British "nu-disco" trio Patawawa blend the old-school sounds of '70s disco and '80s synth pop for a smooth, melodic, uplifting dancefloor experience. Patawawa was formed in 2014 in sleepy Matlock, Derbyshire, in the heart of England, by schoolfriends Rory Lovatt (songwriting and instrumentation) and Sam Wilmot (vocals), who had been making music together since they were 14. Having written a few songs that they thought would suit a female vocalist, they auditioned Beth Garrett, who also attended their school, and hired her on the spot. Bringing together classic influences ranging from Chic and Sister Sledge to Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, and Kate Bush, they crafted a retro sound filtered through a modern indie electronic prism. They released tracks online and got a boost after an appearance on local radio and began gigging, earning fans nationwide with their happy, positive vibes. After the digital EPs Hold Tight and Bedroom, they released their first physical single, "Wires," in 2019; their debut album Power-Up followed in 2021. ~ John D. Buchanan