Neal Avron
Encyclopedia
Neal Avron is an American musician
, record producer
, mixer
, and audio engineer. Working predominately in rock music
, Avron began working on records in 1993 and achieved his production breakthrough when he co-produced Everclear
's 1997 album So Much For The Afterglow
. Avron went on to produce/mix a string of successful albums from the likes of New Found Glory
, Fall Out Boy
, Yellowcard, Weezer
, and Anberlin
.
Avron created headlines in 2010 when he mixed and/or produced each debuting number one album on the Billboard 200
for three consecutive weeks; Disturbed's Asylum
, Sara Bareilles
' Kaleidoscope Heart
, and Linkin Park
's A Thousand Suns
. Avron later received recognition for his production work by receiving a Grammy Award
nomination for Sara Bareilles' singe "King of Anything
under the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category.
Avron is noted for having particular recording techniques, believing that pre-production
is essential before entering a recording studio
. When recording, he prefers to lay down the rhythm section
first (drums and rhythm guitar), as opposed to the conventional method of bass guitar and drums. Avron has noted, "Over the years I've had issues with recording bass first, especially when someone is hitting the strings really hard. For me it's difficult to tell whether the bass is in tune, because the fundamental is so low. When laying the rhythm guitars down first, it's much easier to tell whether the bass is out of tune or not. It also means that the bass has a place to fit."
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, mixer
Audio mixing (recorded music)
In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
, and audio engineer. Working predominately in rock music
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, Avron began working on records in 1993 and achieved his production breakthrough when he co-produced Everclear
Everclear (band)
Everclear is a rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1992 best known for their radio hits spanning more than a decade. For most of its existence, Everclear has consisted of Art Alexakis , Craig Montoya , and Greg Eklund . Eklund replaced original drummer Scott Cuthbert in 1994...
's 1997 album So Much For The Afterglow
So Much for the Afterglow
-Personnel:* Art Alexakis - Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Guitar , Keyboards, Vocals, Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements, Cover Art Concept, Cover Design, Toy Piano...
. Avron went on to produce/mix a string of successful albums from the likes of New Found Glory
New Found Glory
New Found Glory is an American rock band from Coral Springs, Florida. Formed in the summer of 1997, founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Marino...
, Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is an American rock band from Wilmette, Illinois, formed in 2001. The band consists of vocalist, guitarist and composer Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. The band released five studio albums from 2003–2008...
, Yellowcard, Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
, and Anberlin
Anberlin
Anberlin is an American rock band formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since the beginning of 2007, the band has consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.Members of Anberlin originally formed...
.
Avron created headlines in 2010 when he mixed and/or produced each debuting number one album on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
for three consecutive weeks; Disturbed's Asylum
Asylum (Disturbed album)
Asylum is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Disturbed. Taking inspiration from aspects of lead singer David Draiman's life, Asylum is meant to take a fresh direction in the band's music career, while remaining consistent with the band's previous albums. The album was released on...
, Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles
Sara Beth Bareilles is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She achieved mainstream success in 2007 with the hit single "Love Song", which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She has sold over 1 million records in the United States alone and has been...
' Kaleidoscope Heart
Kaleidoscope Heart
Kaleidoscope Heart received a 67% on Metacritic, resulting from generally favorable reviews. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic rated the album with 4 stars out of 5 and has claimed positively that "Despite lushly detailed arrangements, Bareilles never pushes this distinctly commercial gift too...
, and Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
's A Thousand Suns
A Thousand Suns
A Thousand Suns is the fourth studio album by American rock band Linkin Park. It was first released on September 14, 2010. The album was written by the band and co-produced by Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin, who previously worked together to produce Minutes to Midnight...
. Avron later received recognition for his production work by receiving a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
nomination for Sara Bareilles' singe "King of Anything
King of Anything
"King of Anything" is a song written and recorded by the American singer Sara Bareilles. The song was produced by Neal Avron. It was the first single of her album Kaleidoscope Heart. The song was nominated at the 53rd Grammy Awards for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, though it ultimately lost to...
under the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category.
Avron is noted for having particular recording techniques, believing that pre-production
Pre-production
Pre-production or In Production is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a film, play, or other performance.- In film :...
is essential before entering a recording studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
. When recording, he prefers to lay down the rhythm section
Rhythm section
A rhythm section is a collection of musicians who make up a section of instruments which provides the accompaniment section of the music, giving the music its rhythmic texture and pulse, also serving as a rhythmic reference for the rest of the band...
first (drums and rhythm guitar), as opposed to the conventional method of bass guitar and drums. Avron has noted, "Over the years I've had issues with recording bass first, especially when someone is hitting the strings really hard. For me it's difficult to tell whether the bass is in tune, because the fundamental is so low. When laying the rhythm guitars down first, it's much easier to tell whether the bass is out of tune or not. It also means that the bass has a place to fit."
Discography
Selected discography (producer/mixing/engineering).- 1997 - So Much For The AfterglowSo Much for the Afterglow-Personnel:* Art Alexakis - Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Guitar , Keyboards, Vocals, Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements, Cover Art Concept, Cover Design, Toy Piano...
by EverclearEverclear (band)Everclear is a rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1992 best known for their radio hits spanning more than a decade. For most of its existence, Everclear has consisted of Art Alexakis , Craig Montoya , and Greg Eklund . Eklund replaced original drummer Scott Cuthbert in 1994... - 2000 - Songs from an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to SmileSongs from an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to SmileSongs from an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile is an album by Everclear, released on July 11, 2000. The album is a loose concept album based around lead singer Art Alexakis' second divorce...
by Everclear - 2000 - New Found GloryNew Found Glory (album)New Found Glory is the eponymously-titled second studio album by the American rock band of the same name. It was produced and mixed by Neal Avron and released on September 26, 2000 through Drive-Thru Records...
by New Found GloryNew Found GloryNew Found Glory is an American rock band from Coral Springs, Florida. Formed in the summer of 1997, founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Marino... - 2001 - TransmaticTransmaticTransmatic was an American rock band from Indianapolis, Indiana. They released one EP with Loudenergy.com and full length album on Immortal Records/Virgin Records/EMI which spawned a minor hit single with 2002's "Come" before breaking up.-History:...
by TransmaticTransmaticTransmatic was an American rock band from Indianapolis, Indiana. They released one EP with Loudenergy.com and full length album on Immortal Records/Virgin Records/EMI which spawned a minor hit single with 2002's "Come" before breaking up.-History:... - 2002 - Back to the InnocenceBack to the Innocence (Seven and the Sun album)-Track listing:...
by Seven and the SunSeven and the SunSeven and the Sun was an American band best known for their 2002 single "Walk with Me". Their song was used in the TV soap opera Passions. It received moderate air play on American radio, reaching number 38 on the Billboard Adult Top 40, number 27 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and number 40... - 2002 - Sticks and StonesSticks and Stones (New Found Glory album)Sticks and Stones is the third studio album and major label debut by American rock band New Found Glory. As with its predesossor, their eponymously-titled second album, it was again produced by Neal Avron and was released on June 11, 2002 through MCA Records...
by New Found Glory - 2002 - Headspace by Pulse UltraPulse Ultra-History:Pulse Ultra was initially formed as Head Space in 1997 by guitarist Dominic Cifarelli and bassist Jeff Feldman. Drummer Maxx Zinno was added that same year, followed by vocalist Zo Vizza two years later....
- 2002 - TomorrowTomorrow (SR-71 album)Tomorrow is the second album by rock band SR-71 featuring the Top 30 hit "Tomorrow". It was the first to feature John Allen on drums, since Dan Garvin left after Now You See Inside. "My World" would later be re-recorded by Bo Bice for his debut album The Real Thing, in which frontman Mitch Allan...
by SR-71 - 2003 - Ocean AvenueOcean AvenueOcean Avenue is the fourth studio album by the American pop punk band Yellowcard. It was produced by Neal Avron, and was released on July 22, 2003 through Capitol Records. The album is the major-label debut for the band...
by Yellowcard - 2003 - Die TryingDie Trying (album)Die Trying is the eponymous and sole studio album by hard rock band Die Trying. It was released through Island Records on June 10, 2003....
by Die Trying - 2004 - CatalystCatalyst (album)Catalyst is the fourth studio album by American rock band New Found Glory. It was produced by Neal Avron and released on May 18, 2004 through Geffen Records. The album includes an enhanced CD portion with a making of the music video for the inaugural single "All Downhill from Here"...
by New Found Glory - 2004 - Nothing new since Rock 'n' RollNothing new since Rock 'n' RollNothing New Since Rock 'n' Roll is the first full-length album by UK pop punk band The Fight. It was released in 2004.-Track listing:#"Can't be bothered" - 2:46#"Karaoke star" - 3:09...
by The Fight - 2005 - From Under the Cork TreeFrom Under the Cork TreeFrom Under the Cork Tree is the third studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy. It was released on May 3, 2005, through Island Records as the band's major label debut...
by Fall Out BoyFall Out BoyFall Out Boy is an American rock band from Wilmette, Illinois, formed in 2001. The band consists of vocalist, guitarist and composer Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. The band released five studio albums from 2003–2008... - 2005 - Make Believe by WeezerWeezerWeezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
- 2006 - Lights and SoundsLights and SoundsLights and Sounds is the fifth studio album by American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on January 24, 2006 in the United States through Capitol Records. Lights and Sounds is Yellowcard's first concept album, which was inspired to reflect what the band was feeling at the time of production and...
by Yellowcard - 2007 - Minutes to Midnight by Linkin ParkLinkin ParkLinkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
- 2007 - Empty WallsEmpty Walls"Empty Walls" is a song by musician Serj Tankian. The song was released as the first official single and first track off of Tankian's debut solo album Elect the Dead. The song has been described as a "traditionally pummeling rocker"....
by Serj TankianSerj TankianSerj Tankian is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer–songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, playwright, record producer, poet, and political activist... - 2007 - Infinity on HighInfinity on HighInfinity on High is the fourth studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy, released on February 5, 2007 by Island Records as the follow-up to the band's commercially successful 2005 album From Under the Cork Tree. Pre-production began in the group's hometown of Chicago, where writing and...
by Fall Out Boy - 2007 - Luna HaloLuna halo (album)Luna Halo is the self titled release from Luna Halo on October 30th, 2007 on American Recordings.-Track listing:# Kings & Queens# Untouchable# Medicate# I'm Alright# On My Way# On Your Side# The Fool# Big Escape# Falling Down# English Boys...
by Luna HaloLuna HaloLuna Halo is a rock band formed in 1999 by Nathan Barlowe and Jonny MacIntosh, as a replacement for their former band, Reality Check, which was well-known for its hip-hop and rock blend, its dancers, and its trumpet player.-History:... - 2007 - Paper WallsPaper WallsPaper Walls is the third major-label album from American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on July 17, 2007, but their fourth full-length studio album with Ryan Key and sixth including those recorded before him. This is also the first Yellowcard album with Ryan Mendez, the last with Peter Mosely,...
by Yellowcard - 2008 - Folie à DeuxFolie à DeuxFolie à Deux is the fifth studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy. Produced by Neal Avron, the album was recorded from July to September 2008 at The Pass Studios and The Casita in Hollywood, California...
by Fall Out Boy - 2008 - New SurrenderNew SurrenderThe actual recording and production took place at multiple studios in Hollywood, California, under Avron throughout March and early April 2008. The first recording took place at Swing House Recordings in West Hollywood, followed by NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, where they completed at...
by AnberlinAnberlinAnberlin is an American rock band formed in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since the beginning of 2007, the band has consisted of lead vocalist Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.Members of Anberlin originally formed... - 2008 - IndestructibleIndestructible (Disturbed album)Indestructible is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Disturbed. A self-produced effort, Indestructible is the first Disturbed album that did not feature Johnny K, the producer of Disturbed's previous three albums, The Sickness, Believe, and Ten Thousand Fists. Indestructible was...
by Disturbed - 2009 - ArtworkArtwork (album)Artwork is the fourth studio album by American rock band The Used, released through Reprise in the United States and the UK on August 31, 2009.-Writing and recording:...
by The UsedThe UsedThe Used is an American rock band from Orem, Utah. The band was founded in 2001 and signed to Reprise Records the same year. They rose to fame in June 2002 after releasing their self-titled debut album. They followed up with their second album, In Love and Death, in September 2004 and their third... - 2010 - AsylymAsylum (Disturbed album)Asylum is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Disturbed. Taking inspiration from aspects of lead singer David Draiman's life, Asylum is meant to take a fresh direction in the band's music career, while remaining consistent with the band's previous albums. The album was released on...
by Disturbed - 2010 - A Thousand SunsA Thousand SunsA Thousand Suns is the fourth studio album by American rock band Linkin Park. It was first released on September 14, 2010. The album was written by the band and co-produced by Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin, who previously worked together to produce Minutes to Midnight...
by Linkin Park - 2010 - Kaleidoscope HeartKaleidoscope HeartKaleidoscope Heart received a 67% on Metacritic, resulting from generally favorable reviews. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic rated the album with 4 stars out of 5 and has claimed positively that "Despite lushly detailed arrangements, Bareilles never pushes this distinctly commercial gift too...
by Sara BareillesSara BareillesSara Beth Bareilles is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She achieved mainstream success in 2007 with the hit single "Love Song", which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She has sold over 1 million records in the United States alone and has been... - 2011 - When You're Through Thinking, Say YesWhen You're Through Thinking, Say YesWhen You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is the seventh studio album released by American rock band Yellowcard on March 22, 2011 under Hopeless Records. The album has received strong critical acclaim...
by Yellowcard - 2011 - Vice VersesVice VersesVice Verses is the eighth studio album by American alternative rock band Switchfoot. It was released on September 27, 2011. "Dark Horses" was the first single released from the album, with a July 20 radio date and August 2 digital release. Vice Verses debuted on the US Billboard 200 at No...
by SwitchfootSwitchfootSwitchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream... - 2011 - RadiosurgeryRadiosurgery (album)Radiosurgery is the seventh studio album by American rock band New Found Glory and was released on October 4, 2011 through independent label Epitaph Records. To follow up Not Without a Fight , the band began writing new material during their stint on the 2010 Honda Civic Tour...
by New Found Glory