wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Soundcheck

Friday, October 05, 2007
  • From Starmaker to Celebrity

    Music producers once were studio wizards who stayed behind the scenes. Now, producers like Kanye West and Timbaland are performers as well as hitmakers. Today, a look at the changing role of the producer in pop music. And, a conversation with producer Mark Ronson about his new solo album, "Version." Plus: the Finnish folk singer Sinikka Langeland performs live in our studio.

Hurdling the Wall of Sound

A new generation of producers is stepping out of the recording studio and into the limelight. Ann Powers, chief pop music critic of the Los Angeles Times, explains how the role of the producer is changing -- and why the new skill set recalls a different era.

Ann Powers' story on producer Mark Ronson

Mark Ronson

He helmed most of Amy Winehouse’s "Back to Black" album, including the hit "Rehab." He's worked with Lily Allen, Christina Aguilera and even Bob Dylan. Now Mark Ronson has set his sights on solo stardom with his second full-length, Version. We talk with this party DJ turned producer about his unusual cover album, which features guest spots from Winehouse, Allen and from beyond the grave, Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Mark Ronson website
Video: "Valerie" music video

Sinikka Langeland

On her new album, "Starflowers," Finnish folk singer Sinikka Langeland mixes traditional sounds -- such as the kantele, a table harp -- with Nordic jazz. Her lyrics are drawn from the poetry of a 20th-century forest wood-cutter. She performs live in our studio.

More about Sinikka Langeland

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.