Basic Element
Biography
Basic Element is a Swedish eurodance group formed in Malmö in 1992. Originating from that city, they reached their peak in the mid-1990s, made a comeback in 2005, and continue to release new tracks.
Originally the lineup comprised programmers and keyboardists Peter Thelenius (aka Petrus) and Cesar Zamini, along with singer Zetma Prenbo. After several rejected demos, EMI contacted them in 1993 and they released their first single, Move me, as Basic Element. Although it received little radio play, the track was warmly received by DJs and charted high in the Swedish dance charts.
1994 marked a turning point with the single The promise man, which became a major hit and reached number one on nearly all Scandinavian dance charts. The following singles, Touch and Leave it behind, confirmed the momentum. Their debut album, Basic Injection, sold 35,000 copies in Sweden alone.
In 1995 the second album, The Ultimate Ride, also met with great success. The same year, Zetma Prenbo, who was pregnant, left the group and was replaced by Saunet Sparell. With songs such as The Ride, Queen of love, The Fiddle and This must be dream, Basic Element established itself as one of Sweden’s leading dance acts.
In 1996 Peter Thelenius and Cesar Zamini went their separate ways. Peter kept the name Basic Element and shifted musically toward disco with producer Stefan Andersson, a direction EMI initially saw as risky. Unexpectedly, the single Shame, taken from the album Star Tracks, entered the top 10 in Japan, the Benelux, Spain, Germany and Italy, helping the group become an international act. After a world tour and three dance albums, the group took a break.
In 1997 Peter Thelenius released a solo album under the pseudonym Petrus, including a cover of Listen to your heart that reached the top 10. Basic Element gave only one performance that year, but a major one, opening for Michael Jackson before 85,000 people in Tallinn.
In 1998 Peter sought to relaunch Basic Element. Saunet Sparell, having declined a solo contract offer, left the group. After an audition, Marie Fredriksson became the new singer.
The group’s lineup has evolved over time. The current formation consists of Peter Thelenius, Linda Thelenius and Jonas Wesslander. Former members include Zetma Prenbo, Saunet Sparell, Marie Fredriksson, Andrea Myrander and Mathias Olofson.