Rethinking Pop: The Influence of Stock, Aitken & Waterman on My Design Approach

In redefining pop, Stock, Aitken & Waterman (SAW) showed me that innovation often lies in the willingness to take risks and embrace the new—even when it challenges industry norms.

Growing up, the soundtracks of my early years were heavily influenced by the music of Stock, Aitken & Waterman (SAW). Their music defined a decade and beyond blending pop sensibilities with innovative production techniques. SAW's portfolio, known for chart-topping hits, also included innovative side projects like "Roadblock" – a track that stood out for its unique story and sound and is their first release as artists in their own right.

"Roadblock" was conceived as a playful rebuttal to those who claimed every SAW track had a monotonous similarity. It first hit the airwaves without revealing its creators, quickly earning high praise from the trendier segments of the music press—outlets that typically dismissed SAW's work.

The track officially hit the shelves in July 1987 and climbed its way to the 13th spot on the charts, where it remained for nine weeks. 37 years later we still play "Roadblock" at Manchester's longest running club night; Funkademia .

This diversity in their music, coupled with their legendary status as the Hit Factory, fascinated me. Their approach to music production, their relentless pursuit of innovation, and the stories of their processes that captured mine and many others' imagination.

Connections & Influence

In the early '90s, I worked at a record shop linked to PWL, where Pete Waterman himself would occasionally drop by. Back then, I missed the chance to learn about the workings of the famous Borough studios which coincidentally back onto our London office. The studios were situated near the Glad Pub, a spot likely well-frequented by the SAW, PWL artists, and the production team. Plus a fellow team member shared there's an interview with Kylie Minogue in the SAW documentary that takes place in our after work social hangout.

Speaking of famous chart-toppers, the record shop where I worked was just a bus ride away from Mr. Smith's nightclub in Warrington—the original venue for 'The Hitman and Her.' Hosted by Pete Waterman alongside Michaela Strachan, this iconic British dance music show first aired in September 1988 and continued until December 1992. Its debut episode was broadcast right from Mr. Smith’s, marking the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would capture the essence of the era. Just recently, my partner recently found herself seated next to Pete Waterman at a Prince's Trust charity ball, which continues to enforce how much of an influence they continue to be. Let's get back to Rick.

Start small: Making Bets in Music Production

Recently, Simon Ashton brought to our attention that "Rick & Lisa – When You Gonna" was, in fact, Rick Astley's first foray into the music scene, which then sparked a deeper reflection on SAW's approach to talent and innovation.

This backdrop is pivotal as it showcases SAW's unique ability to take creative risks. Astley's early work under SAW's guidance, especially the track with Lisa Carter – it was a gamble in the industry, making a bet on a then-unknown talent with a distinctive sound. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries without a guarantee of success is a testament to SAW's approach. Their commitment to nurturing new talent, even when it meant deviating from the mainstream expectations, mirrors the ethos of taking creative risks in Design and Innovation. Just as SAW ventured into uncharted musical territories with Astley, successful innovation in any domain requires a leap of faith—investing in unproven ideas and potential breakthroughs before their value is universally recognised.

Rick Astley's evolution from the duo "Rick & Lisa" to a solo sensation with "Never Gonna Give You Up" (no Rick-rolling here) highlights the essence of creative courage. Through this lens, Astley's journey reflects the broader narrative of innovation—where taking risks and embracing potential before it's fully realised can lead to groundbreaking outcomes.

Designing Hits: SAW’s Innovative Approach to Music Production

SAW's adventurous spirit in the music industry was notably advanced by Dr. Phil Harding and Ian Curnow, two figures whose expertise played a crucial role in the creation of countless hit records along with their team. Their approach was characterised by a willingness to push the boundaries of what was technically and creatively possible at the time. SAW, with Harding and Curnow's involvement, they set new trends, experimenting with sounds, production techniques, and technologies that many of their contemporaries were perhaps hesitant to experiment with.

The duo's work behind the scenes was instrumental in developing the distinctive sound that became synonymous with SAW hits. They leveraged the latest advancements in digital and analog recording technology, experimenting with synthesisers, drum machines, and samplers to create tracks that were both innovative and immediately captivating to the audience. This experimentation was a deliberate strategy to stand out in a crowded market by offering listeners something they couldn't get anywhere else.

What made their experimental nature so impactful was their ability to balance innovation with commercial appeal. They knew how to make songs that not only sounded different but also resonated widely with audiences across the globe. This blend of creativity and market savviness led to an era where SAW's influence was undeniable, marking a period in which they essentially redefined pop music's landscape.

Pushing Boundaries: Now, Next & Future Innovation

The adventurous spirit of SAW in the music industry, characterised by a blend of creativity and risk, redefined the pop music landscape. Their legacy illustrates the power of imagination and the importance of embracing potential before it's fully realised—encouraging us in any creative field to think differently and innovate boldly.

This approach to innovation isn't limited to just music, technology or design. I'm curious to hear from you: what other industries have you seen where a similar blend of creativity and risk has led to transformative outcomes?

How have these industries embraced the potential of ideas before they were fully realised?

Thanks for reading and please share your feedback in the comments.

Further Listening and Reading

Discover more about SAW's impactful contributions through the Chart Beats podcast, and explore production details on Phil Harding’s and Ian Curnow’s websites. These resources provide a closer look at the innovative methods behind their chart-topping music.

Chart Beats Podcast: A Journey Through Stock, Aitken & Waterman

Explore the history of pop's most dynamic production trio with the informative Chart Beats podcast with Matthew Denby and Gavin Scott. This series reviews every single produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman in chronological order, providing detailed insights about their innovative approach, and interviews with the artists, production team and many more people involved during this era. It's an enlightening listen that has also inspired this article – thanks to Simon Ashton ; another SAW fan who gave me the heads up on the podcast.

Listen and subscribe here: Chart Beats Podcast

Dr. Phil Harding's Official Website

For an in-depth look at the innovative technical expertise behind the hits, check out Dr. Phil Harding’s website. A seasoned music producer, engineer, author, and academic, Dr. Harding’s site offers extensive information, including his comprehensive discography and a selection of tracks showcasing his work, alongside updates on his latest projects. I also recommend purchasing a copy of Phil's book.

Find out more about Dr. Phil Harding here: Phil Harding Music

Ian Curnow - Music Producer and Session Player

Ian Curnow, instrumental in crafting the sounds for icons like Kylie Minogue and Rick Astley, provides insights

into his creative process on his profile. His career spans from his days with the band Talk Talk to his pivotal role at Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

Learn about Ian’s contributions to music production here: Ian Curnow Music

And if you've got this far; then please enjoy one of my favourite PWL releases.