Egma is a contraction of the first two characters of Ege Van Kruysdijk and Marcel Theunissen (also known for BWX "Can You Feel It" in 1995), the producers behind this project. When they first met (both working as disc-jockey in the same club) they found out they had a great deal in common. It appeared that both Ege and Marcel made mixes for different Dutch radio stations. They decided to bring together their equipment and to focus their creativity on the same target.
An employee of record company Arcade heard an annual mix of Ege and Marcel and was very enthusiastic about it. He contacted them and asked them to make the "TechnoTrance" and "HouseParty" mixes for Arcade. Through these activities they came into contact with the Bounce Records (remember 2 Brothers On The 4th Floor...) label for whom they made a couple of remixes before scoring an enormous hit with the title "I Want You" by the group Usha, a composition of their hands. As 1993 advanced, they came up with the concept for Egma, which stands for cheerful, earcatching and melodious Eurodance.
Egma is not just another record project, but a real dance band at the same time, bringing a fantastic live show on the stage. At first the group consisted of singer Hank and the lady singers/dancers Margo and Natasja. Together they made the singles "Never Gonna Loose Your Love" (Autumn 93) and "Love Is..."(Autumn 94) which were successful in various countries. "Never Gonna Loose Your Love" even reached the number one position in France. Unfortunately Hank left the group in December 1994 for personal reasons. However, the remaining members were certainly not dispirited by this setback, but went for a thorough search for a good substitute. After numerous auditions Michael Robby, an extremely talented 21-year-old singer/dancer was unanimously selected among more than 100 candidates.
The new Egma have signed a worldcontract with Arcade in January 1995 and was expected to start grandiosely with the international release of their single "Make My Day" in March/April 1995, precursing their album that appeared in the course of 1995. Since the single "Tell It To My Heart" in Fall 95, no new single from Egma came out. In France, all their records came out under Airplay Records/Polygram Distribution France, their French record company.
Gala's hit record "Freed From Desire" (ref. 192200.2 Scorpio Records) blown all the European Dance charts up and was the Best Saling single of 1996. Now she's back with a still powerfull song "Let A Boy Cry" (ref. 192260.2 Scorpio Records) , featuring her so unique voice and melodies, ingredients for a hit. But who is Gala ? At the age of 16, she left her native town of Milano in Italy to travel all over Europe. She decided to learn every kind of dance style (ballet, flamenco, African dance etc...), several music instruments (guitar, drums...) and finally photography at the Laban Center in London. Then, she went to New York where she improved her knowledge in dance & singing at the Tish School of Arts. Gala Rizzatto met her producer Maurizio Mollela (a famous Disc Jockey & producer of Dutch "Sound Lovers") for the first time in a night club of Milano. Molella gave her the chance to record the songs that she wrote : "Everyone As Inside" (On The Beat/Happy Music France/Sony Music France-Do It Yourself Italy) in 95 (the 96 remix came out in 1996 ref. OTB 2257-1). Then, "Freed From Desire" (ref. 192200.2 Scorpio Records) was released also in 1996 and became quickly N°l in 3 weeks in Italy, as well as in France and all over Europe. Gala now lives in Greenwich Village, New York. Her records came out in France under Scorpio Records-Polygram Distribution and are licensed from Do It Yourself SAS Italy. You can see her videos ("Freed From Desire" & "Let A Boy Cry") on MCM.
Paradisio doesn't come from Ibiza but from Belgium even if their songs are 100 % in Spanish. The female singer, Marisa was born on the 29 of May 1970 in Malaga. But when she speaks, it's more in French than in the Cervantés' language ! Meanwhile, she always loved to sing in French or in Spanish. Therefore, Luc Rigaux and Patrick Samoy, aka The Unity Mixers, noticed her and asked her to create the group Paradisio and to record the first single "Un Clima Ideal". In fact, after the success of Los Del Mar's "Macarena", the choice of Spanish imposed on the group. "This language refers to holidays & sun" according to Marisa. The group also includes Pina, the choreographer, and Olivier, the dancer alias Crazy Lover. Their second record "Bailando" reached N°1 in Europe during summer '96 and was "Gold record" (100,000 copies sold) in Belgium. Their third single "Bandolero" was released in Belgium exclusively in January and the video was shot in Tobaggo. They recorded their first album in March. The new single "Vamos A La Discoteca" came out in May all over Europe. All their records came out under Dance Development-CNR Music Europe.
Cartouche, the group of Belgian producer Serge Ramaekers also producer of Dutch group T-Spoon, is back with a new song "Running Up That Hill" which is a Dance cover of the original song by Kate Bush. It sounds like a compromise between B.B.E. and Robert Miles. It contains 4 mixes (ref 740235-3 ARS Belgium/EW 773). Cartouche is one of the most popular Dance act of Europe. It has been existing since 1990 with "Feel The Groove". Then in 1991 "Do Your Thing" came out (ref 190 109 2 ARS Belgium). In 1993, the single "Shame" (ref. OTB 1080-1), produced by The Unity Mixers (P. Samoy & L. Rigaux)(same producers as Rozlyne Clarke, Paradisio...), came out. In 1994, the 94 remix of "Feel The Groove" came out (ref 740 012 2), "Touch The Sky" came out (ref 740 068 3 ARS) followed by "Miracles" in 1995 (ref 740 107 3 ARS). In 1996, they produced "Feel The Rain". They have been touring a lot in France nightclubs during 1995. Let's notice that Levy 9 also did a Dream cover of "Running Up That Hill" in 1996 (ref 30364 1 Full Ace Music France/Union SARL Italy).
The new Mr. President's album "Nightclub" is out in Europe. Their new single "Jo Jo Action" still features Lazy D and his 2 female singers. This new track sounds like "Coco Jamboo" in worst... It isn't very original and the melody doesn't really manage to hang you. Let's wait for the next single... At the same time, "Coco Jambo-Remixes" is coming out in the UK, one year after its European release... Is UK part of Europe ???
Rozlyne Clarke (her real name is Roslyn Howell) is the most popular Australian artist in France and in Belgium. Her carreer could be compared to the one of Indra because of their strong links with France. Let me explain you... In 1990, Rozlyne was playing the musical comedy "Cats" in Paris while a friend of her was auditioning for French producer Skorsky. Unfortunately, she was refused but she presented Rozlyne... and, guess what, Rozlyne was the one. Her first single "Eddy Steady Go" was produced by Nicolas "Headburn" Skorsky in 1990. Also in 199O, her second single "Gorgeous" and her first album also called "Gorgeous" (ref. 50134 Airplay Records/Network Music Group/Evasion Music/Carrere France) came out and was, for most of the 8 tracks, produced by Skorsky and Eddy Beatboxking, the producer on the first & the second albums of Indra. She had 4 hits in France, "Eddy Steady Go", "Gorgeous", "Dancin' Is Like Makin' Love" in 1991 (ref. 9031-753922 Airplay Records/Network Music Group/Evasion Music/Carrere France) and "The Wizard of Roz" in 1992. In 1993 and 1994, "Eddy Steady Go '93" (ref. 4509 945992 Ramdam Factory/Carrere France-ARS Productions Belgium) & "Dancin' Is Like Makin' Love '94" (ref. 4509 957082 Ramdam Factory/Carrere France-ARS Productions Belgium) were remixed by the Belgian team "The Unity Mixers" and became N°1 once again in the French Dance charts for several weeks. In 1995, she went in Belgium to produce her second album "Faithfull" (ARS Productions Belgium/East West only available in Belgium) with belgian producer. The singles taken from this album are "Givin' Up, Givin' In", "I Wanna See U", "Take My Hand" & "Knockin' Me Out", 4 Eurodance tracks. Now she is back in France with again new producers : in November 96 "I Need You" produced by L.F. Bongarçon and J.L. Bianchina (ref. 120562 MU 764 Joker Music/Musidisc/Warner France), in December 96 featuring the project Let-Motiv "Ecoute Bien Ces Mots/Got To Find The Light" (ref. 5732732 Black Machine/Square Prod/Polygram Distribution France) and more recently in April 97 "I'm On Fire/Quel Tempérament de Feu" (ref. 120882 MU 764 Joker Music/Musidisc/Warner France).
Loft means "Live Our Father's Teachings" which is also a song on the "Love Is Magic" maxi CD (ref. 74321 195552 BMG/RCA). Loft comes from Hamburg in Germany and its members are the brothers C. Williams and R. Williams, and has had various vocalists, including Lori Glori, from Intermission. They have already released two albums: "Wake The World" and "Future World". Produced by Cyborg DMP (Michael Eisele and Dietmar Stehle), Loft makes a very upbeat sound, varying from euro-dance to what is called euro-reggae (an electronic reggae style). Three major singles can be pointed out : "Summer Summer" in 1993 (ref. 74321 147642 BMG/RCA Germany), the mega-hit "Love Is Magic" in 1994 and "Don't Stop Me Know" in 1995 (ref. DROHM 013/Flying Records Italy-BMG Germany). Their last single "Mallorca" is an homage to one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. You can see the video "Mallorca" of Loft during the "Dance World" program on PolSat 2 (1350 H on Eutelsat, see Dance TV page for more details about satellite reception) on Friday evening from 8:30 pm (maybe 8:00 pm) to 9:00 pm Central Europe Time. This new single came out in the middle of 1996 under DancePool/Sony Music and came out in Poland in May 1997.
26 years old German DJ, Sascha Lappessen, aka Sash!, is now completely involved in music. After several jobs (barman in a nightclub, light-jockey, electronician), he is now the DJ of a big nightclub near Nordhein-Westfalen in Germany. After the success of his first single "It's My Life", he recorded "Encore Une Fois" (means "One More Time" in French) with Sabine Ohmes, a student in French, who does the female vocals on it. The new single "Ecuador" came out on the 6th of May and is taken from the album "It's My Life-The Album". It features Adrian Rodriguez, a German dance artist who released the single "Attacke" in 1995 (L.K. Productions/Deep Groove Records Germany-Airplay Records/Polygram Distribution France ref. 579123-2). His records came out under X-It Germany label, Byte Blue Belgium & Full Ace Music France. A new album will also be released at the end of June begining of July according to his latest interview with Daisy Dee on Club Rotation.
The second album of 17 years old German megastar, I mean Blümchen, comes out on the 5th of May 1997. It is called "Verliebt"(see picture) and includes her new single "Nur Geträumt" (see picture). At the age of 12, Blümchen (pronounced BLOOM-shin and meaning "little flower") was already tra-la-la-ing in the school choir and secretely dreaming of someday becoming a professional singer. A few years later, this dream was a reality. It all started when her friends took her to a "New German Wave" party where she made the acquaintance of producer team Paralyzer and Stani Djukanovic. Knocked out by her magnetism, her passion, and most of all by her voice, Paralyzer and Stani were determined to bring Blümchen into the studio and to shoot her to stardom. And the old Paso Doble song would be the vehicle to carry her. Since then the media have been won over by Blümchen, too. Radio, TV and the press loved Blümchen from the word go. And thanks to her steadily growing throng of fans, she immediately skyrocketed into the top of the German single charts. All her records came out on Peer Music/Edel Germeny Records. Let's notice that her first singles "Herz An Herz", "Du Und Ich" and her first album "Herzfrequenz" were also sang in English for international releases under the name of Blossom (means "Blümchen" in English).
"Temple Of Love" is the new single of German Dance band Pharao which changed its visual with a new female singer and no more rapper but didn't change their music style. Their first single "I Show You Secrets" (DancePool 660422 2) came out in Europe on the 10th of August 94 followed by "The Secret Remixes of Pharao" (DAN 660422 5) and "Remix 2" (DAN 660422 0). In fall 94, "There Is A Star" (DAN 660979 2 & "Remixes" DAN 660979 5) was a blockbuster in the European Dance charts and was followed by the album "Pharao" (DAN 478153 2). Then in May 95, their third single "World Of Magic" (DAN 661363 2 & "Remixes" DAN 661363 5) was released. Their new single "Temple Of Love" came out in Germany and in Poland. The video is broadcast in Europe exclusively on PolSat 2 (1350 H on Eutelsat, see Dance TV page for more details about satellite reception) in the TV program "Speed 5" on Thrusday from 14h00 to 14h25 Central Europe Time (France, Germany, Spain, Italy). Next broadcast of the video on the 8th of May 97. Don't miss it, it really worth to be watched !
Indra is 29 years old and comes from Sweden. She now lives in France and is engaged with a French basketball trainer, Hervé Dubuisson. She was discovered in 1990 by French producer, Paul Taiclet, and recorded in Belgium "Let's Go Crazy" which announced the begining of her carreer. This single came out in France during the Summer 90. Then, in July 91 "Misery" was released in France. In December 91, her first album "Temptation" were released all over Europe (France of course, Germany, Sweden, Estonia) as well as her new single "Temptation". In July 92, "Tell Me" was released and received little success. The 24th of December 92, her second album "Together Tonight" and the new single "Gimme What's Real" were released in France exclusively. Two more songs were taken for single from this album : "Rescue Me" (a slow song) (Summer 93) and "Yesterday Is History (Tomorrow Is A Mystery)" (October 93). This album were also a major success in France. Then on the 23rd of March 94, her "Best Of" album came out and featured all of her hits plus 4 unreleased songs. The singles that came out at the same time were two of these 4, "Hollywood" in July 94. "Save My Life" & "Save My Life (Remixes)" came out in September 94. In May 95, she was back with a brand new album produced by DJ Bobo and Masterboy. Unfortunately, what was expected to be a "booster" in her carreer has been her first album that didn't meet success. Personaly, I think that the album "Anywhere" is the best of the 4 she did because all of the 11 tracks are pure Eurodance and remind us DJ Bobo's and Masterboy's songs. Meanwhile, two tracks from this album came out in France, "Anywhere" and "We Belong Together", both produced by Axel Breitung. After a 2-year break, Indra is back with a new single "Message For You" (April 97), a groovy song... but beware of the remixes which reveal to be really "Dance". The next album will came out in September 97... All these singles and albums came out in France on Orlando/East West/Warner Music Group.
The Web site of Intercord Germany (Captain Hollywood, General Base, Interactive...) is on http://www.intercord.de.
Who is Space Master ? This group was created by 3 Italian people : G.Fanelli, P.Peroni, A.Carino in 1992. Their first single feat. D.J.G. was "I Need You" and has been a success all over Europe, especially in France, Italy and Spain. Then "Jumping To The Party" came out in Summer 93 and also became N°1 in these countries. "Step On" came out in Spring 94 but didn't receive the expected success. In 1995, Space Master changed of faces with a new female singer and a male dancer who sang "In The Name Of Love" a good eurodance track (4 mixes-DJ Movement Italy 95). In May 1996, they were back with again a new singer, Michelle Weeks, and a new song "World Of Confusion" which was supposed to be a Dance "70's Disco" track. But in front of the success of the "Video mix" this song is known as a pure Eurodance track. Let's notice that the original version "70's classic mix" is completely different from the "Video mix". The latest single featuring M. Weeks came out in December 96 and is called "Hold Me Baby" (4 mixes-DJ Movement Italy 96). If you loved "World Of Confusion" then you will like this new track ! All these singles came out in France on Airplay Records/Polygram Distribution France and in Italy on DJ Movement Records.
All the brand new web sites of every Dance Music French Labels are on http://www.universal-world.com/. You will find the web sites of Ramdam Factory, 3 Sniper, CNR Music, Do It Music, Happy Music, Joker Music, etc... So go and check this out ! What's the best Dance site to keep you informed ?!...
Energy 52, alias Kid Paul, is back with his 1993 major hit "Café Del Mar", a pure Trance anthem with a specific and unforgettable melody. This new version is really different from the original one and the melody only appears at the 2/3rd of the song. It is still an instrumental song and it is remixed by Three'n One, the new project from Low Spirit Records, "Sin City" & "Reflect". The video for this remix (that you can see now on VIVA) was shot in Ibiza, the summer temple of nightclubbers, near the East coast of Spain, and features... DJ Supreme ("Tha Wildstyle" in December 96). In 1993, the original version was published by Art Connection/Moonquake/Musikedition Discoton in Europe. Moreover, the same year, a cover version by the group "10:52" was published in France on Panic Records/Polygram Distribution (ref. 859 873-2) which is quite good; in fact this project "10:52" was produced by Beat Paul-Frankie Fischer, well-known in France for their group Bell-Bar and lots of "one success" groups.
The new Marusha's single "Ur Life" came out on February in Germany and is going well in the German charts. This single is less "technoïfied" than her former hit "Secret" but it is good to see that this German female dee-jay can still be creative. Her first single was released in 1993 and is called "Whatever Turns You On". The single that revealed Marusha was a technodance cover of well-known stupid song "Over The Rainbow" in 1994 . Then everything went fast for her carreer and she was boosted from a dee-jay to a singer with "It Takes Me Away" and entertainer for a weekly music show in 1994 on German TV ZDF. In 1995, she put an end to her tv carreer in order to concentrate on music and released "Raveland" that has been a major success too all over Europe. In June 1995, "Deep" came out and in July "Deep The Remixes". In November 1995, "Unique" and "Unique The Remixes" came out. In February 1996, "Secret" came out and in April 1996 the remixes of this single. They are taken from her album "Wir" that came out on Low Spirit label / BMG Germany.
Probably the most famous Dance band on earth, Black Box Italian team comes back with a brand new single "Native New Yorker". Two maxis CDs are available on Manifesto Records UK/Groove Groove Melody/Mercury Records UK, each of them contains 3 mixes + "Not Anyone" (ref. 574001-2) or "A Positive Vibration" (formers N°1 in UK Dance chart) (ref. 578999-2). The female singer Charvoni still manages to spellbound us with her huge & groovy voice. She is the new singer on every Black Box songs since September 1993 with "Rockin' To The Music" (Deconstruction/RCA UK), "Not Anyone" on July 1994, "Not Anyone (UK Remixes)" on July 1995, "A Positive Vibration" on January 1996, "I Got The Vibration" on April 1996. She also sang on Darootz' (produced Black Box) single "My Warrior, My Saviour" on June 1995 (Seven Inch Limited London-Airplay Records/Polygram France 579 549 2).
Any requests about this great site or any questions about Dance from 1989 until now ?... Don't hesitate, just e-mail me !
Fred's Dance Web Site. The number one French site about Eurodance on the Web.
March 1997.