Duologue

Duologue are a UK-based band from London, formed by Tim Digby-Bell and Toby Leeming while they are at Edinburgh University. The pair begin by making music on a computer, handling vocals, live programming and beats, before expanding the project into a full group because the material is too large for a duo to perform on its own.

The line-up grows to include Seb Dilleyston on violin, Toby Lee on guitar and Ross Stone on bass. Dilleyston brings live string parts and previously trains with the violinist Maria Eitler. The group work in electronic, indie, experimental, rock and alternative territory, and they develop a sound that combines programmed elements with acoustic instrumentation.

Before their debut album, Duologue self-produce and release two EPs. The album is shaped over a year of preparation, with the band refining a large set of demos before recording. Producer Jim Abbiss, known for work with Adele, Arctic Monkeys and Ladytron, then joins the project in a co-production role. In March 2012, the band and Abbiss record in a Chatham studio, where digital synths are replaced with analogue equipment, programmed strings give way to real strings, and a church organ is added.

Duologue also win Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6 Music unsigned contest, receive airplay on John Kennedy’s XFM show, and perform a live session on NME Radio.