Algorithm
INTRODUCING: Algorithm ft. -dash- https://algorithmband.co.uk/
Electro-pop quartet Algorithm is Amy Mullen (vocals), Andrew Still (guitar/ beats/synths), Ali Brown (bass) and Bev Fraser (Sax/ EWI – electric woodwind instrument).
We first featured the Highland quartet earlier this year for their debut single Left Unsaid which was recorded remotely throughout the pandemic (the band asked fans, friends and family to get involved in creating the music video, and they received well over 100 clips with people lip-syncing the lyrics to the song). Andrew Still’s daughter Eva Still pieced the footage from fans, friends and family for Left Unsaid together on her mobile phone, the ace found-footage video is at https://youtu.be/S_QCocn8a7I
Their next single Off The Floor from their album of the same name also features -dashh- watch below or play at https://youtu.be/NBH2eVCxXOs
We had a blether with them too have a read ⬇️
Facebook: @algormusic | Instagram: @algorithm_algormusic
Tell us a bit about Algorithm, we understand it all came together during the pandemic?
The concept for the band dates back to 2018 but, yes, it really started to build momentum from June 2020 onwards. In spite of everything we have had a very productive year writing and rehearsing new tracks, we weren’t ready to play live anyway and so we have made the best of a bad situation and spent the time developing our sound and releasing 2 singles.
Things are looking good now for the return of live music, have you got anything lined up?
We are certainly ready to play live however we were successful in receiving grant funding from Creative Scotland to make an album so that is very much our focus for the remainder of the year. We have around 30 songs in demoed so we have a lot to do in terms of rehearsing, developing and selecting the best tracks for the album which is due to be released in early 2022. Next year the focus will be playing live as much as possible.
We loved your fan-generated debut video, for your latest Off The Floor, you’ve teamed up with -dashh- tell us about that?
Thank you. The video for ‘’Left Unsaid’’ was made during the winter lockdown and again we made the best of a bad situation and were delighted with the support and participation of all those involved.
The video for ‘’Off The Floor’’ was filmed by Tom Alner and is a play on a ‘Strictly’ or ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ heat where the 4 band members are the judges and 4 would-be stars perform in front of them hoping to be crowned ‘’Off The Floor’’ champion. As you will see it is very tongue-in-cheek, it has been very warmly received and was great fun to make. It has been viewed over 2500 times on YouTube since it was released on the 30th July so we are delighted.
-Dashh- are also based in The Highlands and are a band at a similar stage in their music career. Emma, Mary Dawn and Hayley are amazing singers and they brought some Disco Diva magic to the backing vocals on the track and also appear in the video.
How does your songwriting / recording process work?
The inspiration for the band is acts like Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Moloko and other 90s artists making high-energy music with live instrumentation. During lockdown I wrote and created demos for the tracks electronically on a laptop using a mixture of programming, beats, samples and guitar. The tracks are then developed in rehearsal and we overlay live guitar, bass, sax and vocals. I also write the majority of the vocals for Amy and Bev to sing which allows me to write explore different themes and emotions. In time I’m sure tracks will develop more organically during rehearsal but this way of working has worked well in the circumstances and allowed us to progress songs quickly.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021 and into next year?
We will be busy writing, rehearsing and recording our album. We will finally play some live gigs and, as music fans, see as much live music as possible when things open up.
Tell us something most people won’t know about you?
I used to front an Alt-country band so you could say that Algorithm is a bit of a departure!