At the beginning of 1997, Nigel Godrich was a relatively unknown recording engineer. He’d been looking for a band that would trust his instincts as a producer, and he’d finally gotten his chance — with the band Radiohead. By the end of 1997, Godrich was one of the most talked-about names in music.
Radiohead’s album OK Computer became the biggest critical hit of the year — of the decade, some say. It set a new course for progressive rock music, one that Nigel Godrich would continue to shift at will. Along with more groundbreaking works by Radiohead, he went on to twist the knobs for legends like Paul McCartney and Beck. Now, the super-producer is taking center stage. He’s part of a new three-piece band called Ultraísta.
The name Ultraísta gives some indication of the band’s approach and sound. It comes from the Spanish literary movement known as ultraísmo, from the early 20th century. The poets and writers who were part of it — including Jorge Luis Borges — were committed to writing spare but evocative works.
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