NEW GROUND AUDIO

New Ground Audio is a bold new mastering house specialising in Stereo Mastering, Stem Mastering, and Dolby Atmos in the heart of Soho, London founded by renowned engineers Cicely Balston & Oli Morgan.Your sanctuary in a complex industry.
We have both spent the majority of our careers in the fast paced environment of world class studios. Even with access to some of the best resources in the industry, the economic structure for both creators and studios so often meant that creative innovation, community and equitable, inclusive practice had to take a back seat to bottom lines.As often as we came across amazing music creators and industry professionals we also saw a landscape of disenfranchised engineers and burnt out artists, or worse yet seeing exceptional artists who couldn’t afford to get their projects through the door.We want to contribute to changing that landscape. At New Ground we aim to channel all our experience into being industry leaders in independent creativity. A studio that supports the prioritisation of musical innovation through a sustainable, artist-first culture of trust, openness and fairness in everything we do.
A sanctuary, not a factory.World-class sound. Zero ego.
We are obsessive about audio. From pristine Stereo to immersive Atmos. Whether you are a major label artist or subsidising your music career with a day job, you deserve clarity, respect, and a sound that translates your creative intention without compromise.We don't just process audio. We anchor artists.
We believe that the best records are made when artists feel empowered, not evaluated. Our studio is an open environment of service, guidance and mentorship. We measure our success not just by the technical specs of the final master, but by the quality of the relationship we build with you. We are here to be a guide, a collaborator and a steady hand, always.Equitable access to world-class audio.
We know that the economic reality of being an artist varies wildly. That’s why our pricing structure is transparent and choice-driven, where you’re empowered to guide us based on where you are in your career:Established: For established acts, major labels, and VAT-registered businesses.
Independent: For working artists building their catalog.
Grassroots: For those early in the journey, perhaps balancing music with other work.You tell us where you fit. We trust you.Reclaiming the joy of making records.
When you work with us, the goal is simple: doing what you love, with people you like who want the final sign-off on your project to be a celebration, not a relief.It’s your record. Let’s finish it.Oli & Cicely x

Cicely Balston

they/them

Co-founder, Mastering Engineer

Your creative guide in a complex industry.
Cicely approaches the console with rigorous technical precision and the empathy of a musician. With a background playing in orchestras and jazz bands, they understand that a mix is a fragile thing. They know the vulnerability of handing your work to a stranger, so they treat every project as a collaboration rather than a critique. Cicely’s room is a space where the "dark art" of mastering is brought into the light, allowing artists to understand exactly how their sound is being sculpted and why.We don't just process audio. We anchor artists.
Having cut their teeth on vintage lathes at Gearbox Records before moving to AIR Studios and then Abbey Road Studios, Cicely's technical prowess is second to none - however, they view the mastering session not as a technical exam, but as a conversation. They see themselves as the final quality control between the artist’s intention and the listener’s playback system. Whether mastering a heavy metal album or refining a delicate film score, they focus on translation - ensuring the emotion of the performance survives the realities of the medium.World-class sound. Zero ego.
A two-time MPG Mastering Engineer of the Year, Cicely has been trusted to handle the delicate remastering of David Bowie’s back catalogue from original tapes and albums from Witch Fever, Palace, and David Gray. Their versatility is evident in their work on The Yardbirds’ Roger The Engineer (Half-Speed Master), Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven On Earth, and Max Richter's Oscar nominated score for Hamnet. Their credits extend to Girli, Self Esteem, and the BAFTA-winning score for Roadkill.Reclaiming the joy of making records.
For Cicely, New Ground is about championing a sustainable approach to creativity, proving that the highest quality audio comes from a place of focus, rest, and genuine human connection. They operate on the belief that sustainable working practices aren't just "nice to have" - they are essential for critical listening. At New Ground, Cicely ensures that the pressure of the industry never enters the listening room, championing the "privilege of the last step" in the creative process, ensuring that every artist feels heard, respected, and empowered.

Awards & Nominations

Oli Morgan

he/him

Co-founder, Mastering & Atmos Engineer

Your creative guide in a complex industry.
Oli’s workflow is a deliberate dedication to immersive detail. After finding the quick turnaround of standard stereo mastering didn’t allow him to fully "enter the world" of a song he pivoted toward stem mastering, and later Dolby Atmos, becoming a forerunner in developing these services at Abbey Road Studios. His focus became about slowing the process down - dedicating the time to fundamentally understand a song's intention, rather than just going through the motions. For Oli, extended techniques like stem mastering and emerging formats like Dolby Atmos are utilised exclusively to help a record reach its creative potential.We don't just process audio. We anchor artists.
Oli believes the studio should be a place where questions are answered, not dismissed. He illuminates the mastering process with plain explanations and clear options. While his background is steeped in technical rigour - from the "voodoo" of rare analogue desks to complex object-based mixing - he views this expertise merely as a foundation. His true role is to be a steady creative partner. He ensures the transition from mix to master feels like a natural evolution of the sound, favouring dynamic impact and emotional translation.World-class sound. Zero ego.
A GRAMMY-nominated engineer, Oli has worked on records that define their genres. His recent work includes Atmos mastering The Beatles’ final track "Now and Then" and the 2023 Red and Blue collections, as well as Atmos mixes for The Cure’s GRAMMY-winning Songs of a Lost World. His credits span from Paul McCartney, Queen and Sam Smith to Moby, FKJ and Orlando Weeks. He is just as at home with the black metal of Venom as he is with the classical score for Disney's The Little Mermaid.Reclaiming the joy of making records.
Oli founded New Ground to prove that a high-end studio doesn't have to be high-stress or feel out of reach. By prioritizing meaningful relationships over transactional volume, he ensures that the energy in the room remains curious and open. His goal is simple: to make sure the final sign-off feels like a celebration, not a relief.

Awards & Nominations

GRAMMY Winning Recordings

GRAMMY Nominated Recordings

It's your record.
Let's talk about it.

We're looking forward hearing from you.Oli & Cicely x