Rik Simpson: From Studio Assistant to Multi-Platinum Producer/Engineer
Rik Simpson’s journey in the music industry is a testament to his dedication to both his craft and the evolving landscape of music production. With nearly two decades of experience, Rik has navigated the dramatic shift from traditional analog to digital production methods, embracing each new technology that enhances sound quality and aligns with an artist's vision. This adaptability, combined with a strong work ethic and a natural flair for creative collaboration, has propelled him to the top of his field, working with iconic artists like Coldplay.
From Tea Boy to Trusted Producer
Rik’s career began humbly in London, where he left school early and landed a job making tea at Swanyard Studios. Balancing his role as a studio assistant with performing in bands, Rik learned the ropes from both sides of the glass, absorbing techniques from producers like Flood, John Leckie, and Alan Moulder. "I was at the cusp of two worlds," Rik reflects, "with an old-school recording background but a young enough mind to get excited by the new technologies that were emerging."
His dedication paid off as he moved up the ranks, eventually settling in as a house engineer at Eden Studios. By 1998, Rik was already embracing early digital tools, experimenting with ProTools at a time when it was still a relatively primitive 16-bit, four-track system. Despite the limitations, Rik was captivated by the potential of digital editing, marking the start of his ongoing commitment to integrating new technology into his workflow.
Working with Coldplay and Other Notable Artists
Rik’s portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive, with Coldplay standing out as a particularly meaningful collaboration. "Coldplay have a very special spot in my heart," Rik says. "Their honesty and exuberance in both their lifestyles and music are exhilarating. Their work ethic is unparalleled." Working on Coldplay’s Grammy-winning album Viva La Vida, Rik was pushed to new heights. "The record took us about 18 months and was a roller coaster," Rik admits. The experience, although intense, boosted his confidence and honed his skills under the guidance of industry legends like Markus Dravs and Brian Eno.
Beyond Coldplay, Rik has been involved with several rising bands, including The Robot Heart, The High Wire, and Some Velvet Morning. His ability to connect with artists on a personal and creative level has made him a sought-after collaborator in the music industry.
Navigating DAWs and Finding the Right Tools
Rik primarily works with Pro Tools but often integrates Logic Pro for its intuitive, creative capabilities, and recently, Ableton Live for its spontaneity and unique workflow. "My ideal setup is a Logic rig for programmed and creative parts and a Pro Tools rig for tracking," he explains. This hybrid approach allows Rik to harness the strengths of each platform, adapting his setup to the needs of each project.
Sonnox Plug-ins: Enhancing the Sound
Rik’s toolset includes a variety of Sonnox plug-ins, which he used extensively on Viva La Vida. "The Dynamics, Limiter, and EQ are standard first ports of call in many studios," he notes. The Oxford Dynamics and EQ plug-ins have become staples in his mixes, offering the precision and flexibility needed to shape the sound of each track.
The Dynamics, Limiter, and EQ are standard first ports of call in many studios
Rik also praises the SuprEsser for its versatility, particularly in taming harshness on strings and refining vocal performances.
Favorite Sonnox Plug-in: The Inflator
If Rik had to choose a favorite Sonnox plug-in, it would be the Inflator. "In these dark days of over-limiting, it’s great to find a process that does exactly the opposite. To my ear, it adds punctuation to sounds," Rik explains. He appreciates the way the Inflator enhances dynamics without crushing the life out of a track, allowing treated sounds to sit comfortably within a mix. "The Inflator is a great piece of software," Rik says, highlighting his philosophy of staying open to new tools that can improve his work.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Music Production
Rik’s success is built on a foundation of technical expertise, artistic intuition, and an openness to innovation. His journey from studio assistant to Multi-Platinum producer/engineer is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. As he continues to explore new technologies and creative techniques, Rik remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music production, always striving to enhance the artist’s vision and connect with listeners on a deeper level.