The Beatmasters

The Beatmasters were a British electronic music group active during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Here are some key facts about the group:

1. Formation and Members: The Beatmasters were formed in 1987 by producer and musician Richard Walmsley, known professionally as Paul Carter, and his then-partner Amanda Glanfield. The duo later recruited Steve Lindsey to complete the lineup. Together, they specialized in creating dance-oriented electronic music that incorporated elements of house, acid house, techno, and hip-hop.

2. Commercial Success: The Beatmasters achieved commercial success with their debut album, "Anywayawanna", released in 1989. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Burn It Up", featuring rapper P.P. Arnold, and "Hey DJ (I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing)", featuring the Cookie Crew. These songs received extensive airplay on radio stations and became club favorites, earning The Beatmasters recognition in the UK music scene.

3. Collaborations and Production Work: In addition to their own music, The Beatmasters gained acclaim for their production work with other artists. They collaborated with various vocalists and rappers, infusing their tracks with infectious beats and catchy melodies. One notable collaboration was with British pop duo Bananarama on the song "Nathan Jones", which became a top-ten hit in the UK in 1988.

4. Innovative Sampling Techniques: The Beatmasters were known for their innovative use of sampling techniques, which involved incorporating snippets of vocals, beats, and melodies from a wide range of sources into their music. This approach allowed them to create eclectic and dynamic tracks that appealed to both mainstream audiences and club-goers. Their skillful manipulation of samples helped define the sound of British dance music during the late 1980s.

5. Legacy and Influence: Although The Beatmasters' time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their impact on the electronic music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s was significant. Their fusion of house, hip-hop, and techno elements helped pave the way for the emergence of electronic dance music (EDM) as a mainstream genre. The Beatmasters' music continues to be celebrated by fans of dance music, and their innovative production techniques have influenced subsequent generations of electronic music producers.