Industry Jun 15, 2026
Mike Stock on Rick Astley's Success and Stock Aitken Waterman's Process
"It made us sound like a sausage factory – that we were just churning them out – and that couldn't be further from the truth, because we always put the time and the hours and the effort in"
Originally published by
MusicRadar
Producer Mike Stock shared insights into the creation of Rick Astley's biggest hit, highlighting that subtle differences in notes contributed to its unique feel and rhythm. Stock also addressed the perception of the Stock Aitken Waterman production team as a 'hit factory,' emphasizing the deliberate time and effort invested in each song. He noted that the production style could sometimes be misconstrued, making it seem like music was produced too quickly. Originally reported by MusicRadar.