Bryce Goggin: A Master of Exuberance and Precision

Bryce Goggin is a name that may not be widely recognized, but his work speaks for itself. With a career spanning seminal albums for Pavement, Spacehog, Evan Dando, Elliott Sharp, The Lemonheads, Kim Deal’s Amps, The Apples in Stereo, Swans, Nada Surf, Trey Anastasio and his stadium stalwarts, Phish, Goggin has managed to create some of the most iconic and enduring recordings of the past few decades.

A Dream Studio and a Dream Career

Goggin’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after producers in the industry began when he built his dream studio, Higher Power Recording, in upstate New York in a decommissioned church. He then returned to Brooklyn, where he is now based, and has been working with a wide range of artists ever since. In a conversation with us, Goggin spoke about his approach to recording, his influences, and his experiences working with some of the most innovative and exciting bands of the past few years.

A Early Start and Influences

Goggin’s interest in recording began when he was a student at SUNY Fredonia, where he enrolled in the Sound Recording Technology program. It was during this time that he was exposed to some of the world’s top engineers and producers, including Dave Fridmann and Dave Moulton. Goggin’s influences include Ferla and Head, who he admires for their simplistic approach to recording, as well as Steve Lillywhite and Daniel Lanois, who he respects for their early disregard for convention.

First Break and Early Success

Goggin’s first break came when he was working on a project called Hex, which he was recording in a small studio in Brooklyn. The project caught the attention of Janet Billig, who was managing Nirvana, The Lemonheads, and other notable bands at the time. Billig sent Evan Dando down to Goggin’s studio to record some B-sides, and the two ended up working together on Pavement’s Crooked Rain.

• Goggin’s early success with Pavement was largely due to his ability to capture the band’s unique energy and sound.
• The band’s use of unconventional recording techniques, such as using a large diaphragm condenser microphone on the kick drum, added to the album’s distinctive sound.
• Goggin’s approach to mixing was characterized by his willingness to experiment and try new things, which helped to create a distinctive sound that set Pavement apart from other bands of the time.

A Collaborative Approach

Goggin’s approach to recording is often described as collaborative, and he has worked with a wide range of artists over the years. He has said that he likes to work with artists who have a similar aesthetic to his own, and who are willing to experiment and try new things. With Pavement, Goggin worked closely with the band’s lead singer, Stephen Malkmus, to create a sound that was both unique and timeless.

Phish and Trey Anastasio

One of Goggin’s most notable collaborations was with Phish, the legendary jam band. Goggin worked with Phish on several occasions, including on their 1998 album Farmhouse, and on their 2002 album Round Room. Goggin has said that he was drawn to Phish’s music because of its energy and spontaneity, and he was impressed by the band’s ability to create a unique sound that was both live and studio-ready.

A Unique Approach to Recording

Goggin’s approach to recording is characterized by his emphasis on capturing the live performance, rather than trying to create a polished studio sound. He uses a combination of live stage mics and studio microphones to create a unique sound that is both intimate and expansive. Goggin has said that he likes to work with artists who are comfortable with the recording process, and who are willing to experiment and try new things.

Favorite Techniques and Microphones

Goggin has said that he likes to rotate his microphones and techniques, in order to keep things fresh and exciting. He has a favorite microphone, the Lomo 19A19, which he uses for many of his recordings. He also likes to use a ribbon microphone, such as the Coles 4038, to add depth and texture to his recordings.

Conclusion

Bryce Goggin is a true recording genius, with a career spanning some of the most iconic and enduring recordings of the past few decades. His approach to recording is characterized by his emphasis on capturing the live performance, his willingness to experiment and try new things, and his emphasis on creating a unique sound that is both intimate and expansive. With a wide range of artists and projects under his belt, Goggin is a name that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

“I try to keep engineering out of it as much as possible. I have a good grasp of what the frequency responses of mics are and what the mic pres I’m using can do to it. What I’m out to do is to accurately reproduce that event.