RJ THOMPSON RELEASES LIVE AT ABBEY ROAD
Musical mastermind RJ Thompson today releases new album Live At Abbey Road, the highly-anticipated full-length which sees the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist perform live versions of tracks from previous albums Yearbook and Lifeline. The record was recorded completely live in Studio Two at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and additionally includes live recordings of brand new track ‘Headspace’ and an irresistible cover of Rolling Stones’ classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’.
Both of RJ’s last two albums, Yearbook and Lifeline, reached Number 1 in the Official UK Download Charts and Top 40 in the Official UK Album Charts, Lifeline making it into the Top 5, a remarkable achievement for an independent artist without any major-industry backing. As well as immense commercial success, RJ has also achieved critical acclaim for his works, with support from the likes of CLASH, The Times, The Guardian, BBC Radio 2, 6Music, BBC Introducing and more.
Official Charts commented on 2022’s Yearbook, a product of a reflective Covid-19 lockdown, claiming that: “It’s clear that Yearbook was made with love. With both influences of classic rock staples like The Beatles, the alt-rock stylings of Beck and even more alt-pop flourishes than before (rousing choruses and production influenced by RJ's favourite pop producer, Jack Antonoff and his band Bleachers), Yearbook a snapshot of a year of intense creativity and honest recollections of mental health”. RJ’s music has been praised for its synth-led grandeur, heartfelt lyrics, and intricate melodies, which have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
"I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved with Yearbook and Lifeline," says RJ. "To have both albums reach Number 1 in the Official UK Download Charts and Top 40 in the Official UK Album Charts is a dream come true, but if it’s possible, I think I’m even more proud of what we achieved at Abbey Road. A bunch of friends descending on London, setting up in the most famous room in the world, singing into microphones and playing instruments that the greats have played, and recording something really special… completely live."
Dubbed ‘the Synth Springsteen’ by the UK media and influenced by the likes of Beck, Brandon Flowers and Bleachers, RJ Thompson’s artistry merges brilliant storytelling with a signature nostalgic sound. A masterful lyricist, RJ’s sonic ear is also impeccable; his music spanning diverse instrumentation from big guitar moments to synth-motifs, saxophone solos to cinematic string quartets, combining a plethora of different sonics for the listener to unpack. The result? Timeless tunes with euphoric pop moments and soaring pop-rock. On Live at Abbey Road, these magnificently instrumented songs allow the listener to experience each chord, melody or vocal as performed in the moment.
Live at Abbey Road will see RJ again share a world bigger than just the music. As he did with his previous two albums, the physical record (vinyl and CD) of Live At Abbey Road boasts groundbreaking augmented reality technology. The artwork and bonus content change with the time of day, weather and holiday via the accompanying free IOS and Android app, with various living and breathing front covers to discover over time as an album sleeve that changes with its possessor. Fans can order the album now on vinyl, CD and cassette from RJ Thompson's website: www.rjthompson.com
The AR technology not only gives the physical record an innovative second-life, but has allowed RJ to craft unique digital spaces filled with the same creative energy that fuelled the music, creating a deeper world around his songs.
ABOUT RJ THOMPSON
Starting his journey in the backstreet pubs and clubs of his native North-East, having taken up the drums aged six and self-taught guitar and piano later on, RJ has gone on to perform all over Europe, including as support for musical legend Jools Holland on multiple tours, performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall. Now releasing music as a dad of two in his family home just outside of Newcastle, he’s achieved two Official UK Top 40 records. RJ’s debut album Echo Chamber was a contemporary take on nostalgic music and wider culture with a distinctly retro production technique. It gained critical acclaim and helped cement him as an artist to watch. Later, sophomore album Lifeline saw RJ first experiment with augmented reality, using the same creative energy that fuelled his music to turn the album into a truly unique, personalised experience. In 2022, he released the euphoric pop album Yearbook.