Question 1

What is The Blue Algorithm?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Algorithm is an independent record label and creative studio founded by Melissa Geurts in New York. It releases music, develops apps, and publishes writing about creativity, technology, and feelings that don't have names yet. Everything it makes is built on Emotional UX: the principle that technology should serve nervous systems, not overwhelm them.

Question 2

What is Emotional UX?

Accepted Answer

Emotional UX is a design philosophy developed by Melissa Geurts that centers the felt experience of technology. It asks: how does this feel in someone's body? Does it support or deplete? It prioritizes nervous system safety, somatic honesty, and emotional mirroring over engagement metrics and productivity. The full Emotional UX Field Guide is published at melissageurts.com/the-emotional-ux-manifesto.

Question 3

Who is Melissa Geurts?

Accepted Answer

Melissa Geurts is a Canadian electronic musician and Group Executive Creative Director at Good Housekeeping. She makes dark synth-pop under the name melissageurts with nearly 1 million streams across 150 countries. She sings in English, French, and Dutch. She is the founder of The Blue Algorithm and creator of the Emotional UX Field Guide.

Question 4

What is maintenance mode?

Accepted Answer

maintenance mode is the second album from melissageurts, released March 27, 2026 on The Blue Algorithm. 13 tracks sung in English, French, and Dutch. Dark synth-pop about the emotional limbo after healing — the quiet, boring middle where nothing explodes and nothing resolves. Available on all streaming platforms and on limited edition cobalt blue vinyl.

Question 5

What kind of music does Melissa Geurts make?

Accepted Answer

Melissa Geurts makes dark synth-pop and glitch-pop described as nervous system anthems. Critics have compared her to KOMPROMAT, Robyn, ionnalee, Geneva Jacuzzi, and Boy Harsher. SoundVille called maintenance mode the most honest electropop album of the year.

Question 6

What else does The Blue Algorithm make besides music?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Algorithm develops apps rooted in emotional technology, publishes a newsletter on creativity and AI at thebluealgorithm.substack.com, and produces the Audio Spells podcast on Spotify. It also offers Emotional UX consulting.

Question 7

How can I contact The Blue Algorithm?

Accepted Answer

You can reach The Blue Algorithm at melissa@thebluealgorithm.com for press, sync licensing, Emotional UX consulting, collaboration, or general inquiries.

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