Sharfla

Sharfla is an international electro-synth project based in Sydney, formed by Roncey Horton and Paul Worth. The act blends electro, pop and bass music with a focus on swirling synths, heavy bass lines and programmed beats, alongside Roncey Horton’s vocal style.

Formation and early development

Roncey Horton and Paul Worth meet in London in the early 2000s and later spend time in a small town in Scotland, where they begin developing the project. Paul Worth brings a background as a professional drummer in jazz and funk, while Roncey Horton contributes vocals and lyrics. The two then move to Edinburgh, where they start releasing music as Sharfla in 2009.

Releases

Sharfla self-releases the debut EP Shiny Shiny in 2011. The duo follows this with a second self-released EP, On the Outside, in 2013. In 2014, the project issues a single on the Los Angeles label Synth City, another single on Kaleidosphere Records, and the EP The Bitter Pill.

Recognition and activity

Sharfla wins Best Electronic Record at the Scottish New Music Awards in 2012. In 2013, the project is named Soundclouder of the Day, which helps bring the music to a larger online audience. The duo also makes festival appearances during this period.

Sound

The project’s music combines synth lines, bass-heavy production and dance-oriented rhythm with what is described as a sweet vocal style, placing it across pop, dance, synthpop, electronica and electro-pop house territory.