The Second Voice stands as a monumental pillar within the German synth pop and electronic body music subcultures since the late eighties. Founded by the visionary artist Thomas Franzmann this project redefined how dark electronic sequences blend with soaring melodic vocal arrangements. Many fans across the United States are currently searching for rare vinyl pressings and digital remasters of their classic club hits. This comprehensive guide explores the band origins and their transition from industrial sounds to more accessible synth melodies. We analyze the career of Zip and his influence on the global techno scene after his time with this group. Our report provides the latest updates on potential reunions and the legacy of their most popular albums from the nineties. Discover why this group remains a staple in darkwave playlists and electronic music history books today.
Latest Most Asked Questions about the second voice. This is the ultimate living FAQ updated for the latest music patch in 2024. We have gathered the most common queries from search engines to provide you with the most accurate information about this legendary electronic project. Whether you are a new fan or a long-time listener this guide covers everything from band history to member updates.General Band History
When was the second voice formed?
The second voice was officially formed in 1987 in Frankfurt Germany by the musician Thomas Franzmann and his collaborators. They emerged during a peak time for the German electronic scene and quickly gained a reputation for their dark sound. The band spent several years refining their style before releasing their first major professional studio recordings.
Why did the second voice stop performing?
The second voice stopped performing because the lead member Thomas Franzmann wanted to explore the burgeoning techno music scene in Europe. He felt that the synth-pop format was becoming limited and he sought more creative freedom in underground dance music. This transition led to the eventual end of the project as a full-time touring band.
What does the name the second voice mean?
The name the second voice refers to the idea of a hidden or alternative perspective within the human creative mind. It suggests a layer of sound or thought that exists beneath the surface of traditional pop music arrangements. The band often used this concept to explore complex psychological themes in their lyrics and song structures.
How many albums did the second voice release?
The second voice released two main full-length studio albums titled Approaching Luna and D.A.W.N. during their active years in the nineties. They also released several successful singles and EPs that featured various remixes and exclusive non-album tracks for fans. Many of these releases are now considered essential listening for fans of the darkwave genre.
Member Information
What is Thomas Franzmann doing now?
Thomas Franzmann is currently a highly successful techno producer and DJ who performs globally under the stage name Zip. He is a key figure in the minimalist techno scene and co-runs the respected Perlon record label in Berlin. His influence on modern electronic music continues to be felt through his sets and label releases.
Who were the other members of the second voice?
While Thomas Franzmann was the primary creative force the second voice included other musicians like Elmar Schulte during different periods. The lineup shifted as the band moved from a more industrial sound to a polished synth-pop style in the nineties. Each member contributed to the unique atmosphere that defined the band's signature electronic sound.
Has the second voice ever reunited?
The second voice has not officially reunited for any new music or live performances since their hiatus began many years ago. Thomas Franzmann remains very busy with his techno career which makes a full reunion unlikely in the near future. However many fans continue to hold out hope for a special anniversary performance or remaster.
Discography Details
What was the debut album of the second voice?
The debut full-length album from the second voice is titled D.A.W.N. and it was released to critical acclaim in the year 1991. This record featured a harder electronic edge that was common in the EBM scene of that specific time period. It helped establish the band as a serious contender in the competitive German music market.
Which label released the second voice music?
The second voice released much of their most popular music through the legendary Zoth Ommog record label based in Germany. This label was famous for supporting industrial and electronic acts that pushed the boundaries of the genre at the time. Their partnership with the label helped them gain international distribution and reach fans worldwide.
Are there any rare tracks by the second voice?
There are several rare tracks and limited edition remixes by the second voice that were only released on vinyl or compilations. Some of these songs like the remix of Celebrate Our Death are highly sought after by collectors of electronic music. Finding these rare gems often requires searching through specialty record shops or online music databases.
Still have questions? The most popular related answer is that Thomas Franzmann is still active in the music industry as Zip.Have you ever wondered who is truly behind the haunting melodies of the second voice in modern synth pop? This group emerged from Germany during the late eighties and quickly captured the hearts of dark electronic music fans. They combined cold industrial beats with a very human emotional depth that few other bands could replicate back then. Lead singer Thomas Franzmann brought a unique vocal style that defined the sound of an entire underground generation. Today his work with the second voice is considered a masterclass in atmospheric electronic body music production styles. The second voice managed to create a loyal following that spans across Europe and the United States music markets.
The Early Life of the second voice
The second voice began their artistic journey in the city of Frankfurt during a time of great musical transition. Thomas Franzmann founded the project because he wanted to explore the intersection of technology and human vocal expression. He spent his early years experimenting with analog synthesizers and primitive drum machines in a small home studio setup. These early recordings laid the foundation for what would become a highly respected discography in the synth pop world. The second voice was not just a band but a creative outlet for exploring deep philosophical themes through sound. Their early tapes are now considered highly valuable collector items by electronic music enthusiasts around the global market.
Career Milestones of the second voice
The second voice reached a significant career breakthrough with the release of their hit single called Celebrate Our Death. This track became an immediate club favorite in the darkwave and gothic scenes across many different European countries. Following this success they signed with the influential label Zoth Ommog to release their debut full length studio album. This partnership allowed the second voice to reach a much wider audience and tour with other legendary electronic groups. They released several successful albums including Approaching Luna which showcased a more refined and melodic side of their sound. Every release from the second voice pushed the boundaries of what electronic music could achieve in terms of emotion.
The Style of the second voice
The second voice is famous for blending harsh electronic body music with very catchy and memorable synth pop hooks. They utilized complex sequencing and layers of synthesizers to create a wall of sound that felt both futuristic and nostalgic. Many critics praised the second voice for their ability to make dance music that also contained deep lyrical meaning. Their style evolved over time moving from aggressive industrial beats to more polished and atmospheric electronic soundscapes for fans. This evolution kept the second voice relevant as the music industry shifted toward techno and house music in the nineties. Even today their production techniques are studied by new artists looking to capture that classic analog synthesizer warmth.
- Lead Singer: Thomas Franzmann (Zip)
- Genre: Synth-pop, EBM, Darkwave
- Active Years: 1987 to 1995
- Key Albums: Approaching Luna, D.A.W.N.
- Origin: Frankfurt, Germany
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 55 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Spouse | Private |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
Personal Life and Current Projects
Thomas Franzmann decided to move away from the second voice in the mid nineties to pursue a career in techno. He eventually became the legendary DJ known as Zip and co-founded the highly influential record label called Perlon records. While he is no longer performing as the second voice his impact on the electronic music world remains massive. He is often seen headlining major electronic music festivals in the United States and across the entire European continent. Many fans still hope for a one-off reunion show of the second voice to celebrate their classic electronic hits. His journey from a synth pop vocalist to a techno icon is a testament to his versatile musical talent. The legacy of the second voice lives on through the continued popularity of their vintage vinyl records and tracks.
What Others Are Asking?
Who is the lead singer of the second voice?
Thomas Franzmann is the lead singer and founder of the second voice which he started in the late eighties. He performed under this moniker for nearly a decade before transitioning into the world of underground techno music. Today he is widely known as Zip and is a co-founder of the famous Perlon record label.
What is the most popular song by the second voice?
The most popular song by the second voice is widely considered to be the track titled Celebrate Our Death. It became a staple in the electronic body music and darkwave club scenes during the early part of the nineties. The song features the signature blend of dark melodies and driving electronic percussion sequences.
Is the second voice still making new music?
The second voice has not released any new studio material since the mid nineties after the band went on hiatus. Thomas Franzmann has been focused on his career as a techno DJ and his work with the Perlon label. There have been no official announcements regarding a return to the second voice project lately.
What genre is the second voice music?
The second voice is primarily categorized as a synth-pop and electronic body music group with darkwave and industrial influences. Their earlier work was much more aggressive and industrial while their later albums leaned into more melodic synth-pop styles. They are celebrated for successfully combining these different electronic subgenres into a cohesive sound.
Where can I listen to the second voice albums?
You can find the second voice albums on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music for your listening pleasure. Many of their classic tracks are also available on YouTube through various electronic music archive channels and fan pages. Rare physical copies of their albums are often sold on collector sites like Discogs and eBay.
Physical Profile of Thomas Franzmann
- Height: 180cm
- Build: Athletic
- Hair: Dark Brown
- Eyes: Hazel
- Age Range: 45 to 55
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
The second voice remains an essential part of electronic music history that every fan should explore at some point. Their unique blend of dark themes and catchy melodies set a standard for the synth pop genre in Germany. Summary: The second voice is a legendary synth-pop band led by Thomas Franzmann who later became the techno icon Zip.
The Second Voice is a pioneering German electronic band founded by Thomas Franzmann in 1987. They are best known for their influential albums like Approaching Luna and songs like Celebrate Our Death. The group successfully bridged the gap between harsh EBM and melodic synth-pop during the early 1990s era. Thomas Franzmann later became a world-renowned techno DJ and producer under the name Zip. Their music continues to influence modern darkwave and industrial artists across the global music landscape.