Tucker Martine
In 2004 Nonesuch released a gorgeous and haunting record by Laura Veirs entitled Carbon Glacier, which Uncut called "a masterpiece" in their 5 star lead review. We loved everything about the record the first time we heard it.
We did some homework and found that it was produced, engineered, and mixed by Grammy nominee Tucker Martine. Tucker, we discovered, has been involved in some of the most innovative, intriguing and musical recordings of the past few years. Past projects include We Will Become Like Birds by Erin McKeown (Nettwerk), assorted album and specialty tracks for Jim White (Luaka Bop), the award winning Oh, My Girl by Jesse Sykes, (called "…utterly transfixing" by Rolling Stone, and given 4 stars in Mojo) American Bandstand by Wayne Horvitz and numerous records with Bill Frisell.
Rather than force a predetermined aesthetic onto each project, Tucker combines the best elements of “old school” producing and modern recording techniques. He believes that great records have more to do with great songs, great arrangements, an inspiring work environment, the right musical co-conspirators and capturing a unique point of view than the eq of the hi hat mic.
The common thread in Tucker's work is that he always seems to sense what qualities make an artist stand out and brings those characteristics even further to the forefront. He has enough of a perfectionist streak in him to make sure it’s done right but is quick to recognize when to forego the game plan altogether in favor of a spontaneous epiphany.
Tucker also has considerable experience as a recording engineer and musician, and owns Flora Studios in Seattle. He has produced, engineered and performed on perhaps lesser-known but equally compelling records by Transmissionary Six, Mount Analog, Orchestra Dim Bridges with Eyvind Kang, (Wire Magazine: "one of the most quietly impressive albums of the year") MYLAB , Bush Taxi Mali (Field Recordings From Mali), Sanford Arms and John Zorn.
Larry Crane - founder/editor of TAPE OP magazine had declared Tucker Martine to be "one of my favorite producers". Billboard magazine gushed "Martine's musical future will be a major thrill". We’ll be happy to forward a sample of Tucker’s work so you can discover on your own why we're so pleased to be working with this talented, progressive, and focused producer.
Tucker and Robert Fripp were sound designers / composers for the start up sounds of Microsoft's Vista OS.
Harp Magazine has awarded the Decemberists release "Record Of The Year 2006". (Co-produced, engineered and mixed by Tucker Martine and Chris Walla.)
Recent projects: Sufjan Stevens, Laura Veirs, Lake, Thao Nguyen, Floratone by Bill Frisell & Matt Chamberlin and Colin Meloy's solo record.