Propaganda stars Claudia Brücken and Susanne Freytag have opened up about the group’s enduring legacy ahead of the release of their new album ‘The Heart Is Strange’.
Produced by Stephen Lipson, the LP – due May 20 – is credited to xPropaganda; a new iteration of the synth-pop band, who released their debut ‘A Secret Wish’ in 1985.
Speaking in the June 2022 issue of Retro Pop, Claudia beams, “It’s incredible to have a whole legacy based on that one album,” as Susanne reflects on how label mates Frankie Goes To Hollywood eclipsed their early success.
“I think that it is true that Frankie’s success did overshadow us,” she shrugs. “But at the same time, it was an exciting thing to be happening and I didn’t feel like, ‘Oh no, why them and not us?’
“It was more like, ‘Wow, that’s great, I’m so happy for them’. So due to the success they were getting a lot of attention from the press and audiences.”
Claudia adds: “Because the Frankie thing was happening at the same time, all the other bands on the label couldn’t just sit around and wait for Trevor [Horn, founder of ZTT Records] to produce them.
“In a way, Trevor had signed all these acts in the early days and so formed the ZTT Records label. He was also the only producer at that point, which is why he produced our debut single Dr. Mabuse for us.
“But due to Frankie’s success, it was suggested that Stephen Lipson would take over and do our album ‘A Secret Wish’ – and in a way it worked out really well for us, as we loved working with Stephen and still do.”
Read the full interview in the June 2022 edition of Retro Pop, out now. Order yours or subscribe via our Online Store or use our Store Finder to locate your nearest stockist.
