How Did O zone start? Here's the story!
Originally Dan was in a band which produced 'heavy metal', but for two reasons
everything changed. One: They guy Dan worked with didn't take music as seriously as Dan, so therefore they went their separate
ways. And two: the was not a big following for heavy metal, so he transferred to pop music, and to the Romanian Music Industry.
Now the real story of O-zone begins...Dan was holding auditions, to try and find
new band members, and when Arsenie's turn came, Dan knew Arsenie was what he was looking for. Arsenie had a folk music background,
and had been in a band since he was 15.
It wasn't until a week later, Radu turned up. Late as he was, Dan was so amazed
by his voice, Radu was taken in straight away. Immediately the guys got to work on writing songs and music. To get more success,
they went to neighbouring country Romania. When they were ready, they began searching for a record company to take them on
and sell their music. Several companies turned them away, until they finally in Bucharest they scored a record deal. Now the
ball was really starting to roll. They recorded their first song, 'Numai-Tu' ('Only You' )and it became an instant success!
They then began recording songs such as 'Number 1', 'Dar Unde Esti?' ('Where are you?'), and ''Sarbatoarea Noptilor de Vara'.
All were hits. Eventually came the album 'Number 1', with additional songs, such as 'Am Sa Te Chem', Nopi fara de somn', Nu
Ma Las De Limba Noastra', and 'V.I.P'.
After the complition of their first album, it was time for a new song, and in
2002, along came the summer smash hit both then and now...'Dragostea Din Tei' (Love Under/From the Limetree'). At the time,
only Moldova and Romania had heard this song, but as Dan once said 'They play this song on all the beaches, everywhere, and
everyone is happy'. Anyway, the single was released and became another hit. Whilst 'Dragostea Din Tei' was still airing on
radios, O-ZONE started work on their new song 'Despre Tine' ('About You'). Once again this topped the Romanian charts!
However things did not remain 'sweet' for long. Four months had passed since the
release of 'Dragostea Din Tei'...and although not illegal, an Italian singer named Haiducci took the song 'Dragostea Din Tei'
and re-released it. Now O-ZONE had worked with Haiducci in the past, and they, themselves even said she was 'Hot'!, But it
was what she did next, that 'rubbed them the wrong way'. She claimed 'Dragostea Din Tei' was HER song and SHE wrote the original
version! So O ZONE re-released their Single 'Dragostea Din Tei' , with their other song 'Despre Tine'. And of course they
did much better. I prefer looking at O-zone’s video...It's funnier, cheerful and sexier.
They released a new song in Romania, called 'De Ce Plang Chitarele?', and once
again the topped the charts! This was not enough though...They had other ideas...CONQUERING EUROPE! (Thank you! You're the
best O ZONE! England needed some fresh faces and new talent!) They took their songs to several record companies, and once
again had doors slammed in their faces. That was until one company called 'Cat Music' snapped them up. Thay listened to their
songs ('Dragostea Din Tei', and 'Despre Tine') and decided to release 'Dragostea Din tei' first. (I am uncertain on this,
but I read somewhere, that O ZONE sang 'Dragostea Din Tei' in English, but the company preferred the Romanian version. But
I also heard that O ZONE did not want to be like 'T.A.T.U' and sing there music in English...they wanted the European public
to accept their music the way it is. They are proud of their language.)
Well they released 'Dragostea Din Tei' in May,
and well as you can see...IT'S A SMASH HIT EVERYWHERE! They've topped charts all around Europe! Received Diamond Disc awards,
Platinum Disc awards! They are currently doing a European tour, they've released their album...let's just say what they have
done in the last few months is incredible! Everywhere you go you hear 'Dragostea Din Tei' played! You also hear it is the
summer hit of 2004! Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!
I admire their stamina! They must be exhausted, tired, and probably wanting to
go home and relax...but then again...they're famous, and probably having the time of their lives!!!!!!!!!!!! Well O ZONE,
well done to you, and keep the music comming! I hope you'll find the time to visit England and Holland! (You have many fans
here and there!) GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The reason O ZONE have more success with 'Dragostea Din Tei' is because they made
it with love, and put a lot of time and effort in it! So Haiducii...'BEAT IT!'
