In late November, while walking through the rain-soaked streets of North Beach, I reflected on a monumental milestone for Audio Terrorist—their 40th anniversary album. After an intimate conversation with founder Kalib Duarte, we hosted a group interview with some of the most pivotal figures in his creative journey. Mastering engineer Steve Turnidge, recording engineer Chris Wirsig, musician Tim Leeann, and producer Ed Clare all joined the discussion, with an unexpected detour into botany courtesy of Dr. Forrest Freund, making for a vibrant and eclectic exchange.
We delved into the origins of Audio Terrorist, uncovering how the project evolved from a chaotic, collage-like experiment into a collaborative force driven by diverse talents. Kalib shared memories of cutting tape with scissors in 1984, reflecting on the raw and improvised nature of his early work. Steve Turnidge described Kalib’s unique ability to curate and unite talent, crafting a sonic tapestry that bridges decades. Key moments, like their reinterpretation of “Tainted Love,” stood out as milestones in Audio Terrorist’s journey of self-discovery.
The conversation kept circling back to the alchemy of collaboration—how raw ideas were transformed into something extraordinary through collective effort. Steve likened the process to "turning lead into gold," while Tim Leeann, often seen as the group's grounding force, shared how their weekly creative sessions stretched boundaries and created magic. For 40 years, this blend of unique voices has shaped Audio Terrorist into a living expression of unity and innovation.
As we wrapped up, Kalib offered a beautiful metaphor, calling Audio Terrorist a “curated museum of sound.” Each track on the 40th-anniversary album is more than music; it’s a story of connection and creativity woven through decades of collaboration. Audio Terrorist isn’t just a band—it’s a testament to what happens when artists come together, embrace imperfection, and let the magic unfold.
