50/50 Synthpop Duo Drops New Album


In the late 1970s, when the landscape of music was shifting rapidly, two British talents were quietly building something extraordinary. In 1979, singer David Cowles and producer and multi-instrumentalist Richard Haines teamed up to form the synthpop duo known as 50/50.

What made their endeavor particularly fascinating was the context surrounding their creative partnership. Both Cowles and Haines were already navigating demanding careers outside of the music world, leaving them little time for conventional artistic commitments. Yet, rather than letting their busy schedules dictate their creative output, they found a way to carve out space for their musical ambitions.

Instead of striving for immediate, full-time dedication, the duo embraced a collaborative, persistent approach. They committed to meeting every week, spending multiple nights immersed in the world of sound, crafting melodies, and developing unique sonic textures.

This intensive, dedicated collaboration resulted in an astonishing body of work. Over the span of their time together, 50/50 amassed a catalogue of more than 150 tracks. This vast collection represented a wealth of untapped creativity, a glittering reservoir of synthpop potential that, for reasons unknown, largely remained undiscovered by the public.

The story of 50/50 is a perfect example of the power of persistent, focused artistry. It speaks to the idea that some of the most brilliant music is born not from singular focus, but from a shared commitment to the process, regardless of external pressures.

While the full extent of their catalogue remained largely private, the eventual release of some of these tracks offered a glimpse into the rich, experimental sounds they had developed during their time as 50/50.

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