By James Rea www.theproducerschair.com
Is there anything that Michael Knox can’t do? Since Knox helped to propel Jason Aldean to Super-Stardom, he has become one of the most sought-after producers in Country Music. His body of production work also includes Trace Adkins, Thomas Rhett, Big SMO, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Luke Bryan & Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry, Bush Hawg, Rachel Farley, Randy Owen, Josh Thompson, Frankie Ballard, Danni Leigh, Hank Williams Jr., Brother Trouble, Chuck Wicks and music production on the Hit TV series NASHVILLE.
Some of Michael’s more recent accomplishments include the 2011 CMA Album of the Year “My Kinda Party” Jason Aldean, the 2012 ACM Single Record of the Year – Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay”, the 2012 ACM Vocal Event of the Year – Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay” and the 2013 ACM Vocal Event of the Year “The Only Way I Know” Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Eric Church.
Now add to that Michael’s current Grammy Nomination for Best Country Album (Jason Aldean’s NIGHT TRAIN).
Jason Aldean’s “Night Train” was Knox’s 12th No 1 single and Thomas Rhett’s latest single, “It Goes Like This,” marks Knox’s 13th No.1 on the country charts.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS: Few people in Music Row history have turned creativity into chart success quite like CMA, ACM and Grammy-winning producer Michael Knox. While an executive for Warner/Chappell Music (1992 – 2002), Knox was responsible for writer and artist development and song placements that left his stamp on more than 150 million records. Knox has proven himself to be one of Nashville’s most original business minds and one of its most successful groomers of talent. With monster hits as a songplugger by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Reba, Gary Allan, Collin Raye, Tracy Byrd, Lonestar, Clay Walker, and many others – more than 300 cuts in eight years – all reflect his pivotal role in bringing together artist and song. In 2004 Knox moved to another chapter in his career by producing Jason Aldean’s music. He has since teamed with Aldean for 11 #1 singles and gone on to work with numerous other artists as well.
1. Michael, first let me say thanks so much for taking the time to answer 10 questions. Looking at your background, there is so much to cover! But let me start by asking, what exactly is the role of a producer? Are you like a movie director? The musical conscience of the artist? The referee? What are you doing behind that ginormous mixing board anyway? Yea this is great, thanks for including me. Man, I’m more of a team builder. So I find songs and people to put around the artist that can help them achieve the goals they are after. I’ve always been good at building teams. It’s been something that is a strong part of my ammunition. Finding the right type of musicians, background singers to the right type of mixing engineer, it’s all very important to getting something unique. That allows me to step back and be a fan of what we are doing and not get caught up in the little things.
Read more →Even though it has become cliché to say it’s an honor to be nominated, Michael Knox truly is honored. He explains, “To be nominated as a producer for a Grammy is very exciting, but to have your entire record nominated makes you feel like you got it right and man, that feels awesome.”
The nomination is well deserved as the platinum selling Night Train debuted to mass critical and fan praise, selling over 409k albums in its first week. This is the fifth studio album Knox has produced for the country star and each album has brought Knox along a new musical journey. “Making an album with Aldean always takes you to a lot of different places. He is such a diverse singer and has always been a star. Every time we go into the studio, we always have a blast.”
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