Neal Avron
The producer behind New Found Glory's Catalyst.
Neal Avron is the producer of New Found Glory's fourth studio album Catalyst, released on May 18, 2004 through Drive-Thru and Geffen Records. He also produced the band's 2011 album Radiosurgery, making Catalyst the last New Found Glory album he produced before that.
- Role
- Producer
- Key Contribution
- Produced New Found Glory's album Catalyst (2004)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Neal Avron produced New Found Glory's fourth studio album Catalyst, which was recorded between September 2003 and January 2004 at Royaltone and Sunset Sound Studios. The sessions involved tracking 18 songs, with Avron assisted by engineers Chris Wonzer, Ryan Castle and Femio Hernández. Avron's son Riley Avron contributed backing vocals on the track 'Your Biggest Mistake'. The album was mixed by Tom Lord-Alge and mastered by Ted Jensen. Catalyst was the band's last album produced by Avron until 2011's Radiosurgery.
In Their Own Story
In September 2003, New Found Glory entered the studio with producer Neal Avron to begin recording their fourth album. The sessions took place at Royaltone and Sunset Sound Studios, where Avron helmed the production. Recording continued until January 2004, with the band tracking 18 songs in total. Avron worked with a team of engineers including Chris Wonzer, Ryan Castle and Femio Hernández. The album featured string arrangements by David Campbell on 'I Don't Wanna Know' and guest appearances from members of Madball, Reggie and the Full Effect, Hot Rod Circuit, H2O and Hazen Street. After recording, the tracks were mixed by Tom Lord-Alge at South Beach Studios and mastered by Ted Jensen.
Reader's Guide
Neal Avron produced New Found Glory's Catalyst, their fourth studio album released May 18, 2004 on Drive-Thru and Geffen Records. The recording took place from September 2003 to January 2004 at Royaltone and Sunset Sound Studios. Avron was assisted by engineers Chris Wonzer, Ryan Castle and Femio Hernández, with Castle and Travis Huff serving as Pro Tools engineers. The album featured session musicians including David Campbell (string arrangements and viola), Joel Derouin (violin), Charlie Bisharat (violin), and Larry Corbett (cello) on 'I Don't Wanna Know'. Avron's son Riley Avron provided backing vocals on 'Your Biggest Mistake'. Other contributors included Freddy Cricien of Madball, James Dewees of Reggie and the Full Effect, Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit, Toby Morse of H2O, and members of Hazen Street. Catalyst was the last New Found Glory album Avron produced until 2011's Radiosurgery.
Did You Know?
- Neal Avron's son Riley Avron provided backing vocals on the Catalyst track 'Your Biggest Mistake'.
- Catalyst was the last New Found Glory album produced by Neal Avron until 2011's Radiosurgery.
- The album was recorded at Royaltone and Sunset Sound Studios between September 2003 and January 2004.
- Avron worked with engineers Chris Wonzer, Ryan Castle and Femio Hernández on the Catalyst sessions.
- The album featured string arrangements by David Campbell on the track 'I Don't Wanna Know'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Neal Avron?
He is a highly respected audio engineer and producer who works closely with Green Day without being an official band member. His primary function involves shaping the sonic landscape from within the control room during recording sessions.
What is Neal Avron's specific role?
Avron serves as a collaborator responsible for engineering and producing rather than performing live instruments or vocals. He operates behind the scenes to capture the raw, high-energy sound that defines their music.
Which Green Day album is Neal Avron most famous for?
He is best known for his key contribution as an engineer and producer on the landmark record American Idiot. This work helped define the band's transition from punk underground heroes to global rock icons.
Is Neal Avron a permanent member of Green Day?
No, he is not part of the core trio consisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool. Instead, he remains an active external collaborator within their musical orbit.
Is Neal Avron still working with Green Day?
Yes, his status is listed as active for collaborations ranging from the mid-2000s to the present. He continues to be involved in engineering and production capacities for their recent projects.
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