Onetwo

Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, Paul Humphreys (formerly of OMD & The Listening Pool) & Claudia Brucken (of Propaganda & Act fame) join forces to deliver one of the most satisfying & delectable electronic pop offerings in recent years. Having dubbed their new Art Machine “Onetwo”, Humphreys & Brucken have released the first fruits of their labours in a fantastic EP format. The release is called “Item” and ÜberSonik are pleased to offer it to you.

Paul Humphreys was the stellar keyboardist of the seminal British synth duo Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, a group for which he also wrote songs, and even occasionally took over Lead vocal duties. Upon his somewhat acrimonious departure from OMD in the early 90’s, he formed The Listening Pool with 2 of his OMD co-horts, and released just one album before that group folded. Claudia Brucken was the voice and embodied the image of the legendary and avant garde German synth quartet, Propaganda. Claudia also did her time in the critically-acclaimed pop duo, Act following her time in Propaganda.

Kind permission of www.omd.uk.com

Humphreys & Brucken began working together in 2000 after a short tour of the US as “Paul Humphreys of OMD: OMD Revisited”. Kicking off in Salt Lake City, and hitting other OMD strongholds like Los Angeles, Chicago, & Seattle, the tour was well-received by fans & critics alike. On the tour they performed songs from both OMD & Propaganda. The fans loved it, and so did Paul & Claudia. So much so, that they decided to take their collaboration into the studio.

The melding of their creative minds has resulted in their new project, Onetwo. Onetwo carries on the electronic traditions of both OMD & Propaganda. But don’t make the mistake of assuming that Onetwo is nothing more than a re-packaged & Re-issued version of either band. While there are obvious sonic references to both OMD & Propaganda, there is a fresh & exciting air about Onetwo’s material. They stand on their own quite effectively. And they’ve created an image & identity that’s all their own.

Having worked with Paul in the past as the promoter & creator of the Synthstock 2000 music festival, Jimm Kjelgaard continued his friendship with Paul & Claudia long after the show & tour had ended. In 2003 Jimm approached Paul & Claudia with his cutting-edge ÜberSonik marketing & distribution platform, and offered them the chance to be the first Artist to try out the formula and see if it could succeed.

Shortly thereafter, Paul & Claudia organised their own label, (there)there, and in a daring move, took Jimm & ÜberSonik up on their offer. As Onetwo, Paul & Claudia then became the first Established Artists to release new material exclusively on eBay.

In June of 2004 Onetwo released their first recording. A 5-track EP rather wittily titled “Item”.

It is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that Onetwo chose to release Item exclusively on eBay. The EP contains 5 Electronic Pop gems, and the hipness factor is increased ten-fold by the inclusion of Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. Mister Gore co-wrote & contributed his guitar chops to one the EP’s finer tracks. Further bolstering the quality & impact of the EP is the involvement of Über producer, Bob Kraushaar, who has produced classics for the very best in the business. (ie: Pet shop Boys, Erasure, Propaganda, etc.)

The first pressing of the EP sold out in just a few short months. The second pressing of the Item EP is currently available with different cover artwork, and the clever designation of “Colour Variant -5” now included in the title.

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Onetwo performed their debut gig in September of 2004 at the Carling Academy at Islington in the UK. It was a rousing success. They performed their original Onetwo material as well as favourites from both OMD and Propaganda. The crowd was treated to a special moment as Claudia’s former Propaganda bandmate, Susan Freytag joined her onstage for smashing renditions of “Dr. Mabuse” and “P-Machinery”.

A full-length album is expected in 2005, as well as some live dates in Europe & the UK. Additional tour dates are anticipated for North America as well.

For additional info & history on Onetwo please refer to their official website at www.theremusic.com