Multiple Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Spike Stent visited UWL recently to discuss the future of mixing with London College of Music (LCM) staff and students and meet recipients of his scholarship established five years ago to support emerging mixing talent.
Over his forty-year career in the music industry Spike has mixed iconic albums including Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines”, Björk’s “Post”, and worked with artists including Madonna, U2, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Oasis, Frank Ocean, and Harry Styles. He is known for innovative mixing techniques and bridging analogue craftsmanship with digital workflows.
His visit included a vibrant panel discussion with Course Leader for BA (Hons) Recording, Mixing and Production and MA Record Production Dr Dan Pratt and Senior Lecturer in Music Technology Paul Borg. They took questions from students on the future of mixing and adapting to AI-assisted workflows and their discussion emphasised artistic creativity as AI tools handle the technical and organisational aspects of mix preparation.
They talked about their experiences with AI as a tool from different perspectives: Paul took the lens of a publisher working with library music, Spike discussed designing an AI plugin to represent his workflows, and Dan Pratt talked about using AI to enhance complexity in large-scale projects.
Spike then met some of his scholarship recipients from the past five years in the University’s Vestry Hall recording studio. They were able to express their gratitude for his support, and he listened to their work.
Spike Stent said:
“What a great day. I really enjoyed the Q&A and sharing thoughts, experiences and approaches. I was so impressed with the facilities at UWL – I would have been inspired to learn there. What a fantastic place with outstanding lecturers. The highlight was listening to the students’ work and how incredible it was.”
Student Matthew Jerry Kalapura commented:
“I can’t believe I am in the room with the greatest mixing engineer ever. He has been my idol for such a long time, it was surreal to see him in person. To have him listen to my music and compliment my work is mind blowing.”
Head of Development Joe Whitehouse said:
“It was a real pleasure to introduce Spike to some of the many students he’s supported over five years of the Spike Stent Scholarship. Continued support like his allows us to help generations of students reach their full potential, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
