Studio Radicals Episode 2: Catherine Marks

Studio Radicals features in-depth interviews with some of music’s most innovative minds.

The series spotlights composers, producers and engineers who are building distinctive sonic worlds and bringing a fresh approach to music production. Across eight episodes, we talk to them about their process, passions and inspiration. We also explore how music is made and what it takes to create a hit record.

In Episode 2, Kate travels to West London to meet with Catherine Marks, a sought after producer and mix engineer who has worked on several top 10 albums that have garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Catherine started out studying architecture, gaining a Masters degree in the subject, before a chance meeting with a famed producer led her to pursue a career in music-making. She has since worked with some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music, from St Vincent to Foals, Alanis Morrissette, Frank Turner and Wolf Alice.

In 2024, she won her first GRAMMY for her work on The Record, the debut album from rock supergroup boygenius.

In her production work, Catherine seeks to find the emotional core of a song, and the all-important details that can elevate a track, whether it’s an unexpected sound or an infectious melody.

As a producer, she helps artists to develop their ideas and craft sounds that channel their unique vision, guiding albums from concept to completion. She strives to create a playful environment in the studio – evident in the rows of polaroids, hand written notes and neon signs that surround her mixing desk.

Speaking with Kate from her space in Eastcote Studios, Catherine discussed the parallels between designing spaces and sculpting sounds, bringing humour and lightness to the creative process, and subverting expectations with surprising sonic elements and unusual pairings.

Listen to the episode in full below or via your preferred podcast platform.