Joe Meek

English record producer and songwriter who pioneered independent studio production and novel studio techniques. Known for producing the Tornados' "Telstar", for experimental projects such as I Hear a New World, and for running RGM Sound at 304 Holloway Road. Died in 1967.

Pioneering independent producer; founded RGM Sound and earlier Triumph Records; produced hits including "Telstar" (Tornados) and "Johnny Remember Me" (John Leyton); created experimental/space-music work I Hear a New World; amassed the "Tea Chest Tapes"; suffered legal and personal troubles and died in 1967. The Joe Meek Award for Innovation in Production was established in 2009; NME named him among top producers (2014).

A portrait of Joe Meek as an innovative, eccentric independent producer who pioneered studio techniques and produced hits such as Telstar. The reviews highlight his experimental works (notably I Hear a New World), his RGM studio at 304 Holloway Road, legal and personal troubles, and his tragic end in 1967. The coverage mixes admiration for his sonic inventions with the darkness of his life and death.

For:Fans of music production, experimental/early electronic music, 1960s pop history and musicologists.