Acclaimed guitarist, producer, composer, and songwriter Nile Rodgers has been appointed as the chief creative advisor at Abbey Road Studios in London, a new position created especially for him. According to Billboard, “Rodgers will be responsible for nurturing new talent, as well as acting as the studio’s global ambassador and assisting with its ongoing developments in audio and recording technology.”
The new partnership comes as Rodgers is in the process of recording Chic‘s first album in a quarter of a century, the aptly named It’s About Time, at Abbey Road. “From the first time I heard the Beatles’ ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand,’ I dreamt of Abbey Road,” said Rodgers in a statement regarding the announcement. He also thanked the Abbey Road Studios team, as well as Paul McCartney for sending his congratulations.
As Abbey Road Studios head of marketing Mark Robertson noted, “With an incomparable career and reputation, there is no other artist or producer who has the legacy, influence and relevance to be awarded this role at Abbey Road Studios…the whole house dances with joy when he is in residence.” The sessions have seen Nile get completely comfortable in the famous space. He even recently welcomed contemporary stars like Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, Disclosure to join him there (though those recordings are likely not for the new Chic LP).
For generations, Abbey Road Studios has served as the vessel for some of the world’s greatest artists create and experiment with new, innovative recording techniques. From several records by all-around American Rennaissance man Paul Robeson back in the early 30’s, to the pioneering work of 1960’s psychedelic visionaries like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, to the final recording of late vocal powerhouse Amy Winehouse (along with her idol, Tony Bennett), the output of beloved records from 3 Abbey Road over the years has been uniquely astounding.
Nile Rodgers is an appropriately decorated choice for a new partnership with the storied studio. His prolific output has managed to stay current throughout decades in the industry and has worked with some of music’s biggest names, from Diana Ross to Daft Punk and virtually everyone in between. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in addition to countless other prestigious honors.
Congratulations to Nile Rodgers on the new gig at Abbey Road Studios. Sounds like a match made in Heaven! Now, let’s get back to finishing that new Chic album…because, you know, it really is “about time.”
[H/T Billboard]