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The Cost of Loving Returns with Synth-Pop Gem 'Esports Player'

Updated: Oct 17, 2023




Nottingham-based trio The Cost Of Loving are back in the spotlight with their infectious new single, 'Esports Player.'


Drawing inspiration from iconic synth acts like New Order, Pet Shop Boys, with a subtle hint Tame Impala, the band offers a fresh, contemporary twist on a nostalgic synth-pop sound. 'Esports Player' is a shimmering blend of indie-electronic pop, filled with catchy wordplay, rhythmic synths, and infectious drum machine samples. The track reaffirms the band's distinct 80s-infused synth-pop sound, achieved through layers of analogue synth pads and plucky leads, creating a luscious sonic atmosphere above the repeating bassline and pulsating electronic beats.


At the core of the song is a melodic central hook, with lead vocals gliding above the soundscape, exuding a captivating commercial edge. The band reveals that the track has already become a crowd favorite during their live performances, making it the ideal choice as the lead single from their upcoming EP.


Lead vocalist Jack shares the creative process behind 'Esports Player,' saying, "I came up with the verse melody a few years ago while driving on a dark motorway. The original opening line was: 'The streetlights run out; the cat’s eyes close' (a play on the reflective studs on the motorway). I recorded the verse melody over some chords played through a Rhodes plugin when I got home but left it on the creative backburner."


The pandemic brought an unexpected resurgence for the song. Jack explains, "I revisited the track during the pandemic, around the time I was adjusting to working on Microsoft Teams and only interacting with people through screens and instant messenger. That's when the theme developed around the social isolation created by the digital age. I'm also sort of bewildered by the idea of people playing video games as a professional sport or filming themselves in the act for their millions of followers... that's where the title came from."


The recording process was a journey in itself. Jack continued, "Having written and laid down all the parts at home, I recorded the vocals at ROFL Studios in Nottingham, which has now sadly closed. I then sent the files to Lee McCarthy & Ady Hall (Sugar House) to mix and produce remotely due to the pandemic restrictions at the time. It was a weird way of working, as I wasn't present in the room for this part of the process, but that makes perfect sense with the song's topic and how it makes me feel."


Since their live debut opening at The Bodega during the Dot To Dot Festival in May 2023, The Cost of Loving has experienced significant growth, earning daytime rotation on BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC Radio Leicester, and a spot on Spotify's 'We Are Nottingham' editorial playlist. As they release more new material, the band is on a trajectory towards their first full project, solidifying their place in the indie-electronic music scene. 'Esports Player' is yet another testament to The Cost of Loving's ability to blend nostalgia with the contemporary, all while exploring the complexities of the digital age through their music.




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