Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Synth Week 26
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
jimmy jam
Artists Jimmy Jam on sampling, AI and his new EastWest drum machine plugin
Geoff Downes
Artists We speak to Yes, Asia and the Buggles synth legend Geoff Downes
The Blow Monkeys
Artists We dig into the Blow Monkeys’ AIDS crisis-inspired hit from 1986, with new insight from its writer
Paul Weller performs at the Hermès AW26 Men's Show after party at 24 Place de la Bourse on January 24, 2026
Singles And Albums "I thought the melody was so beautiful": So what unexpected cover has Paul Weller included on his new compilation?
Bob Marley
Artists “I wasn't prepared for what I saw that night”: How a classic song recorded live in London set Bob Marley on the path to global superstardom
jimmy douglass
Producers & Engineers "This guy pops out of a trash can – it was Ginger Baker!": Jimmy Douglass on his early days working for Atlantic Records
English rock band The La's posed in Liverpool, England in 1990. Left to right: drummer Neil Mavers, guitarist and vocalist Lee Mavers, bassist John Power and guitarist Peter Camell
Singles And Albums “It was like an acid trip that kept coming back to him”: The torturous - and ironic - story of There She Goes
flying lotus
Artists “All I hear is ‘Auto-Tune sucks’ and 'drum machines have no soul'”: Flying Lotus on the backlash against AI music
Eric Johnson takes a solo onstage with his Gibson SG
Artists Eric Johnson on the $400,000 rig he hardly played, the Dumble that got away, and his masterplan for setting his playing free
Japan
Artists We speak to Japan and Porcupine Tree synth polymath Richard Barbieri
holy holy
Artists “David didn’t seem happy about it”: Tony Visconti reveals Bowie's reaction to Holy Holy
Larry Carlton wears an orange shirt and takes a solo on a cherry burst semi-hollow live in Japan.
Artists “I was just a new guy, probably number nine on the list”: Larry Carlton on his nerve-shredding debut session with Quincy Jones – and the time he was called to play guitar on a Michael Jackson smash-hit
Apparat live
Artists Apparat tells us how he regained his creative demon to make his first album in seven years
Morrissey
Artists We speak to The Smiths’ producer Stephen Street and learn how their most beloved song came to be
Boards of Canada
Artists How Boards of Canada brewed a serene genre-blurring classic
More
  • Synth Week 2026
  • Jimmy Jam
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Chinese synths
  1. Artists

Gallery: Michael Kiwanuka in the studio

News
By Matthew Parker published 3 October 2011

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Michael playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio

Michael playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 1 of 19
Page 1 of 19
Michael playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio (again)

Michael playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio (again)

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 2 of 19
Page 2 of 19
Songbook, leads and spanner

Songbook, leads and spanner

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 3 of 19
Page 3 of 19
Michael writing chords

Michael writing chords

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 4 of 19
Page 4 of 19
Bring on the trumpets...

Bring on the trumpets...

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 5 of 19
Page 5 of 19
Michael in the studio

Michael in the studio

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions. Then check out the new video for ‘I’m Getting Ready’ to hear the man in action.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 6 of 19
Page 6 of 19
Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other inspirational scenes.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 7 of 19
Page 7 of 19
Producer Paul Butler (The Bees) at the desk

Producer Paul Butler (The Bees) at the desk

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 8 of 19
Page 8 of 19
Fender Jazz Bass

Fender Jazz Bass

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 9 of 19
Page 9 of 19
Double bass

Double bass

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 10 of 19
Page 10 of 19
Organs and keyboards

Organs and keyboards

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 11 of 19
Page 11 of 19
Vintage synths

Vintage synths

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 12 of 19
Page 12 of 19
EQ, Limiter and Tape Delay in the rack

EQ, Limiter and Tape Delay in the rack

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 13 of 19
Page 13 of 19
Watkins Copicat Tape Echo

Watkins Copicat Tape Echo

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other scenes from the sessions.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 14 of 19
Page 14 of 19
Obligatory Soul Camel

Obligatory Soul Camel

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other inspirational scenes.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 15 of 19
Page 15 of 19
Jon McMullen fine tuning

Jon McMullen fine tuning

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other inspirational scenes.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 16 of 19
Page 16 of 19
Taking a break

Taking a break

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other inspirational scenes.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 17 of 19
Page 17 of 19
Michael with his Martin acoustic

Michael with his Martin acoustic

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Click-through for images of some tasty vintage gear, candid recording shots and other inspirational scenes.

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

Page 18 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Michael's Martin close-up

Michael's Martin close-up

Michael Kiwanuka, a songwriter occupying the sunny territory between Otis Redding and Nick Drake, is interviewed in Total Guitar issue 220 (on sale 3 October to 30 October).

TG is very pleased to bring you this exclusive gallery of candid shots captured during the recording sessions of his forthcoming debut album at Paul Butler’s studio in Ventnor, Isle Of Wight.

Michael Kiwanuka 'I'm Getting Ready' video

Michael Kiwanuka 2011 UK tour dates

25 October – Yardbird Jazz Café, Birmingham
26 October – Deaf Institute, Manchester
27 October – Brel, Glasgow
29 October – Stiff Kitten, Belfast
30 October – The Grand Social, Dublin
9 November – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
10 November – Hi-Fi, Leeds
24 November– The Hope, Brighton

More Artist News posts >>

Page 19 of 19
Page 19 of 19
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

Read more
shabaka hutchings
Artists “The Koala app is amazing”: Shabaka Hutchings on his journey from jazz saxophone to iPad beatmaking
 
 
graham
Artists “It was fantastic to have Paul come in every day, and we hung out with him quite a lot as well. The studio was absolutely crammed with our gear and his”: 10cc's Graham Gouldman on working with Paul McCartney at Strawberry Studios
 
 
Blue May home studio
Artists We visit the LA house where Lily Allen made West End Girl, and explore the home studio of Blue May
 
 
Alexis Main
Artists We catch up with Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor to discuss the making of his new solo record
 
 
asg
Artists “I have a little bit of a love-hate relationship with my Prophet ’08”: Art School Girlfriend on new project Lean In
 
 
asg
Artists “I use it on absolutely everything": Art School Girlfriend on the second-hand mic that shaped the "intimate" sound of new album Lean In
 
 
Latest in Artists
Beyonce and Stevie Nicks
Artists Is Beyonce about to release a rock album with a guest appearance from Stevie Nicks?
 
 
Bob Marley
Artists “I wasn't prepared for what I saw that night”: How a classic song recorded live in London set Bob Marley on the path to global superstardom
 
 
007 First Light logo and man with gun
Djs “Get ready to turn the speakers up”: Chase And Status sign up for new James Bond video game
 
 
Blonde Ambition Tour, Madonna, Feyenoord Stadion, De Kuip, Rotterdam, Holland, 24/07/1990. She is wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier conical bra corset. (Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)
Artists “I hired all the musicians and the engineers, and pretty much made the record”: Patrick Leonard on Madonna’s Like a Prayer
 
 
Rosalía performs on stage at the LDLC Arena on March 16, 2026
Singers & Songwriters “She's redefining what songwriting can be": Rosalia to be honoured at the Ivor Novello Awards in May
 
 
Arctic Monkeys in 2005
Bands “It was a culture shock for him to see such brainless violence”: Inside the early days of the Arctic Monkeys
 
 
Latest in News
Beyonce and Stevie Nicks
Artists Is Beyonce about to release a rock album with a guest appearance from Stevie Nicks?
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Calling all live performers, we've found $300 off a full Kustom PA, $120 off a popular Yamaha mixer and $100 off one of the best column speakers in the game
 
 
007 First Light logo and man with gun
Djs “Get ready to turn the speakers up”: Chase And Status sign up for new James Bond video game
 
 
Blonde Ambition Tour, Madonna, Feyenoord Stadion, De Kuip, Rotterdam, Holland, 24/07/1990. She is wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier conical bra corset. (Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)
Artists “I hired all the musicians and the engineers, and pretty much made the record”: Patrick Leonard on Madonna’s Like a Prayer
 
 
Rosalía performs on stage at the LDLC Arena on March 16, 2026
Singers & Songwriters “She's redefining what songwriting can be": Rosalia to be honoured at the Ivor Novello Awards in May
 
 
Arctic Monkeys in 2005
Bands “It was a culture shock for him to see such brainless violence”: Inside the early days of the Arctic Monkeys
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...