Steve Levine LIMF In conversation with BBC Radio 1's Dev

Deconstructed: In conversation  - Steve Levine. Liverpool International Music Festival

On a Sunny Sunday afternoon in the main ballroom of Liverpool Town Hall, a small audience gathered to listen in on a fly on the wall interview conducted by Radio 1's Dev. Grammy and Brit award winning record producer Steve Levine sat comfortably on an armchair and shared his experiences with the attentive crowd

Explaining to Dev where his love for music came from, he reminisced about his childhood and how Ska and Reggae ignited his passion for music. After hearing his autistic friend Brian play the drums impeccably at the age of four or five, playing the same tune hundreds of times a day, music was soon in his soul.

Steve started his musical journey in 1975 when he joined CBS studios as a trainee tape operator. He was involved with cover sessions with the Clash. During the 80's, there was a huge shift in technology with it making the transition from analogue to digital recording. In 1985, he produced the Beach boys self titled album and then went on to work with Culture Club.

Role of a producer

Dev asked about the role of a producer. Steve explained "It's about knowing when and when not to record. Getting the right song, getting the right vocal performance and moving on to the next thing"

How do you manage personalities?

"working with the band early on, understanding what they are inspired by. Finding out what the artist really loves. It helps find the blueprint for their own journey".

Steve's broad taste in music is reflected in the range of artists that he has worked with over the years.What struck me the most about the man before me was his incredible humility and eloquence. His passion for music and love of teaching others was clear. 

He talked about meeting and working with the legend that is Stevie Wonder. This is a man who is a master of his craft, who has gained the respect of those that he works with. Having worked with Misteeq, China Crisis, Ziggy Marley and Deniece Williams, it is little surprise that he has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. Awards including BPI producer of the year,a SONY radio award, a Grammy and a Brit award adorn his mantelpiece. When asked to identify his favourite, it was without deliberation that he ranked his "Through the keyhole" key awarded by the late Sir David Frost as number one.

Steve sits on the Board of UK music and feels that there is a definite void in terms of apprenticeships offered for sound engineers. As well as being Director of PRS for music and chairman of the Music producer's Guild, he is also a LIPA companion.

I was in awe of this man and it was surreal to be a fly on the wall - to observe this interview. Dev asked all the right questions and the interview flowed brilliantly. Steve now lives in Liverpool because he loves the city and feels that it is home to a wealth of talent. The city is honoured to welcome him and we look forward to hearing his latest offerings.

Steve Levine and me