GUSTAFFSON RETURN WITH RETRO-FUNK ANTHEM “DANCE TO THE ALGORITHM”

Following the widescreen drama of their critically acclaimed debut Black & White Movie, Liverpool-born singer-songwriter and actor Andrew Gower and his band Gustaffson return with “Dance To The Algorithm” — a vibrant, retro-funk anthem that asks a timely question about how we consume music in the digital age.

Produced by Craig Potter of Elbow, the track fuses vintage Motown swagger with Gustaffson’s cinematic flair, all while delivering a sharp critique of an era where, as Gower puts it, “people hear music — they don’t listen.” Inspired by a remark from Giles Martin at a Beatles 64 documentary screening, Gower turns that thought into a groove-driven meditation on creativity, connection, and the rhythm of modern life.

Its accompanying self-directed music video — featuring a lonely astronaut wandering Manchester in search of “real music” — extends the song’s theme into a poignant visual allegory for humanity, art, and imperfection in a world ruled by algorithms.

With two headline shows this November and a new album on the horizon, Gustaffson continue to expand their sonic and visual universe, bridging the worlds of music, cinema, and storytelling with rare conviction.

“Dance To The Algorithm” asks a provocative question about how we consume music in 2025. What inspired you to tackle this topic, and how does it reflect your views on music in the digital age?

At a Beatles 64 documentary screening in London - Giles Martin was asked the difference between the way people consumed in music In 1964 to 2025, his answer was "Nowadays people hear music. They don't listen". It stuck with me and he managed to articulate something I hadn't been able to. I went into the studio the next week with the lyric "Dance To The Algorithm". What is the rhythm of the algorithm?

My views on modern day music are it's fantastic we have SO much choice - its much easier to make music then it ever has been. Which is great. But sometimes, when there's so much choice and very little restrictions it doesn't always create the best art. I think it comes back to who we are writing music for? I know some artists are told to write a track, a certain length, BPM and style to satisfy the Algorithm. The machine. We can spend so much time in front of the screen - we forget about our audience.

The track channels retro-funk vibes reminiscent of early Mark Ronson Motown sounds. How did you and Craig Potter approach blending vintage influences with your cinematic, widescreen style?

We will naturally always lean toward vintage influences - music that stands the test of time and travels well is what I grew up listening to. But I guess it's our responsibility to make an audience want to listen again in 2025. Perhaps my lyrics and the end product is perceived as cinematic because of the Gustaffson films we make or my career as an actor? It's nice its become a 'thing' people expect when we release new music. I will forever be looking through the lyric book in every album I purchase.

The music video features a lonely astronaut navigating Manchester in search of real music. How does this visual narrative complement the themes of the song, and what was the creative process behind it?

Stand alone visuals and stories that ask questions rather than give literal answers always serve music well. With ‘Dance To The Algorithm’ we wanted to show off the everyday beauty of Manchester through the lens of an iconic 'other worldly' astronaut.

The astronaut is from a world were imperfection in music no longer exists - on the hunt for real music & real life. it was an exciting challenge recording a single & directing a music video at the same time. And nice to show off some of our favourite haunts in Manchester.

Following the success of Black & White Movie, how do you see Gustaffson evolving in 2026, both musically and visually? Are there new directions fans should expect?

Expect the unexpected. The next album is written and we will continue to tell stories through music. The next concept is something completely different and close to my heart. I learnt a lot about the music 'industry' releasing the first record with no representation or label.

Alongside a second album, we definitely want to take our music into long form TV and Film. I am developing a couple of projects that will be solely composed by myself & Gustaffon. We are very excited about this.

Your background spans music and acclaimed TV/film acting. How do your experiences in film and storytelling influence the way you write, produce, and perform Gustaffson’s music?

I have been lucky to serve some of the best writers in the UK and US on screen - the best drama is written with truth. But always to entertain. No word/shot on screen should ever be unnecessary or wasted. I like to take this same ethos into my music.

It does also help with live performances - our shows are all consuming for the audience and we want them to be present. You've bought a ticket and turned up - so we have a responsibility to give you an experience.