Europe's Stars of '80s Dance Pop Vol. 2: 33 International Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers by James Arena


Europe's Stars of '80s Dance Pop Vol. 2: 33 International Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers
Title : Europe's Stars of '80s Dance Pop Vol. 2: 33 International Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
ISBN-10 : 9781543923148
Format Type : ebook
Number of Pages : -
Publication : Published March 9, 2018

Beginning early in the 1980s, dance-pop music artists in Europe and the UK ignited a high energy firestorm that burned across international borders. As exciting new beats flooded radio airwaves and filled the clubs, a generation of hitmakers got the world on its feet and brought people together as never before. In this book of original interviews, 33 celebrated singers, songwriters, producers and industry professionals who reached the top of the European, British and American charts during this era share personal memories of their lives, careers and unforgettable hits. They include Dutch remix master Ben Liebrand (“Lovely Day - The Sunshine Mix” by Bill Withers), Sven van Veen of MC Miker G DJ Sven (“Holiday Rap”), Walter Werzowa of Edelweiss (“Bring Me Edelweiss”), Engelbert Humperdinck (Träumen Mit Engelbert LP), Helen Scott of The Three Degrees (“The Heaven I Need”), Marcus Gabler of O.K. (“OKAY!”), Lino Nicolosi of Valerie Dore (“The Night”), Tracy Spencer (“Run To Me”), Tony Esposito (“Kalimba De Luna”), Chaz Jankel (“Glad To Know You”), Kurt René Plisnier of Opus (“Live Is Life”), Jean-Pierre Morgand of Les Avions (“Nuit Sauvage”), Stedman Pearson of Five Star (“System Addict”), Lian Ross (“Fantasy”), Francesco Napoli (“Balla..Balla - Italian Hit Connection”), Precious Wilson, Judy Cheeks, Savage, producer Christian de Walden and more. Special commentary by Sandy Marton (“People From Ibiza”) and Christa Mikulski (General Director of ZYX Records).

Europe's Stars of '80s Dance Pop Vol. 2: 33 International Hitmakers Discuss Their Careers Reviews

  • Jason

    Independently published (Bookbaby) follow-up to Arena's "Europe Stars Of 80s Dance Pop," which I purchased on Amazon immediately after I read the earlier volume. This book follows the same format as the previous volume and collects English language interviews (a gift to English-speaking music fans like myself) with more international artists from a variety of countries who had (mostly) huge pop hits during the 80s. This edition dives a bit deeper by finding several lesser-known artists (Francesco Napoli, Mc Miker G & DJ Sven--actually the interview is with DJ Sven alone), Edelweiss, Judy Cheeks, as well as some major hitmakers, such as Engelbert (Humperdinck), producer and remixer Ben Liebrand (who mixed an extraordinary number of major hits during the era), and Helen Scott of illustrious The Three Degrees. Even more than the first volume, this edition is ideal for hardcore fans of the music, and I'd argue that some of these less familiar artists give insights into the era that you don't always get from so-called A-listers. "Europe's Stars of 80s Dance Pop" and this edition, "Volume 2," have done something extraordinary in gathering together all these artists from around the world to discuss their lives, careers and music. I came away with a huge appreciation for their experiences and the history that these books contain. I am so glad I discovered these books (they can be easily missed in subject searches) and hope they are able to find a wider audience. These books are like biographical compilation albums--think "Now That's What I Call 80s Euro-pop."