From the days when it was George Martin or Phil Spector at the desk, the producer has always played a significant role in defining and directing pop music. Sometimes, indeed, the presence of a Brian Eno, Steve Albini or Rick Rubin grabbed as much attention as the band making the music.

From hip-hop and r'n'b heavyweights such as , The Neptunes, Dr Dre and to such bona-fide indie hit-makers as Nigel Godrich, Stephen Street and Gil Norton, choosing who gets to sit at the controls and call the shots is often the most important decision made about an album. In recent years, many new producers have entered the frame. Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) has built a fantastic rep on the back of records for Gorillaz, The Rapture, Gnarls Barkley and the current Black Keys release.

Other producers who've grown in stature include Diplo, (both of whom have worked with MIA and Santogold), David Sitek (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and Paul Epworth (Bloc Party).

Along with the hugely in demand Garrett "Jacknife" Lee (who has worked in recent times with U2, REM, Snow Patrol and many others), rising Irish producers include Gareth Mannix and the Odlum brothers Dave and Karl.