Linda Rocco

Hi Linda,

thank you so much for your time, to answer me some questions. It´s really a honour for me. How are you?

Linda: I´m doing great, more healthy than ever.

You started your career as Background Vocalist for Michael Jackson and other famous artists. How came, that you became part of Dance 2 Trance some time later?

Linda: Rolf Elmer (Jam El Mar) was a friend of mine and simply asked me to help out on the track. I liked it immediately and added my lyrics, as well.

“The Power of American Natives” became a huge hit, but it was the only one from Dance 2 Trance with your voice. Did you know from the beginning, that this one should be the only one with you, or were there other releases with your voice planned?

Linda: Not at all. It was definitely a one-off thing from the beginning. I just thought it would´ve been more clever to hire me for a second single after that huge success.

There were also other projects, like A.B. Free feat. Linda Rocco “go deeper” or Paternoster. All this acts released only one single, and then were never heard. What was the reason?

Linda: It wasn´t like I joined all these different groups. These were studio jobs as a lead vocalist, and really nothing more or less than that. Why they didn´t go on with their projects, I really don´t know. It seems if something is not immediately hugely successful, people drop an idea or project. I think it´s better to stick to something you really believe in and not give up so easily.

In 1996 you came back with your solo single “Fly with me” and only a little time later came the big bang and you became the new face and voice of Masterboy. How was it for you, to replace Trixi and be part of this huge Eurodance Project?

Linda: Good grief, it was a roller-coaster ride from day one. Exciting, scary, and an amazing adventure at the same time. Following Trixi was not easy. I think she´s a great singer and front woman.

Masterboy got a complete new sound. There were more slow tracks on the album, like “Just for you” and more pop influences like the remake of “I want to break free” from Queen. How big was your influence in this?

Linda: Well, Enrico didn´t just put my voice into the previous mold. Instead he created a new vehicle for my personal sound, which I appreciated.

After releasing the album “Colours” there had been only one more song featuring you “Dancing forever”, wich is one of my favourite tracks from Masterboy. After that you left the group. What was the reason for this split-up?

Linda: I had a three-year contract that ended in 1998 at which time the record company suddenly decided a blonde lead singer would sell better....

Do you still have contact to Tommy or Enrico from Masterboy?

Linda: I just spoke with Enrico on the phone yesterday and we had a chat about the music business in general. (How drastically it´s changed)

Now it´s really quiet around you. Were there any other official releases or projects after Masterboy in which you took part?

Linda: Oh that, that´s just the calm before the storm. Masterboy just brought out the American version of all the Masterboy hits that I resang and Freedom Williams from C & C Factory rapped on. It´s excellent !!!

So now you are the vocalist of a group called “Fayoum Blue”. Want you tell us something about this group. What kind of music is “Fayoum Blue”?

Linda: We call it World Pop. We used musicians and instruments from different cultures such as Africa, India, Egypt, etc. and integrated it into our Western pop style.

One can buy your new album directly on your homepage www.fayoumblue.com. Will there also be an official release?

Linda: The first album was released last year, and we´re working on the new album now.

So let´s have a look at the future of Linda Rocco. What are your plans for the near future, can your fans expect something new from you?

Linda: My husband George Liszt and I have a Vocal School called the Scream Factory which I help run here in Frankfurt. Check our website out --www.screamfactory.de

I´m also working on some new material with DJ Dag from Dance 2 Trance and I´m looking forward to that project as well !! And as I said before, we´re writing on the second album from Fayoum Blue.

In the Netherlands, there is a sucessfull project called “Divas of Dance”. Anita Doth from 2 Unlimited, Des´ray Manders from 2 Brothers on the 4^th floor and Linda from T-Spoon took part to this. Do you think, something like this is possible with German-Dance-Divas too and would you take part to this?

Linda: I´d join that group tomorrow if it existed. My roots are in dance music and they always will be!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you imagine the talent and creativity of 4 or 5 successful singers together? PURE POWER

So Linda, is there something you want to say to all your fans out there all over the world?

Linda: Thank-you for all your love and support all these years. Where would I be without you all ?? Stay tuned, there´s a lot more to come!!!!

Now we reached the end of the interview. I want to thank you once again, for taking your time to answer some questions. I wish you all the best, and a lot of success for the future and hope to here soon some exciting news from you again!