Dune

Dune is a German rave and happy hardcore group founded in 1995 by Oliver Froning and Jens Oettrich; the name is taken from Frank Herbert’s science fiction novels.

Their first single, Hardcore Vibes, is notable for using juvenile voices — Janine, Oliver Froning’s 11-year-old cousin, performs on it. The following single, Are You Ready to Fly?, established the group’s signature style, blending catchy melodies with high-pitched vocals.

In 1996 the group released the album Forever, which incorporates classical-style compositions performed with the London Session Orchestra; shortly after, lead singer Verena von Strenge left to pursue a solo career.

The group returned in 1998 with new singer Vanessa Hörster and released the albums Keep the Secret and Electric Heaven, the latter failing to achieve the expected commercial success. Verena von Strenge rejoined late in 1999.

The single Dark Side of the Moon was issued as a precursor to an album titled Reunion, which was ultimately canceled due to legal issues related to the title Heaven. The group’s last known release is Rainbow to the Stars 2003, a new version of one of their earlier hits.

Other participants in the project include Aaron Siegner and Oliver Sasse (both known by their real names).

Several other artists have used the name Dune, notably an alias of Finnish demoscene musician Brothomstates, a pseudonym used in the early 1990s by British drum and bass producer Ray Keith, and a French duo composed of Laurent Garnier and Pascal F.E.O.S. that released a trance/ambient EP.