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about martin levan |
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Martin Levan’s decades-long career has included sound design for some of the world’s most beloved musicals as well as the production and engineering of albums from an improbable range of genres. But there is a philosophy and a commitment – in effect, a pledge – that he has brought to such disparate projects as the sound design for Phantom of the Opera and Cats, the engineering of the first Iron Maiden album and the production of John Martyn’s seminal masterwork Grace and Danger.
"Martin Levan worked unbelievably hard on that album. The way he put things together must mystify John, because the next album John did - which was with Phil Collins - didn’t have anywhere near the magic of Grace and Danger. Martin Levan is one of the great unacknowledged producers, one of the kindest, most patient guys you could ever meet, and he needed to be when working with John." |
Martin has always understood the power of a great performance to move an audience and throughout his career, he has remained committed to ensuring that the technology used in the theatre or the recording studio is at the service of the musicians and actors. He is dedicated to enhancing the unique relationship that outstanding performers and their listeners share.
As a result of Martin’s understanding of the almost-mystical power of a performance, the artists he records exceed their own expectations and invariably comment of his ability to capture the emotion and “the life” of the music they brought into the studio.
As a result of Martin’s understanding of the almost-mystical power of a performance, the artists he records exceed their own expectations and invariably comment of his ability to capture the emotion and “the life” of the music they brought into the studio.
" Everything about Red Kite Studio - the atmosphere, the equipment, the situation and, above all, Martin Levan himself - encourages you to give more than your best. Inspirational." |
In the course of his career as a theatrical sound designer, Martin re-defined the potential of live sound and contributed innovations that are still part of most major musical productions today. He also produced some of the most successful original cast soundtrack albums of all time, including the Grammy-winning Cats and the Grammy-nominated Kiss of the Spider Woman.
"My first experience as an audience member of computer consoles and radio-mikes on delay was on the Hal Prince production of Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1991). The sound design by Martin Levan was the best I had ever heard in a theatre." |
After more than 40 years in the industry, Martin still enjoys creative collaborations. He is particularly passionate about working with artists who are prepared to develop ideas collectively. He understands implicitly that while advancements in technology have made the ability to record completely accessible to practically everyone, it is the human touch – and the communication between artist and producer – that will ultimately let a creation stand out from an overcrowded sonic landscape.
Martin Levan still lives for those sublime, special moments when the artist listens to a playback in the studio and smiles, knowing that they have – in a small way – made the world a better place.
Martin Levan still lives for those sublime, special moments when the artist listens to a playback in the studio and smiles, knowing that they have – in a small way – made the world a better place.