Synkro is Manchester-based producer Joe McBride, whose music spans dubstep, UK garage, drum and bass, ambient and IDM. He emerged in the late 2000s and later developed a more atmospheric sound. His releases have appeared on Exit Records, Brownswood, Auxiliary, Med School and R&S Records.
Synkro released the EP North Star with Tom Jarmey and has worked with ASC and Arovane, including on the EP Refractive (Index). He formed the electronic duo Akkord with Liam Blackburn, also known as Indigo. His albums include Changes (2015) and Images (2019), both released through Apollo.
On Changes, McBride shifted toward ambient music and analog synthesizers. He has said he wanted to broaden Synkro’s sound toward ambient music and film soundtracks. Other EPs include Broken Promise and Acceptance. He also collaborated with Arovane on the EP Hand In Hand, and released the album Memories (2008–2011). His remixes include work for Model 500, Snow Patrol and Lowb.
DJs and producers who have supported Synkro’s music include Chris Coco, Giles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs, Prefuse 73 and dBridge. His 2025 appearances included Bruk and Ampere. In 2026, he played at SK1 Records and Panke, where the bill also included SGT Pokes, NINA, Torn, Formella, Dub Athlete, DUKU and Deximl.