Recorded Music
 | Kevin Killen
Instructor, Recorded Music |
Courses
Studio Lab: Collaborative Production Projects
Biography
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 McKennit, 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 the last six months Kevin has finished 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 is finishing mixing a new record by Paula Cole, produced by Bobby Colomby. An amazing re-entry into the music scene for Paula. Also now out is Duncan SheiksWhite Limousine, mixed by Kevin. Kevin also recently picked up Grammy Awards for his engineering on the latest Shakira record.
