Richard
Digby
Smith

The Tracks That
Shaped a Career

Even after decades in the studio, Richard’s love for music hasn’t faded one bit. Richard is still behind the boards at his studio, TQ1 Music in Torquay, Devon, pouring decades of expertise into every mix, master, and production. And now, he’s sharing the stories behind it all in his memoir, One Two Three Four: The Life of a Recording Engineer. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with legends and shape the sound of generations, this is your backstage pass.

At just 19, Richard Digby-Smith left his hometown of Birmingham with little more than ambition and a passion for sound. His first stop was Island Studios in London, where he experienced working across an eclectic mix of genres. It was here, in those formative years, that he found himself behind the console with legends like Bob Marley, Free, Cat Stevens, Paul McCartney, and Led Zeppelin.

By the age of 24, Richard’s journey took him across the Atlantic to Los Angeles, where he carved out a name as a freelance engineer and producer. In the City of Angels, he collaborated with artists like Albert Lee, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, and Robert Palmer, all while maintaining close ties with Island Records through their LA office. Each session, each track, added another layer to his growing expertise.

Returning to the UK in the mid-1980s, Richard continued to leave his mark, contributing to projects for Sony, The Waterboys, and Mica Paris, and working in some of the country’s most iconic studios, including Abbey Road and Air Studios.

Recently, Richard has revisited the classics, bringing his seasoned touch to legendary works. He remixed Bad Company’s “Bad Company” and “Straight Shooter”, mixed their first live album, added depth to Gary Moore’s “How Blue Can You Get”, and curated tracks for Black Sabbath’s “Vol. 4” box set, all of which prove that his legacy and connection to music are still going strong.