"Sunshine" redirects here. For natural lighting of interior spaces by admitting sunlight, see Daylighting. For solar energy available from sunlight, see Insolation. For other uses, see Sunlight (disambiguation) and Sunshine (disambiguation).

Sunlight shining through clouds, giving rise to crepuscular rays.

Sunlight, in the broad sense, is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, particularly infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere, and solar radiation is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon.

When the direct solar radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, a combination of bright light and radiant heat. When it is blocked by the clouds or reflects off of other objects, it is experienced as diffused light.

The World Meteorological Organization uses the term "sunshine duration" to mean the cumulative time during which an area receives direct irradiance from the Sun of at least 120 watts per square meter.^[1]

Sunlight may be recorded using a sunshine recorder, pyranometer or pyrheliometer. Sunlight takes about 8.3 minutes to reach the Earth.

On average, it takes energy between 10,000 and 170,000 years to leave the sun's interior and then be emitted from the surface as light.^[2]

Direct sunlight has a luminous efficacy of about 93 lumens per watt of radiant flux. Bright sunlight provides illuminance of approximately 100,000 lux or lumens per square meter at the Earth's surface.

Sunlight is a key factor in photosynthesis, a process vital for many living beings on Earth.

Composition[link]

Solar irradiance spectrum above atmosphere and at surface

The spectrum of the Sun's solar radiation is close to that of a black body with a temperature of about 5,800 K.^[3] The Sun emits EM radiation across most of the electromagnetic spectrum. Although the Sun produces Gamma rays as a result of the nuclear fusion process, these super high energy photons are converted to lower energy photons before they reach the Sun's surface and are emitted out into space. As a result, the Sun doesn't give off any gamma rays. The Sun does, however, emit X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, and even radio waves.^[4] When ultraviolet radiation is not absorbed by the atmosphere or other protective coating, it can cause damage to the skin known as sunburn or trigger an adaptive change in human skin pigmentation.

The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation striking the Earth's atmosphere spans a range of 100 nm to about 1 mm. This can be divided into five regions in increasing order of wavelengths:^[5]

• Ultraviolet C or (UVC) range, which spans a range of 100 to 280 nm. The term ultraviolet refers to the fact that the radiation is at higher frequency than violet light (and, hence also invisible to the human eye). Owing to absorption by the atmosphere very little reaches the Earth's surface (Lithosphere). This spectrum of radiation has germicidal properties, and is used in germicidal lamps.
• Ultraviolet B or (UVB) range spans 280 to 315 nm. It is also greatly absorbed by the atmosphere, and along with UVC is responsible for the photochemical reaction leading to the production of the ozone layer.
• Ultraviolet A or (UVA) spans 315 to 400 nm. It has been traditionally held as less damaging to the DNA, and hence used in tanning and PUVA therapy for psoriasis.
• Visible range or light spans 380 to 780 nm. As the name suggests, it is this range that is visible to the naked eye.
• Infrared range that spans 700 nm to 10⁶ nm (1 mm). It is responsible for an important part of the electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth. It is also divided into three types on the basis of wavelength:
  • Infrared-A: 700 nm to 1,400 nm
  • Infrared-B: 1,400 nm to 3,000 nm
  • Infrared-C: 3,000 nm to 1 mm

Calculation[link]

To calculate the amount of sunlight reaching the ground, both the elliptical orbit of the Earth and the attenuation by the Earth's atmosphere have to be taken into account. The extraterrestrial solar illuminance (E_ext), corrected for the elliptical orbit by using the day number of the year (dn), is given by^[6]

Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): E_{\rm ext}= E_{\rm sc} \cdot \left(1+0.033412 \cdot \cos\left(2\pi\frac{{\rm dn}-3}{365}\right)\right),

where dn=1 on January 1; dn=2 on January 2; dn=32 on February 1, etc. In this formula dn-3 is used, because in modern times Earth's perihelion, the closest approach to the Sun and therefore the maximum E_ext occurs around January 3 each year. The value of 0.033412 is determined knowing that the ratio between the perihelion (0.98328989 AU) squared and the aphelion (1.01671033 AU) squared should be approximately 0.935338.

The solar illuminance constant (E_sc), is equal to 128×10³ lx. The direct normal illuminance (E_dn), corrected for the attenuating effects of the atmosphere is given by:

Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): E_{\rm dn}=E_{\rm ext}\,e^{-cm},

where c is the atmospheric extinction coefficient and m is the relative optical airmass.

Solar constant[link]

The solar constant, a measure of flux density, is the amount of incoming solar electromagnetic radiation per unit area that would be incident on a plane perpendicular to the rays, at a distance of one astronomical unit (AU) (roughly the mean distance from the Sun to the Earth). The "solar constant" includes all types of solar radiation, not just the visible light. Its average value was thought to be approximately 1.366 kW/m²,^[7] varying slightly with solar activity, but recent recalibrations of the relevant satellite observations indicate a value closer to 1.361 kW/m² is more realistic.^[8]

Total (TSI) and spectral solar irradiance (SSI) upon Earth[link]

Total Solar Irradiance upon Earth (TSI) was earlier measured by satellite to be roughly 1.366 kilowatts per square meter (kW/m²),^[7][9][10] but most recently NASA cites TSI as "1361 W/m² as compared to ~1366 W/m² from earlier observations [Kopp et al., 2005]", based on regular readings from NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment(SORCE) satellite, active since 2003,^[11] noting that this "discovery is critical in examining the energy budget of the planet Earth and isolating the climate change due to human activities." Furthermore the Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) has found in the same period that spectral solar irradiance (SSI) at UV (ultraviolet) wavelength corresponds in a less clear, and probably more complicated fashion, with earth's climate responses than earlier assumed, fueling broad avenues of new research in "the connection of the Sun and stratosphere, troposphere, biosphere, ocean, and Earth’s climate".^[11]

Intensity in the Solar System[link]

Different bodies of the Solar System receive light of an intensity inversely proportional to the square of their distance from Sun. A rough table comparing the amount of solar radiation received by each planet in the Solar System follows (from data in [1]):

The actual brightness of sunlight that would be observed at the surface depends also on the presence and composition of an atmosphere. For example Venus' thick atmosphere reflects more than 60% of the solar light it receives. The actual illumination of the surface is about 14,000 lux, comparable to that on Earth "in the daytime with overcast clouds".^[12]

Sunlight on Mars would be more or less like daylight on Earth wearing sunglasses, and as can be seen in the pictures taken by the rovers, there is enough diffuse sky radiation that shadows would not seem particularly dark. Thus it would give perceptions and "feel" very much like Earth daylight.

For comparison purposes, sunlight on Saturn is slightly brighter than Earth sunlight at the average sunset or sunrise (see daylight for comparison table). Even on Pluto the sunlight would still be bright enough to almost match the average living room. To see sunlight as dim as full moonlight on the Earth, a distance of about 500 AU (~69 light-hours) is needed; there are only a handful of objects in the solar system known to orbit farther than such a distance, among them 90377 Sedna and (87269) 2000 OO67.

Surface illumination[link]

The spectrum of surface illumination depends upon solar elevation due to atmospheric effects, with the blue spectral component from atmospheric scatter dominating during twilight before and after sunrise and sunset, respectively, and red dominating during sunrise and sunset. These effects are apparent in natural light photography where the principal source of illumination is sunlight as mediated by the atmosphere.

According to Craig Bohren, "preferential absorption of sunlight by ozone over long horizon paths gives the zenith sky its blueness when the sun is near the horizon".^[13]

See diffuse sky radiation for more details.

Climate effects[link]

On Earth, solar radiation is obvious as daylight when the sun is above the horizon. This is during daytime, and also in summer near the poles at night, but not at all in winter near the poles. When the direct radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, combining the perception of bright white light (sunlight in the strict sense) and warming. The warming on the body, the ground and other objects depends on the absorption (electromagnetic radiation) of the electromagnetic radiation in the form of heat.

The amount of radiation intercepted by a planetary body varies inversely with the square of the distance between the star and the planet. The Earth's orbit and obliquity change with time (over thousands of years), sometimes forming a nearly perfect circle, and at other times stretching out to an orbital eccentricity of 5% (currently 1.67%). The total insolation remains almost constant due to Kepler's second law,

Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): \tfrac{2A}{r^2}dt = d\theta,

where Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): A

is the "areal velocity" invariant. That is, the integration over the orbital period (also invariant) is a constant.

Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): \int_{0}^{T} \tfrac{2A}{r^2}dt = \int_{0}^{2\pi} d\theta = \mathrm{constant}

If we assume the solar radiation power Failed to parse (Missing texvc executable; please see math/README to configure.): P

as a constant over time and the solar irradiation given by the inverse-square law, we obtain also the average insolation as a constant.

But the seasonal and latitudinal distribution and intensity of solar radiation received at the Earth's surface also varies.^[14] For example, at latitudes of 65 degrees the change in solar energy in summer & winter can vary by more than 25% as a result of the Earth's orbital variation. Because changes in winter and summer tend to offset, the change in the annual average insolation at any given location is near zero, but the redistribution of energy between summer and winter does strongly affect the intensity of seasonal cycles. Such changes associated with the redistribution of solar energy are considered a likely cause for the coming and going of recent ice ages (see: Milankovitch cycles).

Past variations in solar irradiance[link]

Space-based observations of solar irradiance started in 1978. These measurements show that the solar constant is not constant. It varies with the 11-year sunspot solar cycle. When going further back in time, one has to rely on irradiance reconstructions, using sunspots for the past 400 years or cosmogenic radionuclides for going back 10,000 years. Such reconstructions have been done ^{[15][16][17][18]}. These studies show that solar irradiance does vary with distinct periodicities such as: 11 years (Schwabe), 88 years (Gleisberg cycle), 208 years (DeVries cycle) and 1,000 years (Eddy cycle).

Life on Earth[link]

This short film explores the vital connection between Earth and the Sun.

The existence of nearly all life on Earth is fueled by light from the sun. Most autotrophs, such as plants, use the energy of sunlight, combined with carbon dioxide and water, to produce simple sugars—a process known as photosynthesis. These sugars are then used as building blocks and in other synthetic pathways which allow the organism to grow.

Heterotrophs, such as animals, use light from the sun indirectly by consuming the products of autotrophs, either by consuming autotrophs, by consuming their products or by consuming other heterotrophs. The sugars and other molecular components produced by the autotrophs are then broken down, releasing stored solar energy, and giving the heterotroph the energy required for survival. This process is known as cellular respiration.

In prehistory, humans began to further extend this process by putting plant and animal materials to other uses. They used animal skins for warmth, for example, or wooden weapons to hunt. These skills allowed humans to harvest more of the sunlight than was possible through glycolysis alone, and human population began to grow.

During the Neolithic Revolution, the domestication of plants and animals further increased human access to solar energy. Fields devoted to crops were enriched by inedible plant matter, providing sugars and nutrients for future harvests. Animals which had previously only provided humans with meat and tools once they were killed were now used for labour throughout their lives, fueled by grasses inedible to humans.

The more recent discoveries of coal, petroleum and natural gas are modern extensions of this trend. These fossil fuels are the remnants of ancient plant and animal matter, formed using energy from sunlight and then trapped within the earth for millions of years. Because the stored energy in these fossil fuels has accumulated over many millions of years, they have allowed modern humans to massively increase the production and consumption of primary energy. As the amount of fossil fuel is large but finite, this cannot continue indefinitely, and various theories exist as to what will follow this stage of human civilization (e.g. alternative fuels, Malthusian catastrophe, new urbanism, peak oil).

Cultural aspects[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Claude Monet: Le déjeuner sur l'herbe

The effect of sunlight is relevant to painting, evidenced for instance in works of Claude Monet on outdoor scenes and landscapes.

Many people find direct sunlight to be too bright for comfort, especially when reading from white paper upon which the sun is directly shining. Indeed, looking directly at the sun can cause long-term vision damage. To compensate for the brightness of sunlight, many people wear sunglasses. Cars, many helmets and caps are equipped with visors to block the sun from direct vision when the sun is at a low angle. Sunshine is often blocked from entering buildings through the use of walls, window blinds, awnings, shutters or curtains, or by nearby shade trees.

In colder countries, many people prefer sunnier days and often avoid the shade. In hotter countries the converse is true; during the midday hours many people prefer to stay inside to remain cool. If they do go outside, they seek shade which may be provided by trees, parasols, and so on.

In Hinduism the sun is considered to be a god as it is the source of life and energy on earth.

Sunbathing[link]

Sunbathing is a popular leisure activity in which a person sits or lies in direct sunshine. People often sunbathe in comfortable places where there is ample sunlight. Some common places for sunbathing include beaches, open air swimming pools, parks, gardens, and sidewalk cafés. Sunbathers typically wear limited amounts of clothing or some simply go nude. For some, an alternative to sunbathing is the use of a sunbed that generates ultraviolet light and can be used indoors regardless of outdoor weather conditions and amount of sunlight.

For many people with pale or brownish skin, one purpose for sunbathing is to darken one's skin color (get a sun tan) as this is considered in some cultures to be beautiful, associated with outdoor activity, vacations/holidays, and health. Some people prefer naked sunbathing so that an "all-over" or "even" tan can be obtained, sometimes as part of a specific lifestyle.

For people suffering from psoriasis, sunbathing is an effective way of healing the symptoms.

Skin tanning is achieved by an increase in the dark pigment inside skin cells called melanocytes and it is actually an automatic response mechanism of the body to sufficient exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from artificial sunlamps. Thus, the tan gradually disappears with time, when one is no longer exposed to these sources.

Effects on human health[link]

The body produces vitamin D from sunlight (specifically from the UVB band of ultraviolet light), and excessive seclusion from the sun can lead to deficiency unless adequate amounts are obtained through diet.

Sunburn can have mild to severe inflammation effects on skin; this can be avoided by using a proper sunscreen cream or lotion or by gradually building up melanocytes with increasing exposure. Another detrimental effect of UV exposure is accelerated skin aging (also called skin photodamage), which produces a difficult to treat cosmetic effect. Some people are concerned that ozone depletion is increasing the incidence of such health hazards. A 10% decrease in ozone could cause a 25% increase in skin cancer.^[19]

A lack of sunlight, on the other hand, is considered one of the primary causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious form of the "winter blues". SAD occurrence is more prevalent in locations further from the tropics, and most of the treatments (other than prescription drugs) involve light therapy, replicating sunlight via lamps tuned to specific (visible, not ultra-violet) wavelengths of light or full-spectrum bulbs.

A recent study indicates that more exposure to sunshine early in a person’s life relates to less risk from multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life.^[20]

See also[link]

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• Hartmann, Thom (1998). The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. London: Hodder and Stoughton. ISBN 0-340-82243-0.

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sunlight

• Solar radiation - Encyclopedia of Earth
• Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) Daily mean data at the website of the National Geophysical Data Center
• Construction of a Composite Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) Time Series from 1978 to present by World Radiation Center, Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos (pmod wrc)
• A Comparison of Methods for Providing Solar Radiation Data to Crop Models and Decision Support Systems, Rivington et al.
• Evaluation of three model estimations of solar radiation at 24 UK stations, Rivington et al.
• High resolution spectrum of solar radiation from Observatoire de Paris
• Measuring Solar Radiation : A lesson plan from the National Science Digital Library.
• Websurf astronomical information: Online tools for calculating Rising and setting times of Sun, Moon or planet, Azimuth of Sun, Moon or planet at rising and setting, Altitude and azimuth of Sun, Moon or planet for a given date or range of dates, and more.
• An Excel workbook with a solar position and solar radiation time-series calculator; by Greg Pelletier
• DOE information about the ASTM standard solar spectrum for PV evaluation.
• ASTM Standard for solar spectrum at ground level in the US (latitude ~ 37 degrees).
• Detailed spectrum of the sun at Astronomy Picture of the Day.

v t e The Sun Internal structure Core Radiation zone Convection zone Atmosphere Photosphere Supergranulation Granule Faculae Sunspot Chromosphere Plage Spicule Moreton wave Corona Transition region Coronal hole Coronal loop Coronal mass ejection Prominence Helmet streamer Variation Solar cycle List of solar cycles Solar maximum Solar minimum Wolf number Solar wind Flare Helioseismology Heliosphere Current sheet Termination shock Heliosheath Heliopause Bow shock Related topics Solar System Solar dynamo Solar telescope Eclipse Radiation Solar energy Spectral class: G2

DJ Antoine
MC Roby Rob (left) and DJ Antoine (right).
Background information
Birth name	Antoine Konrad
Born	(1975-06-23) June 23, 1975 (age 37)
Origin	Switzerland
Genres	Electro House, House, Vocal House
Occupations	DJ, record producer
Years active	1998–present
Associated acts	Tom Dice, Mad Mark
Website	http://www.djantoine.com/

Antoine Konrad (born June 23, 1975), better known as DJ Antoine, is a Swiss-Lebanese house and electro DJ and producer, from Beirut, Lebanon. He has had a number of successful single and album releases in Western Europe, in particular Switzerland and France. DJ Antoine's first notable release was the 2000 album Houseworks 01, and he has since released many albums in the last years. One of his releases, Jealousy (released in 2007) was one of his best selling albums.Also, In 2010, he released the summer hits "Welcome To St. Tropez (Feat. Kalenna)" and "Sunlight (Feat. Tom Dice).^{[citation needed]}

With more than 1,5 million sold albums, 34 gold records, 5 platinum awards, 1 double-platin award and owning the record label „Houseworks“, DJ Antoine is the internationally most successful DJ of Switzerland.

His career officially took off in 1995, when he opened his club called House Café in the city of Basel. This club is the benchmark for the progress of the whole scene in Basel and the cult-parties are still in fond memories. After a short tip into the Swiss Hip Hop scene, DJ Antoine had quickly switched genre, getting hooked on the Pumping-House-Wave. In 1998, he released his first album “DJ Antoine – The Pumpin’ House Mix”. 1999 “Houseworks 1” won the first gold award. After that, things started to move very fast. Until this day, DJ Antoine has produced 51 CDs, strongly establishing his music and himself in the music and clubbing scene. Since 2003 he has been hosting his own weekly radio show, which is broadcasted by radio stations all over the world.

In 2006, DJ Antoine achieved his international breakthrough with the album “DJ Antoine – Live in Moscow” and the single “This Time”. Ever since, he has been a highly demanded act in popular and trendy clubs all over the world. Gigs in New York, Chicago, Miami, Montreal, Moscow, Dubai, Bangkok, Oslo, Vienna and Cairo have turned into a regular but exciting part of his everyday life. Acknowledging his international success, All Around The World Records, the electronic music label owned by Universal Music UK, Blanco y Negro Spain, Happy Music France, Emi Music South Africa, Ultra Records USA and Kontor Records Germany signed the single “This Time” in 2009.

The many awards he won in the recent years prove that DJ Antoine is one of the best in this industry. 2001 he won the Ericsson Dance Music Award for the best and most successful artist of the year 2000 in the category „House / UK Garage / Progressive House“. In 2008, DJ Antoine created a stir with his sociocritical album “DJ Antoine –Stop!”, on which he openly spoke out against juvenile violence, calling for more civil courage. In spring 2009, the record was priced with the Swiss Music Award for “Best National Dance Album”. The following year, he defended that title with his CD “DJ Antoine – 2009” and, on top of that, received the Swiss Prix Walo. In 2010 he achieved his biggest success in Switzerland so far: For his album “DJ Antoine – 2010” he was awarded with a platinum record. This platinum record was also nominated for this year Swiss Music Award in the category “Best Album Dance National”.

In the studio DJ Antoine works with his long-term business partner Fabio Antoniali also known as Mad Mark. Well-known musicians such as Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Pitbull, Cindy Lauper, Robin S., Roberto Blanco and Ivana Trump have had their tracks exclusively remixed by the two artists. In 2010, DJ Antoine produced songs for Timati, Snoop Dogg, DJ Smash and Bob Sinclar. That same year, the charismatic House-legend Mr. Mike joined the team as a vocalist, also accompanying the DJ to selected performances.

Another highlight of his career is now the first collaboration with Timati and Kalenna Harper (Dirty Money) for the hit single "Welcome to St. Tropez", which was released in Germany and Austria by none other than the dance label Kontor Records.

DJ Antoine keeps setting new trends with his music, attracting worldwide attention to his brand. Labels like Maurice Lacroix, Perrier-Jouët „Belle Epoque“ champagne and the Swiss custom tailor SuitArt all trust in his image. For VIP-Events, DJ Antoine has had the chance to work with nameable partners such as Sony Ericsson, Campari, Moonlight, Edo Popken, Crysler, Dodge, Maybach, Cadillac, Moet Hennessy, J. Lindeberg, Paco Rabanne and the German TV station Pro7.

Alongside his work as a DJ, Antoine Konrad manages his own production and booking companies Global Productions GmbH and Global Bookings. For his VIP-Events, he regularly creates extensive and individual concepts, in tune with the clients and guests needs and wishes. His exclusive event concepts represent lifestyle and luxury and he inspires his customers with his ideas. His team currently consists of ten employees, all based in Switzerland. Antoine has sold over 1,000,000 CDs,^{[citation needed]} and runs his own labels, Houseworks and Egoïste. He has gained popularity all over Europe and also overseas in Canada and the United States.

Discography[link]

External links[link]

• Official site

Tom Dice
Tom Dice in Oslo (2010)
Background information
Birth name	Tom Eeckhout
Born	(1989-11-25) 25 November 1989 (age 22)
Origin	Eeklo, Belgium
Genres	Pop, Acoustic
Occupations	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	2008–present
Labels	SonicAngel
Associated acts	The Dice
Website	Tom Dice

Tom Dice (born Tom Eeckhout in Eeklo on 25 November 1989) is a Belgian singer-songwriter, who finished second in the Flemish version of The X Factor in 2008. Dice represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 final on 29 May in Oslo. Tom Dice ended up in sixth, one of Flanders best placements ever in the contest. Dice was also the first Belgian act to qualify for the final since the introduction of the semifinals in Eurovision.

[edit] Youth and X Factor

Dice learned to play the guitar as a child, began songwriting in his early teens and at the age of 15 joined band The Dice, using Tom Eeckhout Dice as his stage name.^[1] In 2008 he entered the Flemish X Factor and, with Maurice Engelen as his vocal coach, finished runner-up to Dirk De Smet.

Following X Factor, Dice became the first signing to new label SonicAngel, and in June 2009, now under the name of Tom Dice, released his first single, an acoustic cover of Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love.^[2] The single went on to reach number 7 on the Flemish singles chart during a 14-week chart run.^[3] Dice received a nomination in the 2009 TMF Awards in the category "Best New Artist", losing out to Jasper Erkens.^[4]

In May 2009, Dice began working, again with Engelen, on his debut album, which was originally scheduled for an October 2009 release, but was delayed until April 2010.^[5]

Eurovision Song Contest 2010[link]

Tom Dice performing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010

On 25 November 2009, Dice was chosen by the Flemish broadcaster Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroep (VRT) to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, Norway. His distinctive voice and TV experience were cited among the factors behind his selection.^[6] Reaction in Belgium to the announcement that Dice had been chosen by internal means was mixed, with some feeling that an open and public selection involving different artists would have been preferable.^[7]

The chosen song "Me and My Guitar" was unveiled on 7 March 2010, and was co-written by Ashley Hicklin, Jeroen Swinnen and Dice himself.^[8] The song went to number 1 in Belgium, both on the iTunes chart and on the official Flemish and Walloon charts; it also reached number 7 in Luxembourg. Dice performed the song in the first semi-final in Oslo on 25 May 2010 and qualified for the final, in first place,^[9] making him the first Belgian act to do so in 6 years. Tom Dice finished in sixth place, one of Belgium's best placements in the contest.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Singles[link]

As featured artist[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tom Dice

• Official website (Dutch)
• Recordlabel SonicAngel
• The Dice Myspace page

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2010)

The Brand New Heavies are an acid jazz and funk group formed in 1985 in Ealing, a suburb of London, England.

Biography[link]

The Brand New Heavies began in the 1980s as an instrumental acid jazz group called Brother International.^[1]

The group came up with the Heavies name after signing their first record contract, borrowing from a liner note on a James Brown single declaring the artist "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk".^[2] As The Brand New Heavies they gained a cult following in the London club scene and soon signed to Cooltempo as acid jazz replaced rare groove in clubs. The band issued a debut recording for Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label in 1990 with Jay Ella Ruth as lead singer.^[3]

A single, "Got to Give", came out on Cooltempo before the Brand New Heavies signed to Acid Jazz Records and released Brand New Heavies to critical acclaim. The band signed to a division of Chrysalis Records in the UK,^[1] and American distribution was picked up by influential label Delicious Vinyl, and N'Dea Davenport (who had signed an artist development deal with Delicious Vinyl) joined the group. A revamped version of the first album with vocals by N'Dea Davenport was then released, and the singles "Dream Come True", "Never Stop" and "Stay This Way", all with Davenport on lead vocals, became hits on both sides of the Atlantic, with the latter becoming a music video directed by Douglas Gayeton that saw heavy rotation on MTV.

The group's appearance with MC Serch (formerly of 3rd Bass) and Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) at a performance in New York City, inspired the group to incorporate elements of hip hop music. Their next album was the critically acclaimed Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1, which included collaborations with Guru of Gang Starr and The Pharcyde, among others, but lacked any female vocals.

While under management by Colin Lester's and Ian McAndrew's Wildlife Entertainment, The Brand New Heavies released Brother Sister (1994) which was the last album for a while with N'Dea Davenport, who had left to complete her solo album (which she had put on hold to join the Heavies). The album spawned more singles, though one of them, a cover of Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis", was popular only in the UK because it was not included in the US version of the album.

Siedah Garrett joined the group for their next album, Shelter (1997). It contained the minor hit, the Carole King-penned song "You've Got a Friend" that was originally made famous by James Taylor. Again, though, this song did not appear on the US version of the album. The album also contained the hit "Sometimes". The remix of "Sometimes" included the rap vocals of Q-Tip.

The Brand New Heavies then released their greatest hits album, Trunk Funk - The Best of The Brand New Heavies (2000) with Carleen Anderson on vocals for some newly recorded songs, followed by the Japan only album We Won't Stop (2003) featuring a variety of vocalists and Allaboutthefunk (2004) featuring British singer Nicole Russo on vocals.

In April 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N'Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl. A new album, Get Used to It was released on 27 June 2006 via Starbucks and more traditional music retail outlets. The album was recorded in New York and London; and the lead single "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" was issued in early May. The single was notable for being one of very few late releases to feature the trademarked A Tom Moulton Mix, as he had been asked to contribute remixes. Later that year, their song "Jump 'N' Move" was featured on the soundtrack for the 2006 computer animated feature film, Happy Feet, and the in-game soundtrack for 2004's NBA Live 2005 and 2009's NBA 2k10. The band toured at the end of 2006.

The Brand New Heavies released a 2 CD live album in October 2009 - Live In London and worked with Lancome on an ad campaign, resulting in the 2009 single "C'est Magnifique". There was talk of a follow-up album to Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1, following the same concept of rap artists fronting the band, however nothing has materialized on that front to date.

The Heavies released a free download album called "Dunk Your Trunk" in November 2011, available through blog.pedigreecuts.com and Soundcloud. The album, recorded in only four days and described as 'funky library music' is directed at 'TV and Movie people to add to their programmes and films'. A CD was due for release on 23 April 2012, but so far only download files (mp3, wav) have appeared.

Members[link]

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

• 1990: The Brand New Heavies (featuring Jay Ella Ruth)
• 1991: The Brand New Heavies (featuring N'Dea Davenport)
• 1992: Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 (featuring vocals by various hip hop groups and rappers)
• 1994: Brother Sister (featuring N'Dea Davenport)
• 1997: Shelter (featuring Siedah Garrett)
• 1997: Shibuya 357 (Japan only live album)
• 2003: We Won't Stop (Japan and Korea only release; featuring Sy Smith)
• 2004: Allaboutthefunk (featuring Nicole Russo)
• 2006: Get Used To It (featuring N'Dea Davenport)
• 2012: Dunk Your Trunk (download instrumental album) - To be released on CD 23 April 2012

Live, remix collections, compilations and soundtracks[link]

• 1992: Juice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (incl. "People Get Ready (Remix)")
• 1994: Original Flava (album)
• 1994: Pret-A-Porter: Music From The Motion Picture (incl. "Close To You")
• 1994: Higher Learning (Music From The Motion Picture) (incl. "Higher Learning/Time For Change")
• 1995: Excursions, Remixes & Rare Grooves (album)
• 1997: Love Jones (The Music) (incl. "I Like It")
• 1998: Sliding Doors (Music From The Motion Picture) (incl. "More Love")
• 1999: Trunk Funk - The Best of The Brand New Heavies (featuring Carleen Anderson)
• 2002: Acid Jazz Years (album)
• 2006: Happy Feet (Music From The Motion Picture) (incl. "Jump N' Move")
• 2006: Platinum Collection (album)
• 2007: Elephantitis - The Funk + House Remixes (album)
• 2008: Get Used to It - The Tom Moulton Mixes (album) (featuring N'Dea Davenport)
• 2009: Elephantitis - The Funk + House Remixes 2
• 2009: Greatest Hits Live in London (featuring N'Dea Davenport)
• 2011: The Best Of 20 Years

Singles[link]

• 1988: "Got To Give"
• 1989: "People Get Ready"
• 1990: "Dream Come True"
• 1991: "Never Stop" (UK #43, US #54)
• 1991: "Stay This Way" (UK #24)
• 1992: "Dream Come True '92" (UK #24)
• 1992: "Ultimate Trunk Funk EP" (UK #19) (Never Stop/Stay This Way/Mr. Tanaka/Got To Give)
• 1992: "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" (UK #24)
• 1992: "Stay This Way" (UK #40)
• 1994: "Dream On Dreamer" (UK #15, US #51)
• 1994: "Back To Love" (UK #23)
• 1994: "Midnight At The Oasis" (UK #13)
• 1994: "Spend Some Time" (UK #26)
• 1995: "Close To You" (UK #38)
• 1995: "Mind Trips" (U.S. only)
• 1997: "Sometimes" (UK #11, US #88)
• 1997: "You Are The Universe" (UK #21)
• 1997: "You've Got A Friend" (UK #9)
• 1997: "Shelter" (UK #31)
• 1997: "You Can Do It" (U.S. only)
• 1999: "Saturday Nite" (UK #35)
• 1999: "Apparently Nothing" (UK #32)
• 2004: "Boogie" (UK #66)
• 2005: "Surrender"
• 2006: "Jump And Move" (feat. Jamalski) (download only)
• 2006: "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)"
• 2007: "Let's Do It Again"
• 2009: "C'est Magnifique" (download only)

^[4]

References[link]

External links[link]

• The Brand New Heavies official website
• The Brand New Heavies at MySpace
• Delicious Vinyl Official website
• NDeaDavenport.com - Official Site of N'Dea Davenport
• Interview 2009

N'Dea Davenport (born May 6, 1966) is an American recording artist, dancer, performer and producer, best known for her work as a vocalist in the UK funk band, The Brand New Heavies, and her pioneering contributions to the genre of acid jazz.

Biography[link]

Her diverse projects include collaborations with music producers and artists including Mark Ronson, Roger Sanchez, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Madonna, Sly and Robbie, Malcolm McLaren, Dead Prez and many more. Prior to her career in the music industry, Davenport was formally trained as dancer and the performing artist. Dance scholarships, acting and music studies were the core of her development as an artist and entertainer. Immediately after finishing, she left her home in Atlanta, with $300 to her name en route to Los Angeles. In California she began working as a dancer and quickly was embraced by artists in both the music and fashion industries. Her influence on pop culture and legacy as an artist began with her involvement in the burgeoning underground club and rave scene in the late '80s and early '90's in Los Angeles, a merger of cultural movements ranging from dance, funk, hip-hop, punk, graffiti and pop art. As a performance artist and dancer, Davenport's was an instrumental figure in the movement that launched careers of artists including Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Fab Five Freddy and Robert Mapplethorpe.

Working simultaneously as a recording session and commercial singer, Davenport was soon connected with graffiti artist, Fab Five Freddy who recommended her to his DJ friend starting a new record label, Delicious Vinyl. Producer/label owner Dave Stewart, known for his work with the Eurythmics, had offered Davenport a recording contract a year prior when they were introduced through a collaboration with Bootsy Collins and Malcom McLaren, former manager for the Sex Pistols where she was featured on McLaren's Waltz Darling LP. She declined Stewart’s offer due to his requirement for her to relocate to London, England. After inking a solo development deal with Delicious Vinyl, she eventually relocated to London where The Brand New Heavies were signed to the label for North America, but the band had no singer.

The band’s initial UK indie label Acid Jazz Records, struck a deal with London Records for distribution in Europe and the rest of the world. During this period, the band produced a string of international LP’s and singles, invigorating a global movement and popularizing the musical term known as Acid Jazz. The Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol.1 was a successful collaboration of New York rappers and the initial members of the group, opting to forgo vocals for this project. Parallel to the completion of this project, Davenport completed work on the Jazzmatazz LP with good friend, late MC and rapper Guru. The result of their work together was one of the earliest collaborations between a vocalist and a rapper and an infusion of jazz music, cultural rhetoric and hip hop beats.

At the height of The Brand New Heavies success in 1995, Davenport left the group citing irreconcilable differences, returning to the US and choosing New Orleans as a home base while she pursued other collaborations, and completed work on her long overdue solo recording with Delicious Vinyl. Encouragement received from her associate, producer Daniel Lanois, resulted in the completion of the debut solo, less the remaining four songs, produced by Dallas Austin. After her association with Delicious Vinyl dissolved, Davenport's project was picked up by newly formed label owned by Virgin Group originator Sir Richard Branson. In 1997, Davenport released her and self-titled debut solo recording on V2 Records. She toured extensively in support of the album, around Europe, North America and Australia and with the concert series Lilith Fair. During which Davenport also played with renowned guitarist songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Renard Poche'. When her relationship at V2 came to an end she continued her work output, primarily focusing on European dance music projects.

Upon returning the US in the late 1990s, Davenport held residency in New Orleans but lived primarily in New York City and cites the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina disaster as the motivation to shift both professionally and personally. In late 2005 talks began about a reunion with The Brand New Heavies and by 2006 the group reemerged with the release of a new CD called “Get Used To It." Their reunion received a warm reception and the group continues to tour globally. Davenport's most recent projects include Celectrixx, a multi-media and live performance based electronic/acoustic duo, conceived in Japan.

Discography[link]

Album[link]

• N'Dea Davenport (V2, 1998)
  (Peaked at #56 on Billboard's R&B Album Charts)^[1]

1. Whatever You Want - (4:31)
2. Underneath A Red Moon - (4:16)
3. Save Your Love For Me - (4:07)
4. When The Night Falls - (4:50)
5. Bring It On - (4:22)
6. No Never Again - (5:14)
7. In Wonder - (4:06)
8. Bullshittin' - (3:34)
9. Real Life - (3:06)
10. Old Man - (4:00)
11. Placement For The Baby - (6:25)
12. Oh Mother Earth (Embrace) -(3:52)
13. Getaway - (3:30)

Singles[link]

• "Trust Me" (Guru featuring N'Dea Davenport) (Delicious Vinyl, 1993) (UK #34)^[2]
• "Bring It On" (V2, 1998) (US R&B #75; UK #52)^[2][3]
• "Bullshittin" (V2, 1998)
• "Underneath A Red Moon" (V2, 1999)
• "Whatever You Want" (V2, 1999)
• "You Can't Change Me" (Roger Sanchez featuring Armand Van Helden and N'Dea Davenport) (Defected, 2001)^[4] (UK #25)^[2]
• "One Day My Love" (Peace Bisquit/Curvve, 2006)

Additional information[link]

• The acid jazz label applied to The Brand New Heavies music was popularized by Eddie Piller and British record executive Gilles Peterson, perhaps in hopes that he could keep interest in the music on a par with the then-ubiquitous acid house music. The musical style was patterned after an admiration for 1970s funk ranging from James Brown to Rufus and the Average White Band. Peterson named his fledgling label Acid Jazz Records as well, and the Heavies recorded for this label in the United Kingdom.
• Davenport recut the vocal track on "Never Stop" "Stay This Way", and "Dream Come True" after Jaye Ella Ruth (the band's prior lead vocalist and co-writer) had ceased to be a member of the group, but preceding the major release of these recordings.
• Davenport's participation in sessions for both Malcolm McLaren's Waltz Darling and Madonna's I'm Breathless provide a curious link between "Deep in Vogue" and "Vogue" respectively. Madonna's originality has been contested vis-a-vis these two songs.^{[citation needed]}
• Davenport provides backing vocals on the November 2006 Robbie Williams single Lovelight, a cover of a Lewis Taylor song. Fellow Brand New Heavies member Andrew Levy provided bass.
• Davenport provides vocals on Natalie Merchant's song "Break Your Heart" featured on Merchant's album Ophelia.
• Davenport's "Save Your Love For Me" is a cover of a song originally performed by Nancy Wilson. Wilson's original song appears on an album of the same name.
• Davenport appeared in the music video for Breakfast Club's "Right On Track" dressed as a giant singing hen in 1987.
• Davenport is also a drummer.^[5]
• Davenport is a spinto soprano.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Brand New Heavies website
• Video: Interview with N'dea Davenport
• N'Dea Davenport at Allmusic