Airco: The UK's Pioneering Electronic Pop Duo
Airco is an English electronic music duo known for crafting sophisticated synth-pop anthems. Formed in Manchester, the pair achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified debut album, which spawned several Top 40 singles across Europe.
Early career
The duo, comprised of producer Liam Vance and vocalist Elara Stone, officially formed in 2012 after meeting at a Manchester music production workshop. Their initial output consisted of self-released digital EPs, starting with 2013's "Circuits," which garnered attention on independent music blogs. This early buzz led to a signing with the London-based indie electronic label Neon Wave Records in 2014.
Breakthrough
Airco's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their debut studio album, "Neon Pulse," released via Neon Wave. The lead single, "Fading Echo," became a sleeper hit, climbing to number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving gold certification. The album itself reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified platinum in the UK, selling over 600,000 copies.
Key tracks
Fading Echo — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound of melancholic vocals over driving synth basslines.
Neon Pulse — The title track from their debut album became an anthem on alternative radio and a staple in their live sets.
Signal Lost — A later single from 2019 that showcased a darker, more atmospheric direction for the duo.
Chroma Drive — This 2021 collaboration with producer Maya Fields expanded their reach into deeper house territories.
Static Horizon — Featured in a major automotive advertising campaign, significantly boosting their international profile.
Following the success of "Neon Pulse," Airco embarked on extensive touring, including slots at major European festivals like Melt! and Parklife. Their sophomore album, "Digital Glow," arrived in 2020 and debuted at number 3 in the UK, featuring a collaboration with fellow electronic artist Rival Consoles. The duo has since focused on curated live performances and production work for other artists, maintaining a consistent presence in the electronic pop scene.
Fans of Airco's melodic synth-pop may also enjoy the work of similar artists featured on our site. CHVRCHES shares a similar foundation of emotive songwriting over crisp electronic production. The Knife offers a more experimental and avant-garde take on the electronic pop genre. Little Dragon blends soulful vocals with eclectic electronic beats in a comparable manner. Hot Chip parallels Airco's ability to merge infectious pop hooks with intricate dancefloor-ready instrumentation.
Airco's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across modern electronic and alternative pop formats. Their hits are regularly featured on flagship alternative rock radio stations with dedicated electronic shows, as well as on specialized online radio streams focusing on indie dance and synth-pop. Independent music radio stations across Europe frequently include Airco in their rotations, recognizing their appeal to a discerning audience that values both melody and production craft.
The music of Airco continues to resonate with listeners, and their catalog of electronic pop anthems can be heard on various radio stations featured here. You can discover and listen to Airco's evolving sound through the curated selection of radio stations available on onairium.com.
