NetWork: The Architects of UK Tech-Pop
NetWork is a British electronic pop duo known for their intricate synth textures and chart-conquering hooks. Formed in Manchester, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified debut album, Signal Flow, which topped the UK Albums Chart in 2018.
Early career
Producers Liam Vance and Sasha Royale formed NetWork in 2012 after meeting at a Manchester university music technology course. Their early experiments, blending classic pop songwriting with glitchy digital production, led to a series of self-released EPs on platforms like Bandcamp. This DIY approach caught the attention of independent label Modular Groove, which signed the duo in 2015 and released their Packet Loss EP the same year.
Breakthrough
The duo's major breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Data Stream. The track became an unexpected viral hit, leading to a major label deal with Polydor Records. Their subsequent debut album, Signal Flow, was released in early 2018 and debuted at number one in the UK, eventually earning a platinum certification for sales exceeding 300,000 copies.
Key tracks
Data Stream — This 2017 single provided the viral breakthrough, showcasing their signature blend of emotive vocals over a skittering, rhythmic beat.
Neon Pulse — A standout track from Signal Flow that reached the UK Top 10 and became a staple of their live performances.
Firewall (feat. Rina) — This 2020 collaboration with the acclaimed electropop singer expanded their audience and demonstrated their collaborative prowess.
Bandwidth — The lead single from their sophomore album Latency, marking a shift towards a darker, more atmospheric sound in 2021.
Reconnect — A deep-cut fan favorite known for its complex, arpeggiated synth sequence and introspective lyrics.
Following their initial success, NetWork's second album, Latency, arrived in 2021 and debuted at number three on the UK chart. The duo has since engaged in notable production and writing work for other artists, including credits on tracks for Celeste and Years & Years. Their live show, a dense audiovisual spectacle, has been a highlight at festivals like Glastonbury and Parklife.
Listeners who enjoy NetWork's polished yet inventive take on electronic pop often find common ground with other UK-based acts. Explore Years & Years for a similar focus on soaring pop melodies within an electronic framework. The intricate production of CHVRCHES shares a kinship with NetWork's detailed synthscapes. For another Manchester-born electronic act with crossover appeal, try Everything Everything. The dance-pop sensibility of Disclosure also aligns with NetWork's club-informed rhythms.
NetWork's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across modern pop FM stations and specialist electronic music radio stations. Their hits are frequently featured on online pop radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion forward-thinking pop production, ensuring their sound reaches a broad and engaged audience.
The music of NetWork continues to be featured across the radio stations available on our platform. You can discover their discography and listen to their latest tracks by tuning into the various online radio stations featured on onairium.com.