The Stones, Led Zep, Bob Marley and AC/DC – Popular Music lecturer Tony Platt gives our students tips on how to be the best in the business

A record producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music history is passing on his expertise to Popular Music students at the University of Northampton.

Engineer on one of the biggest-selling albums of all time, AC/DC’s Back in Black, Tony Platt has also racked up studio time with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Motorhead, Foreigner and Iron Maiden.

Starting out in the 1960s at the world-famous Trident Studios , Tony got his big break in his late teens, when he was snapped up by Island Studios.

“In my second week into working at Island, I walked in and there were only three bands in the studio for the next two or three months, and that was The Stones, Led Zeppelin and Free – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” said Tony.

“I’ve been really lucky. I’ve worked in some of the best studios on the world with some of the very best people.”

A successful stint at Island led to a glittering four decade-spanning freelance career for Tony, who is now helping the University’s Popular Music undergraduates learn the ropes of studio recording, mixing and mastering, in his role as an Associate Lecturer.

Watch the video interview with Tony, below, where he talks about the secrets of the studio and who he wished he had worked with.

He said: “The first thing I say to the students at their first lecture with me is ‘think of yourselves as being in the music industry from this point onwards’. Being on a music course isn’t the same as perhaps doing a history course, because from the very first day you can form relationships, build your network up with other musicians and technicians.

“You can even find a band and start recording them and putting records out. I keep making the point to our students that they have access to wonderful facilities here at the University for three years, and for free.

“Use them as much as you possibly can to further your career, because when they leave here, what they should be doing is hitting the ground running. They should have a portfolio of work already in the can that they can play to people and be in a position where they are building their reputation.”

Dr Nathan Wiseman-Trowse, Associate Professor in Popular Music at the University, is delighted to have Tony amongst his teaching ranks.

He said: “The depth and breadth of experience that Tony has amassed during his career is incredible and for our students to have access to that through his teaching is an incredible opportunity.

“Tony is able to put our students at ease in the studio and encourage a creative and sophisticated approach to recording, mixing and mastering, whilst developing a real sense of professionalism in our undergraduates. His input to the course is invaluable, and our students really thrive in his classes.”