Name	Soraya
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Soraya Arnelas Rubiales
Birth date	September 13, 1982
Origin	Valencia de Alcantara, Extremadura, Spain
Genre	Pop, eurodance, disco
Years active	2005–present
Label	Santander Records (2005)Vale Music / Universal (2005-2009) Sony Music (2010-present)
Worldwide sales	500,000 aprox.
Website	}}

Soraya Arnelas Rubiales (born 13 September 1982, Valencia de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain), better known by her stage name Soraya, is a popular Spanish singer. Soraya represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia with the song La Noche Es Para Mí (Night Belongs to me, literally, Night is made for me or Night is for me) finishing 23rd with 23 points.

Biography

Early life

Arnelas was born in Valencia de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain on 13 September 1982. At the age of 11, she left for Madrid. She wanted to study drama but soon started working as a flight attendant for Iberworld, where she travelled around the world. She speaks three languages and is a Real Madrid C.F. supporter.

2005: Operación Triunfo and "Corazón De Fuego"

Soraya participated in the fourth series of the Spanish television series Operación Triunfo in 2005 where she came second overall. Her début album "Corazón De Fuego" was released on 5 December 2005 produced by Kike Santander. The album got Platinum status.

2006: "Ochenta's"

On 21 November 2006, Soraya released her second album. It was her first English language album. The first single was a cover of Laura Branigan's Self Control. The remainder of the album was a mixture of 80s cover versions and new songs. The song reached Gold Status in the ''Promusicae Digital Songs'' charts and peaked at number 1 on the Spanish ''Cadena 100''. The second single from ''Ochenta's'' was a cover of Spagna's "Call Me". 'Ochenta's' is one of the most successful albums of 2007 in Spain and achieved platinum after many weeks charting in the top ten albums chart.

2007: "Dolce Vita"

Soraya released another album with more 80's hits. The lead single was "La Dolce Vita". The album includes 80's hits, in the likes of Kylie Minogue's "I Should Be So Lucky", Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", Eurythmics's "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This", Modern Talking's "You're My Heart, You're My Soul" and the lead single, "Dolce Vita", a cover from the Italian singer Ryan Paris. The album shot straight inside the Spanish Top 5 Albums Chart, peaking at #5, and getting Gold certification in the following weeks. The album was released in the United Kingdom via iTunes UK and 7digital.

2008: "Sin Miedo"

''Sin Miedo'' was Soraya's fourth released album. Leaving the '80s covers behind, this album contains 12 original tracks; 9 in Spanish and 3 in English. The album was produced by International DJ DJ Sammy and includes a duo with Kate Ryan (the song ''Caminaré''). The first single of the album was ''Sin miedo'' (Without fear).

The album debuted on the Spanish Albums Chart at a low #21, becoming her worst position for a studio album. The album has spent 22 weeks on chart so far. However, the album saw a Top 40 reentry at #32 thanks to a brand new edition of ''Sin Miedo''.

2009: Eurovision and other television projects

By the end of 2008, she submitted one of the songs from her latest album, ''Sin Miedo''. 1''La Noche Es Para Mí'' becamea frontrunner in the Spanish preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Russia, being considered the early favourite to represent the country. She was finally chosen to represent Spain on 28 February 2009. Soraya's Eurovision team consisted of a Swedish songwriting team. She heavily promoted in Sweden in the months leading up to the contest. Being an automic finalist representing Spain, she performedin the 25th position on Final night. However, critics and televoters failed to vote for the song, and ending up in the twenty fourth place. Arnelas referred to the score as a punishment from Europe, for Radio Television Española's late airing of the second semi-final where Spanish televoters and jury members were to vote.

She also recorded songs with a 2009 Andorran Eurovision candidate Jack Lucien. Their first duet was called ''Anaesthetic'', but was on neither of their 2008 albums. However, 2009 brings news that they have recorded a duet for Lucien's approaching 2nd album.

Previously to her Eurovision experience, she participated in the reality talent contest ''La Batalla de los Coros'', the Spanish version of Clash of the Choirs.

Controversy came in late June 2009, when her label, Vale Music, did not want to pay the video for her single "Caminaré". Soraya stated on her official facebook that she will make the video on her own, without the support of Vale Music". However, as of September 2009, no news about the release of the video has been made. As well, the single release has been cancelled by her label.

After visiting more than 20 cities, Soraya ended her ''Sin Miedo Spanish Tour 2009'' on September 13, 2009. In an interview, Soraya had stated that she did not want to branch out into North American continent and would prefer to stay in Europe. However, she will be heading to New York to study and to keep training professionally herself. Also, she toured and promoted her music around South America in October.

2010: ''Dreamer''

After leaving her label Vale Music / Universal in late 2010, Soraya signed a record deal with Sony Music and has been in the recording studio for the past six months recording new songs for her forthcoming fifth studio album. The first single to be released from the album is "Live Your Dreams", an electronic-dance pop song, produced by French DJ Antoine Clamaran. The video for the song was filmed in Paris on March and was released on June 2010.

The single peaked at #8 on the French Club Chart, while it peaked at #13 on the airplay chart and #47 in the download chart. The CD-Single debuted and peaked at #11 in the French Singles Chart, staying a total of 7 weeks into the Top15. It also reached #20 at the Russian Airplay Chart. This is Soraya's first entry in both France and Russian charts. In Belgium it peaked at #51. While in Poland the song reached #16 in the airplay chart. In Spain, the song was #18 in the airplay chart.

The album was released on September 28, 2010 in Spain, reaching number 1 on iTunes the same day it was released. The album peaked at #8 on the Spanish Albums Chart. ''Dreamer'' has supposed the return of Soraya to the Top10, achieving more success than its predecessor so far. The promotion of the album is supported by a tour through some European countries.

Discography

Albums

{|class="wikitable" !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Title !colspan="1"| Chart positions !rowspan="2"| Certifications |- !style="width:5em;font-size:100%"| SPA |- | 2005 | ''Corazón De Fuego''

1st Studio Album

Released: 5 December 2005

Label: Vale Music / Santander Records

|align="center"| 13 |align="left"| SPA: Platinum |- | 2006 | ''Ochenta's''

2nd Studio Album

Released: 21 November 2006

Label: Vale Music / Universal

|align="center"| 5 |align="left"| SPA: Platinum |- | 2007 | ''Dolce Vita''

3rd Studio Album

Released: 11 September 2007

Label: Vale Music / Universal

|align="center"| 5 |align="left"| SPA: Gold |- | 2008 | ''Sin Miedo''

4th Studio Album

Released: 14 October 2008

Re-released: 5 May 2009

Label: Vale Music / Universal

|align="center"| 21 |align="left"| _ |- | 2010 | ''Dreamer''

5th Studio Album

Released: 28 September 2010

Re-released: 17 May 2011

Label: Sony Music

|align="center"| 8 |align="left"| _ |- |}

Singles

Year

Single

Chart Positions

Album

Certifications

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"Mi Mundo Sin Ti"

"Corazón De Fuego"

"Sin Miedo"

"Live Your Dreams" (feat. [[Antoine Clamaran">Spanish Singles Chart

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"Mi Mundo Sin Ti"

"Corazón De Fuego"

"Sin Miedo"

"Live Your Dreams" (feat. [[Antoine Clamaran)

"Dreamer"

"Stick Shift" (feat. Antoine Clamaran)

Until Jan. 2009, when the official Spanish Top 50 Singles started, the official Spanish Singles Chart was based on physical singles and Soraya did not release any. However, from 2007 to 2009 there was an official Digital Downloads Top 20 where some of her singles charted.

As featured performer

Year

Single

Chart Positions

Album

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"No Debería" (with Antonio Romero)

"Tonight We Ride/No Digas Que No" (with [[Kate Ryan">Spanish Singles Chart

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"No Debería" (with Antonio Romero)

"Tonight We Ride/No Digas Que No" (with [[Kate Ryan)

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"Stick Shift" (with Antoine Clamaran)

References

External links

Soraya Official Site

Sh

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:People from Cáceres (province) Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 2009 Category:Extremaduran musicians Category:Spanish Eurovision Song Contest entrants Category:Spanish female singers Category:Spanish pop singers Category:Spanish-language singers Category:Star Academy participants

az:Soraya Arnelas bg:Сорая Арнелас da:Soraya Arnelas de:Soraya Arnelas es:Soraya Arnelas eo:Soraya Arnelas fr:Soraya Arnelas gl:Soraya Arnelas it:Soraya Arnelas hu:Soraya Arnelas nl:Soraya Arnelas ja:ソラーヤ・アルネラス no:Soraya Arnelas pl:Soraya Arnelas pt:Soraya Arnelas ru:Сорайя fi:Soraya Arnelas sv:Soraya Arnelas tr:Soraya Arnelas

name	Kate Ryan
background	solo_singer
birth name	Katrien Verbeeck
alias	Kate Ryan (stage name)
born	July 22, 1980
origin	Tessenderlo, Belgium
instrument	Vocals, Guitar, Piano
genre	Dance-pop, Eurodance, House
occupation	Singer-songwriter
years active	2001–present
label	EMI (2002-2006)ARS Entertainment (2007-present)
website	www.kateryan.be
notable instruments	}}

Kate Ryan (born Katrien Verbeeck on July 22, 1980) is a Belgian World Music Award winner. She began her singing career in 2001 and later found fame with a string of dance hits. These included covers, mostly of Mylène Farmer and France Gall, such as "Désenchantée", "Libertine" and "Ella, elle l'a" as well as new material. Ryan represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with "Je t'adore" coming in 12th place in the semi-final.

Biography

Ryan was born in the small village of Tessenderlo, Belgium. She grew up in a musical family, and reflected a talent for music at a very early age. At eight years old she learned to play piano and guitar. She received singing and piano lessons from her aunt who teaches at a conservatory. She studied at an art school, specialising in jewellery design. Ryan played frequently in bars and cafés as a teenager, and one night she was offered a recording deal. She became a member of a pop group called Melt at the age of 16. The group was active for two years, but they did not release any material commercially. When she met producer Andy Janssens, she left Melt and the pair began to write music together. Their debut single "Scream for More" was released in 2001, and it became a chart success. Later that year Ryan's second single, "UR (My Love)", cemented her position in Belgian charts.

She gained international prominence with a cover of Mylène Farmer's "Désenchantée", which was a hit in various European pop music charts. She signed in with Belgian department of EMI and released her first album ''Different'' in 2002 exclusively in Europe. The album went Gold and Platinum in a number of countries, selling more than 250.000 copies throughout Europe. Two final singles off ''Different'', "Mon cœur résiste encore" and "Libertine" (the first one being a French version of "Scream for More", the latter a second cover of Farmer's number) also turned out a chart success. Kate's records were released in the USA under Robbins Entertainment label.

In 2004, Ryan released a second album in Europe, entitled ''Stronger'', that also contained her remarkable dance-pop style. The album's lead single, "Only If I" met with a modest success across Europe. A cover of Cock Robin's "The Promise You Made" became the second single, earning even greater success. It was also recorded in French as "La Promesse". Pop ballad "Goodbye" was released as the third single, meeting with considerable success. In 2005 Kate Ryan's music appered in North America on Water Music Records.

In 2006 the singer participated in Eurosong '06, the national final to select the entrant for Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. She was selected as the entrant after placing first in the Eurosong final on 9 March 2006. Ryan represented Belgium at the Eurovision semi-final held on 18 May 2006 in Athens singing "Je t'adore". However, she did not qualify for the final, finishing two places outside the advancing Top 10 (12th) with 69 points. She was later voted best dressed performer by Eurovisions independent website esctoday.com for her 14.000 € outfit, later sold to raise charity funds. The following single was "Alive", taken from the album of the same name, which also featured French versions of several tracks including "Je t'adore", "Alive", and the third single "All for You". The album, although critically acclaimed, didn't repeat the success of two previous ones.

In 2007, she had some success with the double-sided single "Voyage Voyage"/"We All Belong". The track "Voyage Voyage" was a cover of the 1986 European smash hit by Desireless, and "We All Belong" was selected as the official anthem for the EuroGames 2007 in Antwerp. In 2008, Ryan released two singles: "L.I.L.Y. (Like I Love You)" and then "Ella, elle l'a", a cover of France Gall's song. Both tracks (as well as "Voyage Voyage" and "We All Belong") were included on her album ''Free'', which was released in the middle of the year. The album included also a duet with Spanish singer Soraya Arnelas. Singer's first best-of album ''Essential'' was released in July. It included songs recorded throughout her EMI period. In August Kate took part in Polish Sopot Hit Festival. During the show she received Gold award for the ''Free'' album in Poland. On 9 November 2008 in Monaco, Kate Ryan won the World Music Award as The Best Selling Benelux Artist. Two more singles promoted ''Free'', including "I Surrender".

2009 saw the release of the concept album ''French Connection''. It was a compilation consisting of French-language-only material, including Ryan's previous hits recordings, and adding some new recordings. "Évidemment" and "Babacar", both from France Gall's repertoire, were released as singles, but only met with limited success, as did the album. The singer announced that ''French Connection'' was the end of an era, and from now on she will only release material written by her. She received a Multi-Platinum award from Spain for selling more than 300.000 digital songs.

Ryan confirmed via Facebook that her next album, ''Electroshock'', will be released in 2011, preceeded by a single "LoveLife". It will contain English and French songs and will not have any cover version.

Discography

Studio albums

Year

Title

Chart positions

Certifications

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2002

* POL: Platinum

* SWI: Gold

2004

* POL: Gold

2006

2008

* POL: Gold

Compilations

Year	Title	Chart positions	Certifications
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2008
2009

Singles

Year

Title

Chart positions

Album

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"Scream for More"

"UR (My Love)"

"Mon cœur résiste encore"

2003

"Je t'adore"

2007

"L.I.L.Y. (Like I Love You)"

"Ella, elle l'a"

2011

"LoveLife"

References

External links

Official Web site

Kate Ryan on YouTube

Kate Ryan on MySpace

Kate Ryan on Facebook

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:Eurodance musicians Category:Belgian female singers Category:Belgian Eurovision Song Contest entrants Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 2006 Category:Flemish people Category:People from Limburg (Belgium) Category:Dutch-language singers Category:French-language singers Category:English-language singers Category:Robbins Entertainment artists Category:World Music Awards winners

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name	Antoine Clamaran
background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
birth date	November 18, 1964
origin	France
genre	House
website	www.antoineclamaran.com }}

Antoine Clamaran (born 1964) is a French house music artist and music remixer. Clamaran was born in Villeurbanne. In the early 90's, his local fame interested Maximum FM, the leading parisian dance radio station at that time. Impressed by his mixing gift, Clamaran gained a huge audience and started to be booked for one off parties. But Palace headquarters (Palace in Paris is the NYC equivalent of Studio 54) asked him to run the mythical Gay Tea Dance every Sunday, instead of French icon Laurent Garnier.

Biography

In 1992 Clamaran, eager to get involved into production, teamed up with Laurent Pautrat. Their first Production "I've got music in me" by 400 Hz made him one of the most promising French producers. Released on House Trade Records, this track was licensed by BMG France and sold over 100,000 units.

Then record companies started to flood Clamaran with remixing requests such as : "Funky Music" by Calvin Stone, "oxygene" by Jean Michel Jarre, "party time" by Gloria Estefan, "you spin me round" by Dead or Alive and "Encore Une Fois" by Euro smash. His own productions under the names of Carayca, 400 Hz, D-Plac, LAC, Unchain & House Train were always at the top the DJ playlists but it was not until 1998 was he again to enter the French top 50 best-sellers list.

As a DJ he switched his residency from Palace to the Temple of Dance in Paris: Le Queen.

During 1998 he produced 3 club smashes under the name Omega: "Dreaming Of A Better World", "Peace & Harmony", "The Mission". All these tracks went gold status in France (250,000 units) but didn't make any sales abroad.

By 1999, Clamaran had reached a blockbuster status in France but he chose to come back to house music, leaving behind the commercial path laid out for him. He decided to produce tracks under his own name and oriented for the international markets. His first productions under his name; "Do The Funk", "Get Up" and "After", were written with the now famous "french filtered sound".

These tracks were licensed by US based label Filtered records and released on the Discoland EP. The record became a "must have" for most of the world's key DJs including Boris Duglosch, Erick Morillo, Pete Tong, Danny Rampling and Robbie Rivera. With "We Come To Party" feat. Blue James (Basement jaxx singer), the filtered disco style of Clamaran, became an asset for the house community.

In 1999, a few days before New Year's Eve, Clap production (Clamaran /Pautrat label) merged into Penso Positivo (firm of another famous DJ in France : Claude Monnet).

Antoine is now managing 4 labels, as producer and a&r;, within Penso Possitivo: Academy, North Club, House Trade Records and Basic traxx.

In 2000, he achieved charts success with Vibration INC. Antoine Clamaran is currently the resident in the two biggest parisian clubs: Les Bains Douches and Le Queen.

The leading single from his 2009 album ''Spotlight'', "Gold", reached #5 position in Russia and topped the Moscow Airplay Chart.

Now, Antoine works with Soraya Arnelas for her new album.

Discography

''Release Yourself'', 2003

''Let's Get Together'', 2005

''Take Off'', 2005

''The Best of Antoine Clamaran - Inside'', 2007

''Spotlight'', 2009

References

External links

Antoine Clamaran website

Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:French DJs Category:French house musicians

bg:Антоан Кламаран de:Antoine Clamaran fr:Antoine Clamaran it:Antoine Clamaran pl:Antoine Clamaran ru:Кламаран, Антуан fi:Antoine Clamaran