Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Erasure, Wire)

Producer and mixer Gareth Jones is a pioneer in the use of digital equipment having combined digital tools with analog recording techniques and synthesizers since the 1980s. Jones produced five albums for seminal electronic group, Depeche Mode, and six albums for synth-pop superstars Erasure, as well as multiple recordings for Wire, Einsturzende Neubauten, Diamanda Galas, Interpol, The Futureheads, and Liars.

Tell us about your current studio setup.

I use Logic Pro X or Ableton Live in a hybrid mix set up in my studio which includes Thermionic Culture’s Fat Bustard and Kush Mastering Chain, along with Metric Halo interfaces, Barefoots MicroMain 27, and Audeze LCD MX-4.

Having produced and mixed so many songs over the past few years, how do you stay fresh and excited about making music these days?

I follow my heart and I listen to lots of music. I make stuff and I don’t judge it. I encourage others to do the same.

How do you typically approach the production of a song?

I’m led by the song, the artist’s vision - every decision is important. I really do go with the flow. Sometimes it is calm and sometimes it is turbulent.