Disco Dance 3, 1989 Barbara Europian Italo Hit by Marcello

That morning in Hilversum, we first met Florian Fadinger, label manager at Ala Bianca in Modena (Italy). He’s been a good friend of Frits van Swoll from High Fashion (Dureco) for years. Under his responsibility, “Ciao Boys” (Asia 1019, see Italo reviews in the February issue of Disco Dance), another track by Barbara, was released. Just a note for the import lovers.

Astrology

And then Barbara herself arrived—wow, what a presence! Of course, you already had an idea from our cover photo, but the reality surpasses everything! She sat across from us, looking at us with a pair of eyes… that would leave you speechless—but we were there to talk! And we did, in Italian. So I ask you: have you ever had breakfast like that?

Her real name is indeed Barbara: Barbara Marani, from Verona. She’s seventeen years old and her zodiac sign is Leo. In Italy, that’s always mentioned, and coincidentally, Barbara is also very interested in astrology. When she’s not at fashion school, she enjoys horseback riding.

Since when have you been singing?
“For a while now. But last year I sang with a demo cassette in a nightclub, and my current manager was there. Since then, things have moved quickly.”

Why the choice for the old Raffaella Carrà hit?
“The initiative came from High Fashion’s Frits van Swoll, in consultation with music publisher Edizioni Sugar in Italy.”

Full of energy and warmth

How have the reactions been to your version so far?
“Not bad: ranging from ‘nice track’ to ‘festive disco.’ At one of the broadcasters (NCRV, I think), I was even the tip-of-the-week, or whatever you call it. People are very enthusiastic.”

And what do you think of it yourself?
“I sing it with great pleasure. You can really energize and challenge the audience with it—it’s full of energy and warmth!”

Is Raffaella also a role model for you as a singer and showwoman, or do you have someone else in mind?
“Neither: I want to build my own image.”

What kind of music do you like personally?
“At home, I mostly listen to Michael Jackson and Madonna—usually while watching their videos too, because I find their dance and movement styles very unique and inspiring.”

We’ve seen that you can really hold your own on stage when given the chance. Where have you performed so far?
“Not in many places yet, since I’m just starting out. But I’ve been on Sky Television in the Netherlands and done recordings for RAI in Italy.”

International

So the international aspect was there from the beginning: a Dutch (High Fashion) initiative leads to recordings in Italy, which are then further developed in the Netherlands and (in terms of rights) sold worldwide. The record is already set to be released in Scandinavia, Spain, Italy of course, Germany, Greece, and Israel! This also happened with Tatjana’s records: the Italian super-duo Farina and Crivellente composed and produced “Chica Cubana” and “Awake Boy,” which were international successes.

It’s logical that High Fashion continues this unique path: now with Justian’s “Shake” and soon with the LP from the aforementioned Tatjana.

Will this approach also lead to an LP for you?
“Yes, I’m very happy that those plans exist! Japan is especially interested!”

Will “Ciao Boys” be on it too? That’s the track that first made you known among Dutch import fans.
“Definitely, and hopefully with more summery songs!”

Wouldn’t that also be something for Festivalbar, the open-air music spectacle with its finale in your hometown Verona?
“Mmm, well. I’m hoping I’ll be part of it—in the tour program and in the arena of Verona for the final!”

Well Barbara, we’re rooting for you. And also that High Fashion continues to create such unique projects! Things are going great—ciao Barbara, “Ciao boys”!