With multiple acclaimed productions under his belt and a catalogue that spans nearly two decades, SAMA-award winning record producer Crighton Goodwill is a major player in the local music industry. He is the man behind Good Noise Productions, a prominent recording studio focusing on all aspects of audio production from music albums to TV commercials and film soundtracks. Over the years, he has produced hits for the likes of Loyiso Bala, Elvis Blue, Lloyd Cele and Garth Tailor.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Crighton.

Do you remember the moment when you realised that a career in music was what you wanted to do?

Crighton: I grew up in a very musical family. My father (Clive Goodwill) is a well-respected vocalist and keyboard player in the SA music industry. I always knew that I would be involved with music in one way or another. I actually started out as vocalist and recorded about five albums for K-TV, M-Net starting at the age of 15. We toured around the country and sold hundreds of thousands of albums. However, I came to the realisation during that time, being in studio was where my true passion lay more than performing on stage.

You’ve worked with a multitude of great producers and musicians alike, is there anyone who you have particularly enjoyed working with and why?

Crighton: I have a long standing relationship with Brian O’shea, a mentor and fellow producer who has taught me a great deal about how to get the best out of an artist and a song.

What other producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

Crighton: Max Martin (Backstreet Boys and Brintey Spears), Lukasz Gottwald (Katy Pery and Pink), Guy Sigsworth (Seal and Madonna), Imogen Heap and Brian Transeau.

Besides you, who do you think is getting it right in the industry?

Crighton: I have always looked up to Loyiso Bala as a guy who has positioned himself very wisely through hard work, determination and sound strategy. People sometimes criticise pop artists but I have great respect for artists who have been able to sustain their careers for more than five years. It doesn’t happen by accident.

What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt over the years?

Crighton: The more honest you are with yourself, the quicker you can identify and work on your weak areas. Human nature always strives for comfort. I would suggest throwing yourself into the deep end more often than not. For me I had to break out on my own (comfort zone) to find out what it was like to fend for myself. This forced me to confront my fears and deal with people not only on a creative level but on a business level as well, something we creative types don’t usually like to do. In the long run, it was the best decision I have ever made.

What is distinctive about a Good Noise Productions?

Crighton: I would say one of my main strengths is that I have been quite successful in re-creating different genres authentically. Usually artists and producers are quite specific with their style of music. I like the challenge of learning all the various production techniques and musical subtleties within music today.

What are your thoughts on the continual volume increases in the industry, where pop music has just gotten louder, or more crushed, at the expense of dynamic range?

Crighton: I’m not too bothered by this. There is an art to getting the most out of a mix and when done correctly the fullness can be quite impressive.

What do you like to do for fun outside of the music industry?

Crighton: My two main hobbies, which I think have some parallels to music in some ways, are beer brewing and cooking. A major parallel for me is “what you put in, you get out’.

Favourite movie of all time?

Crighton: The Matrix – it truly warped my mind.

Favourite chord?

Crighton: Plain old Cmaj or Amin. It’s a starting point for most compositions.