AAF: Audio Engineer Nick Maddren of BIG HORNS: 19 March 2026

"Every style, every genre has a different outlook" according to audio engineer Nick Maddren. On the cusp of the Auckland Arts Festival closing show, Maddren discusses the BIG HORNS brass project that reimagines funk, soul, disco & hip hop.  

With inspiration striking in the unlikely setting of working a Robbie Williams gig, Maddren talks to Sofía about the creation of the ensemble and producing partnership with Dixon Nacey. 

With a career spanning over 30 years, Maddren's role can loosely be described as the guardian of a good time. With all the technicalities of audio engineering, at the heart of his work is crowd observation and curating atmosphere. "That's how we built the show and the segues... think about how can it just keep flowing, making it interesting and showcase the players most of all. Because if they're having an amazing time, that only transcends into the audience itself and then we all have a good time."

Advice and anecdotes of shaping a musical career are shared: from how to get started to 'back in the day' record recs from the late Mu of Fat Freddy's Drop.