As 2021 comes to a close, we asked the Abbey Road team to look back and reflect on what has been a particularly poignant year for the studios.
From their favourite projects to work on, most played albums and their tips for which artists will be burgeoning in 2022 — find out more about Abbey Road's Simon Gibson, Zoran Veselinović and Frank Arkwright in our 2021 Rewind series.
Favourite project you’ve worked on at Abbey Road this year and why?
Simon Gibson:
Richard Jacques – Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Game soundtrack album. Great fun to work with Richard and because the amount of effort that had already gone into this project before it reached me was mind-boggling. There are over 5 hours of music in the game! The album is first-rate and was a real pleasure to master.
Zoran Veselinović:
90th Anniversary of the studio – It was a great honour to be part of this unique celebration.
Frank Arkwright:
Frank Turner - FTHC. Great new album from one of my favourite artists. Maybe his best. And the themes he’s writing about are particularly poignant given what everyone has been through this year. Highly recommended. Mogwai’s number one album As The Love Continues comes a close second.
Your favourite album of 2021?
Simon Gibson:
Thomas Trotter playing Duruflé’s complete organ works on the organ of King’s College, Cambridge.
I also mastered this and was blown away by the musical playing from Trotter and the fantastic recorded sound by Ben Sheen of King’s College.
French early-twentieth century organ music and a superb romantic organ make a winning combination for me.
Zoran Veselinović
Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever
Frank Arkwright:
The Metallica Blacklist - Metallica. An incredible album of 56 artists picking a track from the Black Album and recording their own version. Artists ranging from Chase & Status to Biffy Clyro via Elton John and The Neptunes. A great project to work on. Difficult to choose a favourite mix since I love Biffy Clyro’s and Chase & Status', but I think Pharell's Neptunes just wins it, totally mind-blowing take on Wherever I May Roam - check it out.
Which new artist / band are you most excited about for 2022 and why?
Zoran Veselinović:
Bob Vylan – they are brilliant
live on stage.
Frank Arkwright:
I like what I’ve heard from Coach Party and look forward to hearing more.
