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  1. News

Gallery: Michael Kiwanuka in the studio

By Matthew Parker
published 3 October 2011

Michael playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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)
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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...
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
With Schizodelic Sound (DJ side project of The Bees) sticker
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
A vintage British unit that you'll hear on many '50s and '60s recordings, and find in good studios!
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
Also found in all good studios
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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's another member of The Bees' crew that lent a hand
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
This is Luccombe Down, near Ventnor, Isle Of Wight - in case you want to go on holiday there
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
In an abandoned bunker near Ventnor
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
A Martin D-18VS in sunburst - a rare beast indeed!
(Image credit: Sam Seager)

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
Social Links Navigation

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.

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