Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt S5E5: Trevor Horn 2 (Rockonteurs Live)
Nov 12, 2023
Trevor Horn, an award-winning artist and producer, shares his journey from Buggles to collaborating with legends like Seal and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. He reflects on his creative process and the evolution of iconic hits like 'Owner of a Lonely Heart.' Listeners are treated to humorous stories from recording in Africa amidst apartheid, highlighting the power of music to forge connections. Trevor also discusses his upcoming album, featuring fresh takes from notable artists, showcasing the continual evolution of his legendary sound.
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Sequencers Changed Pop Production
- Early sequencers were primitive but by 1982 CV/gate sequencing let Trevor lock synths tightly to drums, offering a better lock than early MIDI.
- That technological shift enabled the precise, electronic pop textures he built through the 1980s.
Origin Of The Buggles' Tech Pop
- Trevor Horn described making The Buggles' songs about technology because he was bored of love songs and inspired by Joe Meek's minor chords and dramatic parts.
- He recounted how Video Killed the Radio Star demo ownership issues involved Tina Charles financing sessions and complicated rights, teaching him to copy good demos exactly.
How The Buggles Lineup Formed
- Trevor recalled the trio with Bruce Woolley and Geoff Downes and how Bruce left to sign with CBS, prompting Trevor and Geoff to form The Buggles and record Video Killed the Radio Star.
- He explained the radio-speaker vocal effect idea came from Geoff and felt transformative for their sound.