" When we recorded our first album sixteen track machines were the thing. "
- John Deacon

When John Deacon speaks about recording their first album on sixteen-track machines, he is referring to a specific era in music production technology. In the early days of multitrack recording, before digital audio workstations became commonplace, artists and producers used analog tape recorders with limited track capacities for layering different musical elements such as vocals, instruments, and effects.

This quote also reflects on how technological advancements have profoundly impacted the creation and production of music over time. When Deacon mentions sixteen-track machines, it highlights a pivotal moment in his career where he was adapting to new recording techniques that were essential but relatively primitive compared to today's standards. This context underscores the continuous evolution in musical production methods and emphasizes the role of technology in shaping artistic expression.

John Deacon is known as one of the founding members of Queen, contributing significantly to the band’s bass lines and songwriting from 1971 until their disbandment in 2018. His quote provides insight into his early experiences with music production during a time when recording technology was still developing rapidly.