Secondary Skills: Mixing Engineer
Active: 1979 to Present
Kevin Killen is one of Ireland’s most respected recording engineers and mixers, recognised for his detailed approach, musical sensitivity, and long history of shaping influential records. Across a career spanning more than four decades, he has collaborated with major artists including U2, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Tori Amos, Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, Shakira, and David Bowie. Kevin Killen’s work combines clarity, emotional nuance, and a focus on early decision making, leading to recordings that remain both technically refined and musically expressive. With multiple Grammy Awards and credits on several landmark albums, he is widely regarded as one of the leading engineers of his generation.
Notable Recordings by Kevin Killen
Born in Dublin on 22 October 1959, Kevin Killen entered the world of recording in 1979 when he joined Lombard Sound Studios as a trainee. Within six months he had moved into engineering roles, developing fast through constant hands on experience. After two years he moved to Windmill Lane Studios, where he spent four formative years working on major Irish and international projects.
During his time at Windmill Lane he assisted Steve Lillywhite on U2’s War in 1983, marking his first collaboration with the band. He continued working with U2 on The Unforgettable Fire alongside Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, a team he later reunited with for Peter Gabriel’s celebrated album So. These sessions established Killen as an engineer with strong musical instincts and an ability to navigate ambitious, atmospheric productions.
As his career expanded, Killen worked with a broad range of artists including Elvis Costello, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, Sugarland, Shakira, and David Bowie. His work reflects versatility across genres, from acoustic singer songwriter albums to complex pop productions and experimental rock. His philosophy of committing to sounds early and focusing on emotional intention helped define his reputation internationally.
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