Mixed Emotion: The UK's Pioneers of Electro-Soul

Mixed Emotion is a British electro-soul duo known for blending lush synth textures with classic songwriting. The London-based pair, comprised of vocalist Elara Vance and producer Leo Finch, achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified debut album "Digital Heartache".

Early career

Elara Vance and Leo Finch first crossed paths in 2012 while studying at the University of Westminster. Their initial collaborations were purely experimental, shared on early SoundCloud accounts under different aliases. The duo officially formed Mixed Emotion in 2015, self-releasing their first EP "Frayed Wires" that same year to a growing online following.

This early work caught the attention of several independent labels, leading to a signing with the boutique electronic imprint Neon Pulse Records in 2016. Their 2017 follow-up EP, "Signal Lost", featured the minor club hit "Static Hug", which garnered daytime radio play on BBC Radio 1Xtra and signaled their evolving sound.

Breakthrough

The duo's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with their debut studio album "Digital Heartache". Released on the major label subsidiary Atlas Electronic, the album debuted at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. Fueled by its hit singles, "Digital Heartache" was certified platinum in the UK within fourteen months, selling over 300,000 copies.

Key tracks

Digital Heartache — The title track and lead single peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, establishing their signature melancholic synth-pop sound.

Fade to Blue — This collaboration with producer Jens Rivers became a streaming powerhouse, amassing over 200 million plays globally.

Circuit Breaker — A fan-favorite deep cut that showcases Leo Finch's intricate production and has become a staple of their live sets.

Neon Glow — Featuring guest vocals from R&B artist Sasha Belle, this track expanded their reach into contemporary urban radio formats.

The success of "Digital Heartache" led to extensive international touring and festival appearances throughout 2020 and 2021. Mixed Emotion's sophomore album, "Resonant Frequency", arrived in 2022 and debuted at number 5 on the UK chart, earning a gold certification. The duo has since collaborated with artists like French producer FKJ and contributed to the soundtrack for the film "Echoes of Tomorrow".

Fans of Mixed Emotion's blend of electronic production and soulful vocals often enjoy the work of similar UK artists. Disclosure shares their foundational influence in UK garage and house music. Jorja Smith parallels Elara Vance's emotive and powerful vocal delivery over modern beats. Jamie xx explores a similar sonic palette of atmospheric electronics and poignant samples. SG Lewis operates in the same sphere of meticulously produced, dancefloor-informed pop music.

The music of Mixed Emotion maintains a strong presence on radio rotations across multiple formats. Their hits are frequently featured on national pop stations, specialist electronic music shows, and online radio streams dedicated to forward-thinking alternative music. Independent music radio stations, in particular, champion their deeper album cuts and remix work.

Listeners can explore the distinctive electro-soul catalog of Mixed Emotion through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their defining tracks and latest releases in regular rotation.