Upgrade: The Architects of Progressive Electro-Rock

Upgrade is an innovative British music project that masterfully fuses the intricate soundscapes of progressive rock with the driving energy of electronic music. Formed in Manchester in 2012, the collective has carved a distinct niche, achieving critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase through their ambitious studio albums and immersive live performances.

Early career

The core of Upgrade was formed when producer and multi-instrumentalist Leo Vance met vocalist and synth programmer Maya Finch at a Manchester studio session in late 2011. Bonding over a shared love for artists like Radiohead and Massive Attack, they began experimenting in Vance's home studio. Their self-released debut EP, "Circuit Breaker," in 2013 caught the attention of the independent label Sonic Architect Records, which signed them later that year.

Breakthrough

Upgrade's major breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their second studio album, "Synthetic Dawn." Released on Sonic Architect, the album's lead single, "Neon Pulse," became an unexpected hit on alternative radio. "Synthetic Dawn" debuted at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified Silver in the UK, selling over 60,000 copies.

Key tracks

Neon Pulse — This breakthrough single defined their signature electro-rock hybrid and became a staple on alternative radio.

Data Ghost — A fan-favorite epic noted for its complex structure and lyrical themes of digital identity.

Chrome Skyline — Featured in several major video game trailers, significantly expanding their international audience.

Fault Line — A powerful collaboration with producer Paul Hartnoll that showcased their evolving, darker sound.

Following the success of "Synthetic Dawn," Upgrade headlined several UK tours and performed at major festivals like Glastonbury and The Great Escape. Their 2019 album, "Resonance Cascade," saw them experimenting with more industrial textures and earned them a nomination for the Mercury Prize. They have since collaborated with artists like Dutch DJ Maarten Vorwerk and provided remixes for bands such as Everything Everything, further cementing their reputation as studio innovators. Their most recent work, the 2023 LP "Analog Heart in a Digital World," debuted in the UK Top 10.

Fans of Upgrade's intricate blend of genres often appreciate the work of similar forward-thinking British acts. Everything Everything shares a knack for complex songwriting and electronic-infused art-rock. Muse parallels their grand, theatrical scale and fusion of rock with synthetic elements. The atmospheric production and melancholic melodies of Archive also resonate with Upgrade's sonic palette. For the more direct electronic-rock energy, listeners turn to The Prodigy and its influential big beat aggression.

The dynamic music of Upgrade is a regular feature on the eclectic playlists of this network's stations. Their tracks, from the anthemic "Neon Pulse" to deeper album cuts, receive consistent airplay across our dedicated alternative rock radio stations and specialized online rock radio streams that champion genre-blending artists.

Listeners can discover the expansive catalog of Upgrade, from early EPs to latest albums, by tuning into the independent music radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their progressive electro-rock continues to energize the airwaves.