staff profile
Mark Rankin
Mark's rapidly-rising profile as an engineer has seen him clock up many credits already in 2007, including some of the most hotly-tipped artists of present such as Kate Nash and Foals. This is of course on top of a hugely eclectic CV which is highlighted by the likes of Groove Armada, London Elektricity, Futureheads, Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid and Acoustic Ladyland. Lots to discuss then, one would think. Mark Rankin talks to MILC...
A) The facts:
MILC: What do you do here at Miloco?
Mark: Engineer / night security guard
MILC: How long have you been at Miloco?
Mark: Nine months now.
MILC: Please name a few of the projects/artists you've been involved with at Miloco.
Mark: Kate Nash, The Rank Deluxe, Nick Harrison, Groove Armada, The Underground Heroes, Friendly Fires.
MILC: ...and of which are you most proud?
Mark: Probably The Rank Deluxe as it's my first production effort.
MILC: Which producer/engineer would you most like to work with?
Mark: Rick Rubin - man got beard
MILC: What do you think Miloco can offer over other studios?
Mark: I think that they tread the line well between the service of an independent studio with the facilities of the more major studio.
Also...
MILC: Staff knob of the month. Of all the switches, buttons, effects and tools at your disposal during recent Miloco sessions, which single one has given you most satisfaction?
Mark: The switch on the kettle... mmm
MILC: If your current clients were a sandwich, what would they be?
Mark: Toasted ham and cheese - in that they'll be around for a long time.
Favourite music section:
MILC: What was your favourite album when you were:
a) 5-12 yrs old?
I have to break this down a bit because 5-8 was Chas & Dave's 'Don't Give a Monkeys' (on the B-side of one of the singles was 'Give It Some Stick' which at the time I thought was a bad-ass drum workout), but 9yrs onward was all about Streetsounds Electro.
b) 13-16?
Hip Hop and House mix-tapes
c) 17-25?
Beastie Boys - 'Ill Communication
MILC: If you could have been involved in the recording of any one album, which one would it have been?
Mark: OK Computer - a work of genius
MILC: What is your favourite album cover and why?
Mark: Chas & Dave - 'Don't Give a Monkeys' because it reminds me of being 5-8yrs old
MILC: Which other producer/engineer's work has influenced you most over the last 12 months?
Mark: That would be Paul Epworth - man got skills
Silly questions:
MILC: What's the last film you saw at the cinema (was it any good)?
Mark: It was Apocalypto... quite gory, but quite good, sugartits.
MILC: What's your favourite kitchen utensil and why?
Mark: The Spatula - perfect name for an object, SPA-TU-LA.
MILC: What's the last book you read/ what are you reading now?
Mark: Phillip K Dick - The Man In The High Tower. It's a good book, but it's written in Japanese English so you start thinking like that, it becomes hard to stop.
MILC: When was the last time you lost your temper with someone and what did they do?
Mark: It was probably a driving related incident
MILC: What's your biggest regret so far this year?
Mark: Buying lasagne for lunch from Presto 24 sheets
MILC: Any ideas for what your tombstone might read?
Mark: See me in me pants and ting...
All-comers title fight:
MILC: Who would win a fight between... Tom Selleck and David Hasselhoff? (and why?)
Mark: David Hasselhoff - (he has KITT)
Final music section:
MILC: Which is the best gig you've ever been to?
Mark: Probably Glastonbury '94
MILC: What's the worst behaviour you've ever witnessed in a studio?
Mark: I haven't seen much beyond the normal 'bad' behaviour that goes on... I did get a milky tea once.
MILC: What's the longest studio time you've ever spent on an, ultimately pointless, task?
Mark: I had to fill out this questionnaire once when I should've been working...
The end bit:
Thank you very much for submitting yourself to the Miloco Magazine inquisition; your time, effort and patience is much appreciated.
Mark Rankin was talking to MILC in May 2007
Mark's CV can be viewed here: Mark Rankin
© MILC@Miloco 2007