Richard Digby Smith Interview on Free, Led Zeppelin, Sparks, Black Sabbath Deep Purple

Richard Digby Smith Interview on Free, Led Zeppelin, Sparks, Black Sabbath Deep Purple

Author: Phil Aston October 31, 2025 Duration: 1:00:48

From Island Studios to Super-Deluxe Box Sets: The Engineer Richard Digby SmithOn this episode, I'm delighted to welcome one of the true unsung heroes of classic rock (or rock music in general any era, really), and that is engineer and producer Richard Digby Smith. His career spans decades from the golden age of the early 70s on Island Studios with bands like Free, Traffic, Led Zeppelin, Sparks, Detective right through to his incredible recent work with Black Sabbath and even more recently Deep Purple’s 50th anniversary of Made in Japan.We’re going to look back at some of those classic sessions — the young bands, big ambitions, fast-paced studio life — and also dig into the modern world of archiving, remixing and preserving those recordings for new generations. Richard will share stories of the tech, the people, the accidents (yes, including the one where a guitar sleeve switch caused a famous moment), and the philosophy behind bringing timeless rock to life.So pour yourself a drink, fire up your headphones, and join us behind the console with a man who’s been doing this for four decades.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine


Phil Aston brings the pages of Now Spinning Music Magazine-Artist Interviews and Music Reviews to life in this audio companion. Here, the focus remains firmly on the music itself and the artists who create it, championing a tangible connection to sound that goes beyond digital streams. Each episode delves into thoughtful conversations with musicians, exploring their creative processes and the stories behind their work. Alongside these interviews, you’ll find candid reviews of new releases and classic albums, all approached with an independent and honest perspective that values every format, from cherished vinyl records and CDs to elaborate box sets. This podcast extends the magazine’s global community, creating a space for enthusiasts of every genre and era. It’s for anyone who appreciates the artistry of an album as a complete physical object, not just a collection of tracks. Tune in for a deeply engaged discussion about music culture, where the passion for the material item and the music it contains is always at the forefront.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews
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