British electronic duo Nichols+Roark are thrilled to announce the release of their latest single Blue, a synth pop track that delves into the nuanced emotions of modern relationships. Scheduled for release on 23rd January 2026, Blue explores that elusive feeling where everything appears perfect on the surface, yet an inner unrest lingers, the colour of uncertainty, bridging hope and fear.
Inspired by recurring themes in contemporary connections, Blue originated from a compelling vocal idea and topline, with the hook “so why is it that my heart feels blue?” serving as the emotional core. The lyrics and melody emerged swiftly, guiding the production to prioritise the vocal over competing elements. Committed to a hopeful melancholy vibe, the arrangement features intentional spaciousness, allowing the vocal to breathe and resonate deeply. Vocals are delivered by Rory Hope, a Top 10 Billboard Dance Artist, whose expressive yet understated tone adds profound weight. The duo encountered Rory at IMS Ibiza in 2025, recognising his voice as ideal for the track. They penned the vocals, which Rory performed, followed by layering multiple takes to stack and blend harmonics for a haunting, cinematic quality. Subtle pitch treatments on select layers introduce movement and tension, preserving the lead’s human intimacy.
Production highlights include synthwave-leaning drums and percussion for forward momentum, with melodic components tailored to support the vocal’s emotional consistency. Once the main riff was established, the track coalesced seamlessly, aligning all elements toward a unified direction.
Nichols+Roark craft cinematic electronic music with a storyteller’s instinct, fusing deep grooves and story-led sound design. Rooted in progressive energy and indie dance attitude, they blend uplifting emotion with a driving pulse. Their releases span esteemed labels such as All Day I Dream, The Soundgarden, Selador, Balance, Mango Alley, and Manual, garnering support from global tastemakers.
Hailing from the UK, the duo first connected 27 years ago in Leeds, amid one of the UK’s hottest underground scenes in the 1990s and early 2000s. One promoted parties, the other performed at them, in a vibrant hub of creativity, chaos, and connection that profoundly influenced their sound, energy, friendship, and passion for dance culture.
Their musical journey began on the dancefloor, amassing over 10,000 hours each across clubs and festivals from Miami to Ibiza to Burning Man. For them, music transcends mere entertainment, it is a medium for release, storytelling, and connection. Pursuing it professionally stems from a desire to create meaningful experiences that stir emotions and inspire intentional movement, rather than seeking fame.
The partnership ignited in late-1990s Leeds, where booking DJs and performing sparked an immediate creative bond. Despite evolving personal and professional paths, they sustained their collaboration. Nichols refined production skills with Beatport #1s and label releases; Roark delved into entrepreneurship, publishing, and events.
Recent milestones include chart-topping releases on All Day I Dream and The Soundgarden, both going viral on socials supported by the label honchos Nick Warren and Lee Burridge. Regular releases on MANUAL and the Duo’s own label – SHIFT, alongside a growing number of remix requests, ensure a consistent stream of releases from these prolific producers. Sets at Pikes Ibiza, ADE, Gospel NYC and Beatrice Miami provide ideal airtime, amongst a sophisticated crowd, to showcase their own music, Influences and collaborations. The pair have also recently launched SHIFT MIXER, a new grassroots Community initiative for DJs, producers and industry heads to connect monthly, collaborate and listen to new music from a variety of artists in an iconic London pub. More than 150 DJs applied to play their first event, artists are deliberately unannounced so you never know who might pop in for a pint and a spin.
Over the years, Nichols+Roark have intersected with notable figures, but emphasise alignment over accolades. Current discussions with admired artists and labels focus on shared visions of music as a profound experience.
Influences Jimi Jules
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