Bernard Butler is a rare commodity. He is one of those names that almost every music fan seems to know, but many can’t quite put their finger on. Although perhaps best known as an artist in the aforementioned Suede, McAlmont and Butler and more recently The Tears, Bernard has also been steadily building a reputation as a sought after writer and producer in recent years. He most notably co-write and produced on Duffy’s debut album, Rockferry, and he is continues to work with her.
He has also produced the debut albums by Cajun Dance Party, Cut Off Your Hands, Florida’s very own Black Kids, as well as co-producing and co-writing on Tricky’s new album Knowle West Boy. Additionally, he produced the album The Gift by the Scottish group Sons & Daughters and he has co-written and produced some tracks on Sharleen Spiteri’s solo record.
In between his own projects he has played on and produced records by, Sparks, Edwyn Collins, Aimee Mann, Neneh Cherry, Tim Booth (formerly of James), the Manic Street Preachers, Eddi Reader, Hopper, Roy Orbison, Bert Jansch, The Libertines, Heather Nova, The Veils, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Cribs, Pretenders, The On-Off’s, 1990s and The Mescalitas to name just a few. He also created the soundtrack to the 1997 film The James Gang and played on the soundtrack of Velvet Goldmine, alongside Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. Amongst others he has played live with the likes of The Cranberries, Paul Weller, Teenage Fanclub and The Manic Street Preachers.
He was named Producer of the Year at the Music Manager’s Forum in 2008, a well-deserved accolade in recognition of his notable achievements as a producer.