About Colin
Colin Brittain is a multi-platinum American producer/engineer, known for his work with artists including Papa Roach, All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, One OK Rock, Hands Like Houses and Dashboard Confessional. His career includes several #1 charting records. Check out the Spotify playlist of some of Colin's work at the bottom of this article.
How and when did you get started?
I've been in music since I was very little, but I started recording bands when I was 14 or so. I think I was tired of band members here and there blowing off band practice for this and that - so I just made a band out of myself.
What have you been working on lately (that you can divulge)?
The two artists I'm currently working on, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say to be honest (I'm laughing at myself for that) Although I can say I'm VERY stoked and grateful to be doing it. (hint - I've worked with both projects in the recent past) Other than that I just did the new Basement and Hands Like Houses albums, both of which were super fun to make.
If you were the age that you originally started today, and you had to start again from scratch, how would you approach things?
Honestly, I would've moved to LA sooner! A big thing that I suppose most people learn eventually is to listen to what really makes you happy and do that.
What is the most important part of a song for you?
How it makes me feel when it's on at low volume. That could be any number of things (lyrics, pulse, chordal changes, melody) but the overall train of emotion that the song creates.
What is your favorite project that you've worked on?
I have far too many. I try and select the projects I work on entirely out of passion for what the artist is, so I love too many to name.
Who is an artist you would like to work with but haven’t been able to yet?
The band Camino
Are you a big plugin user? If so, name some of your favorites!
Of course! Who isn't? I love PluginFox!! Soundtoys and pretty much anything UAD is a close second :)
What is one thing that you can’t get your sound without? Hardware, software or whatever else.
My ears! And Coffee!
Who are some of your favorite producers & engineers today?
My buddy Nick Furlong who I do all of the Papa Roach albums with is currently up at the top of my list. My late great friend and mentor Kato Khandwala, Tommy English, Rick Rubin, Benny Blanco to name another few.
What advice would you give to those new to the game?
Work through the suck. If you really love it you won't have a choice cause it's what you do anyway! :)
Outside of your day job, what music have you been listening to lately?
LOVE the new Travis Scott, the band Camino, Charlie Puth, the XX, Wilson, Broods, King Princess, J Cole, ARETHA RIP!!, Grandson and of course Twenty One Pilots.
Huge thanks to Colin for taking the time to answer our questions! Check out some of his work in the Spotify playlist below, and watch the video for the new Hands Like Houses single "Monster", from their new album "Anon.", produced by Colin.
You keep keep up with Colin on social media here: Facebook and Instagram