Love of 1980s synth sounds inspires new Sunderland duo Chat

Two Sunderland musicians with a mutual passion for synth sounds and catchy pop have paired up to form new synthpop duo, Chat.

Jordan Miller and Beccy Young are already well known in the Sunderland music scene for their other projects and began creating tracks as Chat back in 2018.

Now, they're ready to release their 80s-infused sound to get people dancing.

The duo are inspired by current pop queens Lady Gaga, Kylie and Roisin Murphy and the many electro duos of the 80s including Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys and Yazoo, using synthesisers and drum machines to create a sound reminiscent of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and Trevor Horn produced hits. 

It's a break from their usual genres of music, with Beccy known for her alt-folk This Little Bird music and multi-instrumentalist and producer Jordan having performed in Vandebilt, Hyde & Beast and The Lake Poets.

Jordan, who also runs Motorhouse Studios in Sunderland city centre, says growing up hearing tales of clubbing in 80s Sunderland from his dad most definitely influenced the Chat sound.

Beccy, meanwhile, says it's great to take a break from folk and unleash her inner pop diva and write dance songs.

They're releasing second Chat single, The Problem, on all streaming platforms after debut single, Sugar and Sleep.

It's a real passion project for the pair who've recorded, mixed and produced the whole release themselves, including the artwork and shooting and editing the music video.Speaking about the new single, Jordan said: "It stems from a conversation with a friend who has ‘The Problem’ of being in a monogamous relationship, whilst pining for someone else.

"They are considering whether they could have an affair after the other person unveils their feelings.

"A slower tempo than debut single ’Sugar and Sleep’, ‘The Problem’ takes you on a moral rollercoaster, led along by a pounding drum machine and slick synth stabs."

You can see Chat live as part of the forthcoming Waves Festival, which takes place across city centre venues on Saturday, November 11.

They are one of the many acts to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at The Bunker.