Grammy-Winning Engineer: Bill Schnee (Steely Dan, Ringo, Dire Straits)

Bill Schnee750

Bill Schnee is a musician, music, producer, and audio engineer. He started playing music with he was very young, beginning with training in trumpet, saxophone, and piano In his senior year of high school, Schnee started a band called The LA Teens. After graduating, The LA Teens were signed to Decca Records. The band was ultimately dropped when their singles had little success, but Schnee continued to work on music.

He attended California State Polytechnic Institute, while learning his craft, and even when on to start law school at Loyola University. He took a leave of absence his second semester to continue playing and recording music. During that time, he was hired to work in Richie Polodor’s studio to recording two tracks and some overdubs for Thee Dog Night, and that was his big break.

In 1981, he opened Schnee Studio in North Hollywood. He and his fellow engineers built all of the equipment for the studio, including the discrete recording console and custom tube microphone preamps.

Schnee has worked with some truly legendary artists over the course of his career including Steely Dan, Chicago, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Dire Straits, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and so many more! He has been nominated for a Grammy for the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical 11 times, and has won twice. He has also received over 135 gold and platinum records and has recorded/mixed over 50 Top 20 singles!

Bill Schnee is an incredibly talented producer and engineer and it was so great to talk with him and hear about the amazing albums he has worked on!

Watch the video below to learn more about Bill Schnee!

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