Journey, Iron Maiden - I have
lots of stories. Every band has something
amazing and then something ridiculous about
them, but Aerosmith takes the cake. You
know, truthfully, I love the guys - but I
inherited a big problem with Nine Lives,
which has been written about a lot. Steven
loved the record he did with Glen Ballard,
but he was alone! All the label people, and
the rest of the band were unhappy with the
record - and it was not "Pump 2"! So, every
time we needed to tackle a situation that
Steven had already spent two years on, it
could get ugly - and did! But other times
were just mind-blowing. All of those guys
just jamming on nothing for 30 minutes
together was unforgettable. And Steven is
the greatest talent I've ever worked with,
just a monster musician!
Who do you think you were in
past lives?
Semen blobs and ova.
What old saying do you hate the most?
"Man, this is going to be huge - we're gonna
take it to the top!"
What animal do you identify
with?
Dolphin - all that swimming and, well, you
have to read Tom Robbins' Skinny Legs and
All. My all-time favorite book.
Who is the most amazing artist
you've worked
with?
Well, definitely doing the Page/Crowes
album, I kept soloing Jimmy's guitar and
going, "Listen to this motherf*cker play!"
What makes a great producer?
I think it is someone who can capture and
enhance the essence of a performer and
performance. I cannot judge greatness by the
quantity of airplay.
Have you ever witnessed a miracle?
The birth of my son Josh is as close to
being overwhelmed by the magnificence of
life and the life-force.
What is the biggest mistake
of your life?
Having a kitten in the penthouse.
Any advice for getting a good
start in the
music business?
Sleep with the studio owners!
Who is the Great Imposter?
Matchbox 20.
Have you ever really pissed anyone off?
I might have just done so.
What would you like Santa to
bring you this
year?
More than anything, I'd like another child -
so guess what I need?
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