ARMSTRONG, Nicholas John

Recording Engineer Influential in the 70's and 80's Hobart Music Scene.

ARMSTRONG. Nicholas John, age 76, 5/7/1947- 17/9/2023

Much loved son of John and Ardell (both deceased) and brother of Gordon, Jackie and Roderick. Loved by sister in-law Jeanne and brother-in-law Lloyd Walker (deceased). Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews located all over the world.

Nick Armstrong started his working life at the Australian Broadcasting Commission in the 1970's where his father was the Chief Announcer of the Hobart studios. In 1972 Nick left the ABC to start his own recording studio in the basement of an old house, where he acquired recording equipment and taught himself the rudiments of recording.

Nick formed Spectangle Productions and recorded everything from classical music to Rock, often at his own expense. He formed Candle Recordings, as well as sub-labels Basket and Spectangle. Nick became the most knowledgeable recording engineer in the state.

Over the years Nick built several studios and bought and made equipment. He assisted the Tasmanian Museum with restoring the recordings of the first indigenous recordings by Fanny Cochrane Smith. Nick dedicated his life to recording and promoting Tasmanian musicians and recordings. Some of his greatest successes with his recording company were “The Ferry Boat Shuffle” and Howard Eynon’s “So What If I’m Standing In Raspberry Jam".

Hundreds of Tasmanian musicians had their first experience of a recording studio at Spectangle, with Nick as engineer, producer and mentor. Over 200 albums, singles and tapes were produced at the Spectangle studios, and hundreds of radio and tv commercials were made over the three decades that Nick dedicated to recording.

Nick acquired Parkinson's disease, which he lived heroically with for over 10 years. Nick is now at peace. The family thanks carer Leigh and niece Lily for their dedication to making Nick comfortable throughout his illness.

There will be a private cremation and gathering for family and close friends later this week.

A future public tribute to Nick is being planned. Please reach out to Nick Weare nweare2008@gmail.com for more information.

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