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# Steve Albini's letter to Nirvana (No business lessons required)
- URL: https://www.howardgray.net/steve-albinis-letter-to-nirvana-no-business-lessons-required/
- Published: 2024-05-13T22:42:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-06-08T22:43:31.000Z
- Description: The legendary producer who died this week wrote one of the best professional letters ever. You'll see why without me explaining it.
- Author: Howard Gray
- Tags: Creative Business, Independent Paths, Music, Teaching

Nirvana’s final album In Utero was produced by Steve Albini, who passed away this week age 61\. Here’s a letter Albini wrote to the band ahead of them hiring him.

I try to avoid just grabbing other people’s stuff to share here, but it’s a truly wonderful letter. Albini wasn't just an incredible musician and producer - he was also a tremendous writer.

P.S. I’ll spare you the “here’s what Nirvana can teach us about \[B2B sales/getting a payrise/empowering your team\]” cliches. I know you’re smart enough to notice some transferrable concepts…

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/2025/06/Steve-Albini-Nirvana-Letter.webp)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/2025/06/Steve-Albini-Nirvana-Letter--1-.webp)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/2025/06/Steve-Albini-Letter-to-Nirvana.webp)