ABBA’s Benny Andersson Voyages into Immersive Mixing

 ABBA’s Benny Andersson Voyages into Immersive Mixing

Mix Staff — 

ABBA co-founder Benny Andersson upgraded his studio in Stockholm to create immersive mixes of the band’s long-awaited Voyage album.

Bernard Löhr (left) and Avid audio partner msonic’s Marcus Bergqvist inside the immersive mix studio owned by ABBA co-founder Benny Andersson.

Stockholm, Sweden (May 23, 2024)—With Dolby Atmos now a mandatory deliverable on certain platforms, ABBA co-founder Benny Andersson upgraded his studio in Stockholm to create immersive mixes of the band’s long-awaited Voyage album.

As ABBA prepared to release Voyage in 2021, Andersson learned that both Universal Music and Apple Music wanted the album to be mixed in immersive Dolby Atmos, requiring an extensive renovation of the analog studio. Andersson and his engineer, mixer Bernard Löhr, have been working in the facility, which is in a building of cultural and historical significance on the island of Skeppsholmen in Stockholm, since the 1990s.

Avid Pro Tools | S6 with 32 faders replaced the old analog mixing console, enabling both Andersson and Löhr to work on the control surface at the same time. “The Avid S6 control surface is the right size and easy to use. For example, we can access all the reverbs in a way that suits Benny,” Löhr reports.

The audio interface was upgraded to an Avid Pro Tools | MTRX Studio, which is controlled directly from the Avid S6 surface and supports Dolby Atmos monitoring as well as processing of the speaker alignment and bass management. An immersive Genelec 7.2.4 system of “The Ones” speakers with two subwoofers was also installed.

The building is owned by the Swedish state, which meant that the renovation required careful planning and execution. The renovation project was extensive; for example, the original studio was moved from downstairs to upstairs. “The studio is now much smaller than before, but way more cozy,” Löhr says.

The Synclavier synthesizer is an important part of Andersson’s compositional and creative process. It is integrated directly from the composition room downstairs into the Pro Tools system upstairs.

The renovation of the studio started in spring 2022 and continued until almost the turn of the year. The technical installation was completed at the end of 2022 and the new studio was opened in spring of 2023.

Löhr comments, “The Dolby Atmos format sounds great—not just to me, but also to Benny and our external customers. We have already been able to use Dolby Atmos successfully in a number of projects.”

https://www.mixonline.com/recording/facilities/abbas-benny-andersson-voyages-into-immersive-mixing

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WORDS BY MIXDOWN STAFF

In a building of cultural and historical significance, Benny and his engineer, mixer Bernard Löhr, have been creating musical masterpieces since the 1990s.

ABBA legend Benny Andersson is a composer and musician who needs no introduction. He has left his mark on the history of music, and also created a unique place for creativity in the heart of Stockholm – his own studio on Skeppsholmen.

Read all the latest product & music industry news here.

In recent years, the studio has undergone a thorough renovation and upgrade from an analogue studio to a Dolby Atmos room for immersive audio work.

ABBA

As ABBA prepared to release their long-awaited Voyage album in 2021, Benny Andersson faced a new and exciting challenge. Universal Music and Apple Music demanded that the album would be mixed in the immersive Dolby Atmos format. This required an extensive renovation of the entire Skeppsholmen studio.

The culturally significant studio building is owned by the Swedish state, which meant that the renovation required careful planning and execution. The renovation project was extensive – for example, the original studio was moved from downstairs to upstairs. “The studio is now much smaller than before, but way more cosy,” says Bernard Löhr.

Avid Pro Tools

Bernard has been Benny Andersson’s engineer since the early 90s. He records and mixes all of Benny’s projects. An Avid Pro Tools | S6 with 32 faders was chosen as the new control surface. This allows for a more efficient workflow and allows both Benny and Bernard to work on the surface at the same time.

“The Avid S6 control surface is the right size and easy to use. For example, we can access all the reverbs in a way that suits Benny,” says Bernard.

https://mixdownmag.com.au/news/pratley-guitars-in-stock-now-at-national-music/

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Abba legend’s Stockholm studio upgraded for a new era

By AV Magazine in Audio, Europe May 29, 2024 0

An Avid Pro Tools S6 with 32 faders has been installed at Benny Andersson’s 30-year-old analogue studio to transform it into a Dolby Atmos facility for immersive audio work.

Abba legend Benny Andersson is a composer and musician who has not just left his mark on the history of music, but has also created a place for creativity in the heart of Stockholm.

In his studio on the island of Skeppsholmen, Andersson and his sound engineer, Bernard Löhr, have been creating musical masterpieces since the 1990s.

But in 2021, as ABBA prepared to release their long-awaited Voyage album, Andersson faced a new challenge.

Universal Music and Apple Music demanded that the album was mixed in the immersive Dolby Atmos format – which would require an extensive renovation of the analogue studio.

An Avid Pro Tools S6 with 32 faders was installed as the new control surface, as it facilitates a more efficient workflow that allows Andersson and Löhr to work at the same time.

"The Avid S6 control surface is the right size and easy to use," says Löhr. "For example, we can access all the reverbs in a way that suits Benny."

The audio interface was upgraded to an Avid Pro Tools MTRX Studio, which supports Dolby Atmos monitoring, as well as allowing versatile processing of the speaker alignment and bass management.

MTRX Studio is controlled directly from the Avid S6 surface, providing a seamless workflow. To add more inputs and outputs, the MTRX Studio was extended with an Avid Pro Tools Carbon PRE audio production hybrid system.

Genelec 7.2.4 'The Ones' speakers with two subwoofers provide the audio output for the Dolby Atmos system.

To lighten the load of heavy Dolby Atmos mixes, the studio deploys an external Dolby Atmos RMU, which lightens the Pro Tools machine's processor and ensures smooth sound production.

The Synclavier synthesiser – an important facet of Andersson's compositional process – is integrated directly from the composition room downstairs into the Pro Tools system upstairs. The integration allows for a seamless transition from composing to mixing.

https://www.avinteractive.com/news/audio/abba-legends-stockholm-studio-upgraded-for-a-new-era-29-05-2024/

Kruger Cowne Speaker of the Week – ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus

 KRUGER COWNE SPEAKER OF THE WEEK – ABBA’S BJORN ULVAEUS

22nd May 2024

In an era where innovation and leadership have become the cornerstones of growth across industries, the wisdom and experience of those who have operated at the pinnacle of creative ventures are more valuable than ever. Bjorn Ulvaeus, celebrated ABBA co-founder, not only reinvented the pop music landscape but has also been a significant figure in business and innovation, leveraging technology like AI and IoT in his projects. Talented individuals seeking to hire Bjorn Ulvaeus for keynote speaking engagements would immensely benefit from his insight into creativity, innovation, and leadership, making him a highly sought-after figure among keynote speaker bureaus, talent management agencies, and motivational speaker agents.

This article delves into the profound impact Bjorn Ulvaeus has made beyond the music industry, pioneering in areas that intersect with business and technological innovation. Apart from a detailed background on Ulvaeus, readers will gain insights into his influence on business and innovation, exploring how his ventures have embraced cutting-edge technologies and thinking models. Furthermore, his role as a distinguished speaker represented by leading speaker agency UK entities, including keynote speaking agencies and public speaking agencies, will be highlighted, showcasing why booking Bjorn Ulvaeus through an agency for speakers is a pivotal step for organisations aiming to inspire and lead in the modern age.

Bjorn Ulvaeus Background

Early Life and Musical Journey

Björn Kristian Ulvaeus’s journey into music began in Gothenburg, where he was born on 25 April 1945. After moving with his family to Västervik, Kalmar County, in 1951, Ulvaeus’s musical ambitions took root. His early involvement in music saw him as a member of the Swedish folk-schlager band, Hootenanny Singers, which enjoyed significant popularity in Scandinavia. A pivotal moment came in 1966 when Ulvaeus met Benny Andersson, leading to a songwriting partnership that would define a generation.

Success with ABBA

This partnership, enriched by the talents of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, eventually evolved into ABBA. The band, with Ulvaeus as the guitar player and occasional lead vocalist, shot to international fame after their 1974 Eurovision Song Contest win with “Waterloo”. ABBA’s success story, marked by hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia,” led to over 380 million records sold worldwide, cementing their place in music history.

Post-ABBA Ventures

Following ABBA’s hiatus in 1982, Ulvaeus, alongside Andersson, ventured into musical theatre, creating notable works such as Chess and Mamma Mia! Their contributions to musical theatre have been recognised with nominations for the Drama Desk and Tony Awards, showcasing their enduring impact on the arts. Beyond the stage, Ulvaeus has also been an advocate for songwriters’ rights through his involvement with CISAC and has ventured into business, co-owning Pop House, which includes ABBA The Museum.

Bjorn Ulvaeus’s Impact on Business and Innovation

Entrepreneurial Endeavors

As the president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Björn Ulvaeus has been instrumental in developing software and systems that ensure musicians and songwriters receive the royalties they deserve.

Ulvaeus’s co-ownership of Pop House, which includes the Cirkus Theater and ABBA The Museum, showcases his business acumen. The museum not only celebrates ABBA’s legacy but also serves as a cultural hub, enhancing the local economy and tourism.

Contributions to the Music Industry

Ulvaeus has significantly influenced the music industry by advocating for the rights of creators. His leadership at CISAC has been pivotal in pushing for better compensation and recognition for songwriters and musicians.

Through his involvement with Session, a technology firm, Ulvaeus is helping to revolutionize the way music creators are credited and compensated. This initiative ensures that all contributors to a piece of music, from songwriters to instrumentalists, are fairly recognised and paid.

Involvement in AI and Technology

Ulvaeus foresees artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in music creation. He envisions AI initially serving as a creative tool, aiding in composing music by learning from existing works before potentially creating original pieces.

He has also expressed support for the EU AI Act, emphasising the importance of transparency between AI creations and human contributions to ensure fair compensation and recognition for human creators.

Bjorn Ulvaeus as a Speaker

Notable Speaking Engagements

Björn Ulvaeus is renowned for his thought-provoking keynotes and after-dinner speeches, covering a broad range of topics. His sessions have included creative collaboration, business and entrepreneurship, and the innovative use of AI and technology in music, particularly highlighted during the ABBA Voyage. Ulvaeus’s ability to engage with diverse audiences through his deep insights into technology and the music industry makes every speaking engagement a noteworthy event.

Topics Covered in His Talks

Ulvaeus’s official speaking topics are extensive and varied. They include tech innovation, inspired by his work on ABBA Voyage, leadership, entrepreneurship, and science and critical thinking. He also addresses issues such as gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the importance of maintaining a curious mind as a person ages. His talks often explore the intersection of creativity and business, providing valuable insights into pushing boundaries and effective teamwork.

Impact on Audiences

Björn Ulvaeus’s speeches resonate deeply with his audiences, imparting lessons from his successful musical career that are applicable in various business contexts. His emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the digital market, where creators often earn disproportionately less than technology platforms, inspires a call to action for fairer practices within the industry. His advocacy for rights and proper compensation for creators helps foster an environment of respect and recognition for artistic contributions.

Bjorn Ulvaeus is a Kruger Cowne Exclusive!

Book For Your Keynote Event Today

Throughout his illustrious career, Bjorn Ulvaeus has transcended the boundaries of music to make substantial contributions in the realms of business, innovation, and creative leadership. His journey from ABBA’s pop sensation to a pioneering force in advocating for creators’ rights and embracing cutting-edge technologies underscores a legacy of continuous evolution and impact. The insights and experiences Ulvaeus shares as a speaker extend far beyond the music industry, offering valuable lessons on innovation, collaboration, and the critical importance of adapting to technological advances.

Recognising the significance of such wisdom in today’s rapidly changing world, individuals and organisations looking to inspire creativity and leadership within their teams can greatly benefit from booking Bjorn Ulvaeus today at Kruger Cowne. His ability to bridge the gap between the creative and technological worlds, coupled with his commitment to fairness and innovation, provides a blueprint for success in various professional domains. As we reflect on Ulvaeus’s contributions to music, business, and technology, it’s clear that his perspectives are not just relevant, but essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern industries with grace and foresight.

FAQs

Who were the creative minds behind ABBA’s music?

The songwriting duo of Benny Andersson, who also played keyboards, and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who handled rhythm guitar duties, were pivotal in crafting ABBA’s iconic songs. Occasionally, they received help with the English lyrics, and Agnetha Fältskog, one of the group’s lead singers, contributed to the writing of one song. Their work is celebrated for producing some of the most memorable and sophisticated pop music of the 20th century.

Who primarily composed ABBA’s hits?

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were the key figures in writing and producing the majority of ABBA’s music. The group’s lead vocalists, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog, often took center stage in these songs. Additionally, ABBA’s manager, Stig Anderson, played a significant role in crafting several of the band’s lyrics.

What was Björn Ulvaeus’s career like before forming ABBA?

Before the formation of ABBA, Björn Ulvaeus was already active in the music scene as a member of the Hootenanny Singers, a highly popular folk music group in Sweden. His musical journey took a significant turn when he met Benny Andersson, who at the time was a keyboardist for The Hep Stars, Sweden’s leading pop group during the 1960s. Their meeting in June 1966 marked the beginning of a partnership that would lead to the creation of ABBA.

Who played the piano for ABBA?

Benny Andersson was the talented pianist behind ABBA, contributing significantly to the band’s unique sound with his keyboard skills.

Does Bjorn Ulvaeus do speaking events?

Bjorn Ulvaeus has been active in the public speaking space and has presented his views and talks at some of the best keynote events in the world. Hire Bjorn Ulvaeus for your next speaking event at Kruger Cowne today!

https://krugercowne.com/speaker-of-the-week-abbas-bjorn-ulvaeus