16/06/23
First released in 2003, Neon Nights perfectly captured the dance-pop zeitgeist of its time. Propelled by a veritable pick and mix of the European dance production scene, the album spawned four UK Top 10 smashes with 'Who Do You Love Now?' (No.3), 'Put A Needle On It' (No.7), 'I Begin To Wonder’' (No.2) and 'Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling' (No.5). The album debuted at No.8 on the UK Official Albums Chart and was certified Gold, and in Dannii’s native Australia it was nominated for Best Pop Release at the 2003 ARIA Music Awards.
After Dannii’s previous album Girl had paved a blueprint for pop dance crossovers of the noughties, Dannii had parted ways with her label, and had not released music for almost half a decade. Dannii was philosophical then and now, “I knew the crazy world of music was not always fair, but I also knew I’d had amazing experiences and done a lot of awesome stuff. I didn’t think my music career was going to come back, and that was fine. I just thought: ‘Well, that was it.’”
Out of the blue, an invite from Pete Tong would provide an unexpected catalyst. As A&R at London Records, Tong asked Dannii to collaborate with Dutch duo Riva on a rework of their club hit ‘Stringer’. The resultant single ‘Who Do You Love Now?’, would be a worldwide smash.
The single’s success was infused with the dance energy of Ibiza, with many live gigs at iconic venues that were the start of great friendships with the mega Summer Residence DJs, Carl Cox and Roger Sanchez. Dannii was once again upfront and centre in both pop and club culture.
Dannii was signed up by London Records for an album deal and work on Neon Nights commenced. “With Girl, I was given wings,” Dannii says now of the recording process. “With Neon Nights, I was allowed to fly.”
