Steve Albini poses for a portrait in his studio Thursday, July 24, 2014 in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Steve Albini, an emblematic figure of indie rock renowned for his roles as both a producer and performer, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, due to a heart attack, confirmed by staff at his recording haven, Electrical Audio, to Pitchfork. Beyond his fronting duties in underground rock staples like Shellac and Big Black, Albini was revered within the recording sphere, though he favoured the title of “engineer” over “producer.” He etched his mark on seminal albums such as Nirvana’s In Utero, Pixies’ Surfer Rosa, PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me, and an array of other timeless records. Throughout his career, he steadfastly remained a vocal opponent of exploitative practices in the music industry, carrying his advocacy until his final days.