Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kerry Crafton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kerry, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The first project I did as an producer/engineer that got me “noticed” was “Scratch Acid” by Scratch Acid. They were a “Noise Punk” band that I recorded in mid 80’s
That record did not sell a lot, but was very influential in Indy and Underground circles. It led to projects working for Island records, Capitol Records, Metal Blade, Triple X and more.
That album was also #8 on Kurt Cobain’s top 50 favorite albums list found in his journal. It also led to working with Steve Albini on the Rapeman record “2 Nuns And A Packmule” where I was the last “outside” engineer to work with Steve.
So, meaningful, in that, it lead to much of everything I did after that and I still get great fan feedback on that one!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the Studio Business after hearing Queen 1 and 2. I wanted to know how you make guitars sound like cellos, violins, horns, etc. I went to The University of Texas and received a B.S. degree in Radio, Tv, And Film.
While attending UT I was bringing bands from the nearby punk club RAUL’S and taking them into the school’s little basement studio and learning my craft.
To be honest, most of what I learned during that period was self-taught, mostly by trial and error.
Soon after graduating, I began working at EARTH AND SKY STUDIO in Austin Texas.
I continued growing in my craft and learning and soon began to be noticed in the music industry.
In 1988 I moved to Dallas where the music industry possibilities were better. Dallas has been my home for 35 years and has been very kind to me!
What a producer/engineer does is to oversee the entire recording process in the studio. He makes sure the sound, the arrangement, the performance and the final mix are all working to support and enhance the recording.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Making art from the movement of air molecules! Having people listen to and enjoy your work.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 1987 I owned a studio in Austin, Texas, my hometown. I realized that there were better opportunities to work with major labels in Dallas. At that time, the Dallas music scene was the center of interest for several record labels. Austin was not getting those opportunities.
I closed my studio, moved to Dallas, funded by a project for Capitol Records, and never looked back. I would never have gotten many of the great opportunities I have enjoyed If I has not been willing to move and start over. Dallas has always embraced me. Glad I did it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kerrycrafton.com
• Facebook: Kerry Crafton
• Youtube: Kerry Crafton

Image Credits

Photos by Kerry Crafton