Kevin Killen

Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1959, Kevin Killen has spent the last 24 years compiling an impressive list of credentials amongst the premier “pop artists” in the music industry. From Peter Gabriel to Elvis Costello, Kate Bush to Jewel, Bon Jovi to Shaun Colvin. Throw in the names of U2, Bryan Ferry, Lorenna McKennitt, Sophie B.Hawkins and Ducan Sheik and you get the idea.

Upon arriving in NYC on Thanksgiving Day in 1984, Kevin took up his friendship with Randy Ezratty of Effenel Music and began to hit the streets. Highlights from this period included assisting Bob Clearmountain on various projects at Electric Ladyland Studios and more touring with U2 around the US.

In May of 1985 Kevin received a call from Daniel Lanois that was to change his life. Dan wanted Kevin to come to the UK to mix an album for Peter Gabriel. He jumped at the chance and 10 months later “SO” was finished. From that moment forward Kevin has been at the controls of many amazing projects. “I have learned something NEW on every project I have done, it continues to this day, be it either from a musical moment or emerging technologies. There is nothing like capturing or surpassing the sound that an artist has imagined in their head. It is still a thrill to be part of that. Add the consumer’s joy into the equation, then it only magnifies pleasure."

Kevin has built a reputation for his “space” within mixes and working with vocal intensive artists. “The trick has always been to create a deep and wide three dimensional space emanating from two speakers,” he confides “that carries the listener on the emotional ride the artist intended”. “Just as I was feeling comfortable they go and introduce 5.1 mixing.”

In 2005 Kevin completed two surround projects, Elvis Costello’s “North” and Peter Gabriel’s “SO”. “Once you get past the new concept, it’s a lot of fun for me and the listener. Finally, you can hear all these great parts and details that got sublimated in stereo!”

 

Kevin was awarded 2 Grammys for his work on the newest Shakira record. (plus 3 Latin Grammys... that's 5 all together!)

Kevin mixed the new Amos Lee record for Blue Note Records.

2007 (so far!): Darlene Love, Maresa MacBeth, East Village Opera Company, and Rachel Sage.

Kevin Killen Radio is now on the air via Live365.com.