A new release of the timeless classic Dancing In Outer Space by Atmosfear single which was championed by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1 and released on the MCA label in 1979 is imminent. It has been reworked, and according to Lester Batchelor, the rework lends itself to social consciousness.
The rework is titled DIOS 2020. This was initially scheduled to be launched on 25th July 2020 at the world-famous London Jazz Cafe. However, due to the recent worldwide event, this has been brought forward to 22nd April 2020 - Earthday.
Listen to the original 12" single here:
These current events have forced the music industry to re-visit and revise their business models with more artist leveraging social media platforms on an unprecedented scale. The same has to be said for the film industry which has also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I briefly spoke to the bandleader of Atmosfear and bassist who co-led one of the most influential Brit-Funk bands of the '80s. It is clearly evident that Lester reacted quickly to the unfolding events and executed plan B.
He asked me what I thought of the rework, and my response was "It will never be the original that had us dancing for years in clubs and outdoor events". Lester added " A lot of people told me not to do it, but I am a creative artist. It's what I do!".
By this time, I'm nodding in agreeance. Kudos to you sir. Kudos to you.
The track is still punchy, however, has more of a neo-disco feel. It fits with today's' music scene and may even provide a gateway to the history of Brit-Funk. The intro features Lester on the vocoder and Shelley' Deeizm' Debenham on vocals/rap. There were no vocals on the original, so this is refreshing, and the melody is still strong. I could not make out the vocoder words due to the lack of clarity; however, the digital effects add an air of excitement.
The launch party is still scheduled to take place at the Jazz Cafe as planned on 25th July 2020 and followed by a planned limited released of the track on vinyl. The details have yet to be finalised.
The single can be purchased from www.atmosfear.info and streaming from the following:- Spotify, Deezer, Amazon, Tidal, Google Play, iHeartradio, Pandora, Recognition and not forgetting the new kid on the block Tik Tok.
If there was ever a time to support the arts, it's now.
Stay safe.
Credits:
Lester Batchelor - Bass, Space Bass and Vocoder
Francesco Mendolia – Drums
Orphy' Vibes' Robinson MBE – Xylosynth
Antonello Filaccio – Keyboards
Dee Byrne – Sax
Kenny Barry – Guitar
Shelley' Deeizm' Debenham – Lead vocals
Label GNEXT (Generation Next)