William Orbit is an English musician, composer and record producer from Shoreditch, United Kingdom. Born in 1956, he works in electronic and house music, and his output is often associated with atmospheric keyboard-based electronica and guitar-led arrangements.

Career

Orbit first becomes known as a producer and remixer, and later as a recording artist in his own right. He is best known for producing Madonna’s Ray of Light, an album that wins four Grammy Awards. He also co-produces unreleased Madonna tracks originally intended for other albums. Orbit produces Blur’s 13 and remixes several tracks from that record.

His production and remix work also extends to Kraftwerk, Nitzer Ebb, The Cure, U2, P!nk and Sugababes. His remixes are recognised for his characteristic electronic sound and techniques.

Solo work and aliases

Orbit records several largely instrumental solo albums under the name Strange Cargo. These recordings include vocals from Beth Orton, Laurie Mayer and Joe Frank among others. He also works on an orchestral piece that is performed by the BBC Philharmonic at the Manchester International Festival in 2007.

Bands and projects

Orbit forms Torch Song with Laurie Mayer and Rico Conning in the 1980s. He is also the musical force behind Bassomatic in the early 1990s. His associated groups include Torch Song, Bassomatic, Krunch Groove and The Guerilla Boys.

Labels

He is associated with Guerilla, N-GRAM Recordings, Guerilla Studios Limited and Maverick.

Style and collaborators

Orbit’s work combines atmospheric electronics with production and remix work across pop, rock and experimental music. In addition to his major collaborators, he works with artists including Kraftwerk, Nitzer Ebb, The Cure, U2, P!nk and Sugababes.