Deep Obsession - One Only

Deep Obssesion is an award winning Eurodance-styled New Zealand group who hold the distinction within New Zealand Official Top 40 chart history of having their first three singles reach number one. The group formed at More FM studios in 1996 with producer Michael Lloyd and producer/songwriter Christopher Banks (C Rainbow) and producer/songwriter/singer Zara Clark. Zara Clark is the voice of Deep Obsession (nominated "Best Female Vocalist" 2000 VMANZ). Vanessa Kelly, was invited to join the group in early 1998. In early 1998 Deep Obsession was the first unsigned New Zealand group to receive widespread commercial radio play when a demo recording of their first single, Lost In Love (a cover version of a song by ), having recorded all the songs at the Auckland More FM studio ad booth. More FM was the first station to play their music, it was subsequently picked up by competing nationwide ZM network. They were, in turn, the first New Zealand group to sign with Universal Music NZ in mid 1998, after airplay of the demo brought them to the attention of several major record labels. When Lost In Love was remixed by Malcolm Wellsford and released in late 1998, it went to number #1 on the New Zealand singles chart. The follow-up singles were recorded and produced by Steve Peach and Adam Goodyear, Cold and One & Only, also went to Number#1 on The Official Recorded Music Charts NZ. 1999 The 2nd single 'Cold' co-written by Zara Clark and Chris Rainbow started racing up the charts just like the first single Lost in Love. Steve Peach and Adam Goodyear finished the album 'Infinity' in Australia, after Banks left the group just after the second single reached Number 1 status, on the Official Recorded Music Charts NZ, making it two consecutive number 1 songs. Z Clark and C Rainbow Were nominated for best songwriter for 'Cold' at 2000 Vodafone Music Awards. The full length album, Infinity, was recorded and finished in Australia with Steve Peach and Adam Goodyear, with artwork and promotion that focused on Zara and Vanessas clubber image. A relatively unique concept for New Zealand music marketing at the time. Infinity was released in 1999 and went to number #8 on the New Zealand charts and Platinum in sales. Third single "One and Only" was released and claimed its number 1 spot on the Official Recorded Music Charts NZ. Three consecutive number one singles made Deep Obsession NZ Music History Makers. 'Infinity' was then sent to the UK and remixed by Brian Rawling (Cher's 'Believe album). Steve Lewinson (Simply Red) played bass on track : 'I Surrender' UK mix. LA producer for Pink and Christina Aguillera also remixed 'I Surrender' US mix. Both versions charted in the top 50 peaking at number 34. Vanessa Kelly left the group to pursue a solo career. Zara Clark with Deep Obsession still had a publishing contract with Universal Australia, who were expecting a second album from Deep Obsession. The group also had other obligations to fulfil. Deep Obsession recruited Charlie (aka Sharleen Lawson). Without the support of a major record label, Deep Obsession recorded a new song, to test their viability in the trending radio market. "Miracles" was leaked to the ZM network and play listed. In turn More FM picked up the song and Deep Obsession made NZ Music history again. This time it was because Miracles was the highest charting song reaching Number #34, but was never available for sale. The chart placement was due to such strong support from NZ radio. This was a clear indication Deep Obsession was still viable. The video for "Miracles" was nominated for a NZ Music Video Award 2003, available to view on YouTube. The song I Am (vocals were co-produced by original Deep Obsession producer Michael Lloyd and Adam Fox in London (2]). Kantuta producer Stuart Pearce did a latin remix for "I Am". This song has never been available for sale but available to view on YouTube. In 2015, Deep Obsession was honoured by the Official NZ Music Charts for their achievement of attaining three consecutive number one songs from their debut album 'Infinity'.

Members

• Christopher Banks
• Vanessa Kelly
• Zara Clark
• Tongue & Groove

• audioculture.co.nz