"Fiercely independent". That's the phrase RJ Thompson lives by. Making music... films... art... on his terms... his way.

Over the past few years that attitude, that DIY drive and determination, together with the very small team at his own independent label Codename Music, has achieved more than most. Two Top 40 UK albums for Yearbook and Lifeline, both of which also landed at Number 1 on the UK Download charts.

Dubbed 'Synth Springsteen' by the UK media and influenced by the likes of Beck, Brandon Flowers and Bleachers, RJ Thompson's artistry merges impeccable songwriting, storytelling and a signature nostalgic sound. He's received lots of love on BBC radio from the likes of BBC Radio 2, 6 Music and BBC Introducing. The Times claims that he is "one to watch" while The Guardian hails the artist as "prolific", with additional acclaim from the likes of Wonderland and CLASH.

Starting his journey in the backstreet pubs and clubs of his native North-East England, having taken up the drums aged six and self-taught guitar and piano later on, RJ has gone on to perform all over Europe and the US. He's shared stages with the likes of Joan Armatrading, Joss Stone and Gabrielle Aplin, and supported musical legend Jools Holland on multiple tours, performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

In 2023, RJ released Live at Abbey Road, recorded live at the world-famous studio - a milestone moment that saw him reinterpreting his catalogue within those legendary walls.

Alongside his critically acclaimed music, RJ is a firm believer in the romance of physical formats. Vinyl, CDs, and the ritual that comes with them...

When I was younger, when my favourite artists released a new album it was an event. I'd save up, get the bus into town, buy the record, cherish it, read the sleeve back to front, fall in love. That has been lost a little bit in today's streaming world. I really wanted to recapture that... to make that physical record an event again.

That ethos continues to shape everything he does, from exclusive vinyl pressings to the deeper experiences he creates for the fans who collect them.

Some stories take years to tell. The next chapter is already written. Coming 2026.

Wake up, man, it's morning... are you ready?