Madina Lake's war with their producer
Working with producer David Bendeth on new album Attics to Eden was a curse that turned out to be a blessing, say Madina Lake twins Nathan and Matt Leone.
In an interview with Rock DJ David ‘The Captain' Grant, the twins describe the experience of working with the man who's produced the likes of Killswitch Engage and Paramore.
Matt says: "It was brutal. He ended up being this hardcore drill sergeant in the studio - he just beat us up for a month and a half. It was quite miserable, actually."
Nathan adds: "He kicked us in the nut cluster, basically."
Matt continues: "It was a very tense environment - but there was something amazing about that. When you're on edge the entire time it brings on some great creative opportunities.
"So he ended up being an amazing producer, even though every day we'd hate each other and fight, then love each other and laugh - all in five minutes."
With the benefit of hindsight Nathan sees things more philosophically: "We didn't expect each other. I think he's used to working with bands who are younger, more malleable, willing to work with co-writers and have studio musicians play on their records.
"That doesn't fly in our world. We put our foot down right away, and he put his down. It was contentious right off the bat.
"But it forced everyone to be at the edge of their abilities. He had to be at the top of his game and so did we.
"On our first record maybe we got complacent, using stock parts. But this time there wasn't a single not played that wasn't scoured to make sure it was the right thing."
Watch the whole video interview
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