A lot of my friends are sickeningly talented people and so my favourite projects are often theirs – I love working on their excellent music, being able to contribute in some small way and ride the coattails of their accomplishments. The highlight this year has probably been India Jordan – Watch Out! EP (Ninja Tune). India has been a good mate of mine for a while now and it’s been so great to see how their music has progressed this year with much deserved success, including this release on Ninja Tune, a Radio 1 residency and a load of highly energetic DJ sets. Want to also give special mention to: FYI Chris – Earth Scum (Black Acre), CZN – Luxury Variations (Trilogy Tapes), Jossy Mitsu – Planet J (Astral Black) and the Amapiano Now! compilation on NTS. Finally, in the age of the ’rona, it was amazing to have Penny Rimbaud back in the studio for my first proper attended session since the pandemic began, mastering a beautiful album by an artist called Dominique Van Cappellen. Penny is such a legendary, generous and inspirational guy; it’s a great source of joy for me to work with him so often, and not only because he is regularly gifting me books, houseplants and homemade cakes.

One my favourite moments this year at Abbey Road was doing first takes on the new Fantastic Beasts recordings in Studio One. As a loyal Harry Potter fan, being able to hear and see the real magic happening was truly priceless! I certainly got teary eyes as the orchestra started playing the score with no less than perfection.

The most enjoyable project this year was working with Michael Giacchino on the Jurassic World: Dominion score. We had a great team.

Either Hey What by Low or Afrique Victime by Mdou Moctar.

Some incredible recordings came out this year but my favourite was Sam Smith’s Love Goes: Live at Abbey Road Studios, which is quite funny given the fact that it was recorded here. Sam’s voice and performance are just pure finesse, and the way they mix real instruments with synths and electronic beats, it's brilliant. From beautifully played and sung piano and voice songs to upbeat and dance music, this album is an experience from start to finish. One that I would have any day, any time. Sam’s words are so truthful and to the point. It makes you picture vividly and exactly what he is singing about. Precious one! 

Infinite Bach by Christian Svarfvar, Johan Ullén and The London Philharmonic Orchestra

Holy Tongue – more friends of mine making brilliant, heavily dubbed-out, psychedelic, semi-improvised (I think!?) music. Their stuff keeps getting better so I can’t wait to hear what they do next year.

A group that I am really excited about for next year, is Moskkana, a rock band from my hometown in Jundiaí, Brazil. After taking a short break, they are coming back in 2022, and I cannot wait to see them recording and playing again! Their energy in concert is an incomparable electrifying and fun experience, along with powerful lyrics and a genuine modern rock sound.

I'm looking forward to a new release by Vikingur Olafsson.