A few years ago now we were planning the Print Hustlers Conference in Chicago. Tom and I were discussing the event and were trying to make a correlation between the city and someone influential to be a speaker. Tom had the idea to reach out to Steve Albini. We thought it was a long shot, but I had a friend that had worked with him and reached out to my friend. He told me to just call the studio. We called up and chatted with Steve, then sent him an email asking him to speak at our conference. He invited us up to the studio to take a tour. We spent an hour or so with him. Checking out the studio and talking about his former bands Big Black and Shellac. He was really kind to us, which surprised me. I had always thought of him as more of a gruff person. At the end of our conversation he obliged to speak at the event and was very grateful that we would want to give him a little bit of money to do so.
At the conference that year there were a mixture of people that knew who he was and people that probably didn’t know or care, but for the people that did care, it was really special. He talked about his background bootlegging t-shirts and talked about how important t-shirts are to bands. He had a soothing tone and cadence as he read off of a long script he had written for the speech. I really appreciated that he took the time to write out something unique for our group. I think it showed me his artistry and humility. He was kind and shook hands and then headed back to his studio where he probably made another great record that the world may not have realized he produced.
I am really thankful that we picked up the phone and made the call. We got to experience time with an extraordinary human, who unfortunately passed away too soon. Last month he finished the Toadies new record and in talking to my friend who manages the band, she had the same great experience with him being a really kind person. For those that had the privilege of working with him, what a gift. For those that were at the Print Hustlers Conference in Chicago, I am glad you got the experience.
Rest In Peace Steve. Thanks for bringing us so much wonderful music.