Hi and welcome to the weekly blog/newsletter!
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm PeDupre, a music addict and proud child of the eighties. I grew up in an era when disco had lost its popularity, but I adored it. Despite being in the minority among my peers (yes, I was a difficult and contrarian child—just ask my mom!), disco became my gateway to exploring the rich diversity of dance music in the early eighties. Albums like "Remain in Light" by The Talking Heads were transformative for me, and I was a superfan of Kid Creole & The Coconuts, The New Romantics, and Synth-Pop. I loved the cross-pollination between different (sub)genres and was fascinated by how everything connected.
The first time I heard a DJ beatmix two disco records, I was hooked. I wanted to be able to do that myself, so I started saving up for the right turntables and mixing console. Naturally, my allowance went straight to buying twelve-inch singles. I became a fan of remixers and editors like Trevor Horn, Arthur Baker, John "Jellybean" Benitez, Shep Pettibone, Steve Thompson & Michael Barbiero, François K, and Mark Kamins. Seeing one of their names on a record cover was all it took for me to spend my money and bring the twelve-inch home, much to the despair of my parents (and the neighbors, when the "wheels of steel" were set in motion and the volume was on max—we wanted to feel that bass!).
From there, my passion grew into an obsession. I continued collecting twelve-inch singles and extended versions long after they were no longer released. I made mixtapes, got myself on local radio, and tried my hand at a few nightclubs. However, Antwerp wasn’t New York, and our nightclubs lacked the trendsetting variety. You had to play the same hits repeatedly, and there's only so many times you can tolerate YMCA or D.I.S.C.O. before rebelling. I once played “Call of the Desert” by Ali “Abdul” Makossa, an obscure dance floor hit from the new beat period that sounds like Arabian music on speed. I got fired faster than you can imagine, but I knew what would happen going in (difficult child, remember?).
Throughout it all, I kept making mixtapes. During the COVID period, I decided to do something more with them. It took me a while to put everything together, but I love writing and hadn’t done much of it recently. So, why not combine a blog and mixtapes? You've found the blog part (which, I’m sure, you’ve already noticed!). The mixtape part is available on my Mixcloud and/or Soundcloud page, with links provided here and in every newsletter.
The newsletter/blog focuses on the history of dance music between 1975 and 1995. I tell the story of what happened in the US and Europe, one twelve-inch at a time. The Twelve Inch explores the connections between the dance music of that period—disco, new wave, post-punk, house—every genre influenced and was influenced by what came before and after. Behind every song, there’s also a human story. Why did the artists, remixers, and producers create what we hear today? These are fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories!
Every week, I zoom in on one song, discuss the (re)mix, and situate it within the context of what was happening on and off the dance floor at the time. I recreate the story behind the song and the artist. This song is always the first one on the mixtape of the week. Each mixtape illustrates the blog—read about it and listen to it!
So, if you're ready for the ride, buckle up, subscribe, and let's go. I’d be thrilled to have you with me as we (re)discover the long-lost gems of the dance floors from that period. Drop me a line to say hi, ask a question, or make a suggestion. You are very welcome! But enough about me—on with the show!
Why subscribe?
Subscribe now for full access to our archive and exclusive content that weaves the entire story of dance music together. This Substack is more than just a publication—it's evolving into a "living" book, charting the history of dance music from 1975 to 1995. Alongside weekly episodes, you'll also get access to in-depth pieces that dive deeper into genres, styles, and key events, creating a richer, more connected narrative.
Our episodes begin at n°100, but paid subscribers will unlock longer, insightful articles that fill in the gaps, covering the journey from episodes 1 through 99. While the weekly episodes are free, these extended features are exclusive to members.
As a paid member, you’ll become part of the Twelve Inch Community, gaining the opportunity to suggest future episode topics. Founding members will enjoy even more perks, including a personal, custom-made mix build around their favorite twelve-inch track.
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