BY FILIPA MOREIRA l PUBLISHED: 01.12.2023
In the effervescent world of 90s Eurodance, there exists a musical legacy that transcends time and genre, and at the forefront of this movement stands the iconic duo, La Bouche. Lane McCray and Melanie Thornton, the dynamic pair that brought us chart-topping hits like "Sweet Dreams" and "Be My Lover" left an indelible mark on the dance pop era. Amidst the pulsating beats and memorable lyrics, there exists 'A Moment of Love Forever,' a sentiment woven into the very fabric of their musical journey. As we embark on a journey through this evocative phrase, let's delve into the origins, the highs, the lows, and the enduring legacy of La Bouche. Join us as we explore together with Mr. Lane McCray the story behind the music that continues to resonate, proving that some melodies are not just tunes but timeless echoes of an era that lives on.
THE BIRTH OF LA BOUCHE
Lane McCray recalls ‘the good old days’, when he and Melanie Thornton fronted a band called ‘Groovin’ Affairs’. During this period of time, Melanie had already secured a production deal with Amir Saraf. However, at the time, the fervor and enthusiasm for the duo concepts prevailed in the music industry. In light of the above, Lane tells us that Melanie approached him with the proposition of collaborating on a project, which at the time had no name. Even though Melanie had already recorded songs such as “Tonight is the Night” and “Sweet Dreams”, both of which were signed to different labels, Melanie was left with the decision of which one she would like to represent, choosing ‘Sweet Dreams’ and thus embarking on a journey with Lane, and launching their careers as La Bouche.
THE STORY BEHIND THE DUO'S NAME
The inspiration behind the duo’s name stemmed form a moment in the studio with their producer Frank Farian, who remarked the fact that both, Lane and Melanie, had always something to say and proposed the name ‘The Mouth’. Lane describes their initial reaction, as a little hesitant, stating that it was like an ‘uhhhh, no!’ But when Frank suggested ‘La Bouche’, explaining that it translates to ‘the mouth’ in French, they embraced the name, not knowing that this rather spontaneous decision in the studio would go on to define their identity in the dance pop era, and become an integral part of their musical journey.
MELANIE THORNTON
Lane’s introduction to Melanie Thornton in Spring of 1994, can be seen somehow as serendipitous, seeing as a friend of Lane, who was already a singer in the band ‘Groovin’ Affairs’, found himself unable to perform at a few gigs and reached out the Lane to cover for him. Which inevitably, resulted in him meeting Melanie in her home, where he first laid eyes on her and, more importantly, heard her incredible voice. Stating that he was ‘floored by her voice’, and thus, left him astounded.
EURODANCE SCENE IN THE 90S
Reflecting on the golden age of Eurodance in the 1990s, La Bouche undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the scene. In a genre where many artists showcase undeniable talent, Lane says that one of the factors that set their music apart, was certainly the distinctive approach that they took. He explains, that at the time, Eurodance tracks shared a commonality in sounds, making it possible to interchange vocals effortlessly. However, with their producer Frank Farian, he admits that they had the privilege of collaborating with top-tier songwriters and producers such as Mary Applegate (“Power of Love”) and Diane Warren (known for countless hits, such as I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith). Beyond the music, Lane affirms that ‘they were also more pop/dance than just euro dance’ and that even the way their presentation was carefully put together, stating that they also toured with a live band, dancers, singers which distinguished them from other groups in the era. Opting for this multifaceted approach, allowed the duo carve its unique niche in the dynamic and unforgettable Eurodance movement, as well as in dominating the club scenes with their vibrant and energetic songs.
SWEET DREAMS AND BE MY LOVER
The genesis of their chart-topping hits in the ‘90s, ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Be My Lover’, holds distinct stories. ‘Sweet Dreams’ bore the creative imprint of Melanie, and while Lane can’t speak to the specific inspiration behind it, ‘Be My Lover’ originated from a conversation they had between set while performing with ‘Groovin’ Affairs’. He says, ‘Melanie was a beautiful young lady and well I was not that bad on the eyes either’, adding that there were 'sparks flying’ between them. Melanie posed the question of mixing business and pleasure. Lane told her that in his experience it didn’t work, still they had had examples from working partners such as Sonny and Cher, Marvin and Tammy, and Captain and Tennile. Following this conversation, Lane and Melanie found themselves in the studio with new music presented for them to write. Melanie began writing ‘looking back on all the time we spent together, you ought to know by now if you want to be my lover’ and I responded with ‘I hear what you say and I see what you do but I need to know more about you but I want you to know what it’s telling me, you wanna be my lover’. The impact of these songs on their careers has been profound, and it can still be seen thirty years after. Quiet recently, with remixes by artists like David Guetta, their music has experienced a resurgence, reclaiming chart success in various countries. Moreover, the songs have become cultural touchstones, featured in major films like ‘Night at The Roxbury’, numerous TV shows, and commercials. Lane says, that it’s a humbling experience to see something that they created foster a sense of unity across the world, transcending boundaries of country, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation, highlighting our commonalities rather than differences.
PERSPECTIVE ON LOVE
When asked to describe his perspective on love, and the sensation of falling into and being in love, Lane laughs, and states that we are asking the wrong person about the ‘thing’ called love. Nevertheless, he says that ‘love is love’ and that ‘it doesn’t come with condition, notes or addendums’. Adding, that it should be as natural as breathing, an involuntary aspect of our existence. He states, ‘If you say you love me, you would not say and do things to hurt me or treat me like a door mat’, thus he in his eyes love shouldn’t be accompanied by actions that hurt or treat someone badly. Ultimately stating, that ‘he will always be open to love and whenever the universe decides to send him someone he will be waiting with open arms.’
TRAGIC PASSING OF MELANIE
Releasing ‘In Your Life’ as a tribute to Melanie Thornton was an emotional journey for lane that holds profound significance for him, as it stands as the last song that they recorded together and remains one of his favourites to perform. Melanie’s untimely passing was undeniably a tragedy, stating that ‘there is not a days that goes by’ that he doesn’t think of her. Both, Lane and Melanie believed in the philosophy of ‘live your life as tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, so live each day as if it were your last’. A lyric from this song says “nobody knows just what you go through everyday of your life but you have to hold onto what you believe in and no matter what they say, no matter what they do, it’s your life” and with that life be the change that you want to see in this world.
THE CONTINUATION OF LA BOUCHE
The continuation of La Bouche with new vocalists was a thoughtful and emotional process, Lane says that ‘firstly let me say that no one will ever be able to replace Melanie nor would I even try’. Following Melanie’s passing in 2001, Lane took a couple years off from touring, which allowed him to reflect on life’s true meaning and his place within it, while navigating through a spectrum of emotions from sadness and sorrow to anger, as he says that ‘his world has been turned upside down’. Describing that, him and Melanie, were inseparable, ‘being together almost every single day of every week of every year’, stating that in a way they were married as they spent more time together than with their partners.
Upon returning to work, my goal was to honour Melanie's memory and keep the music alive, although not everyone was immediately on board. Some loyal fans, deeply connected to Melanie, were hesitant to embrace a new chapter. However, the talented ladies with whom Lane collaborated with, were genuine La Bouche fans who held Melanie in the highest regard. The essence and dynamics of the group evolved, becoming more celebratory in nature, and were well-received by fans worldwide. He says the as we are approaching the 30th anniversary of La Bouche, plans are underway to do a twelve-city tour in America and Europe, featuring all the ladies who have contributed to carrying the legacy forward. They will share their connections to La Bouche and what it means to uphold the band's enduring legacy.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
When confronted with the question of what his most memorable live performance is, Lane finds it challenging to choose just one live performance, given the various unforgettable moments throughout his career. However, a couple that stands out vividly, is for example when they were in Paris doing “Dance Machine”, and even had the privilege of performing in this vibrant city twice, each time leaving an indelible mark in his memory. Stating that it was memorable, as the city of Paris, in France, exuded a unique allure, where the music, the people, and the atmosphere collectively made him feel irresistibly sexy, despite his personal reservations about such a label.
What added an extra layer of significance to these performances was the fact that they were flown back and forth from New York to Paris on the Concorde just weeks before its fatal crash, adding a surreal element to the experience.
RESURGENCE OF 90S MUSIC
The resurgence of interest in 90s music among young artists and the youth at large reflects a timeless appreciation for the era's musical gems. Lane, adds, that music, by nature, undergoes cycles of reinvention and reinterpretation throughout time. Stating that at the end of the ‘90s, RnB artists such as Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Rihanna embraced dance and EDM, prompting a transformative shift in the genre's landscape. This compelled dance artists to reinvent themselves, adapting to the evolving musical landscape. The current trend of young artists reinventing songs from the 90s speaks to the enduring appeal of the era's music. It's a testament to the timeless quality of these tracks that transcends generational boundaries. Affirming, that the highest compliment an artist can receive is witnessing their work replicated or reworked, signaling a vibrant and dynamic continuity in the world of music.
HIV GROUP
Having lived through the 80s when AIDS first emerged, claiming millions of lives, Lane acknowledges that governmental swiftness and a collaborative approach among doctors and scientists could have saved countless lives. His involvement began during his time in the USAF, sparked by the witnessing of a friend's deterioration from the virus just before they relocated to Europe in 1991. The friend's expressed fear of dying alone, without human connection, resonated profoundly. This prompted Lane, to delve into self-education and engage with fellow servicemen and women in the USAF, advocating for protection and providing information on support programs for those affected. Over time, Lane has witnessed progress, knowing individuals who, following a devastating diagnosis, are now undetectable and thriving. Despite strides made, the fight against HIV persists, emphasizing the preventability of the virus with informed choices. The message underscores the significance of careful consideration in the choices individuals make today to avoid the potential consequences of one wrong turn.
MESSAGE
First and foremost, Lane thanks Le Journal des Jeunes for posing insightful questions and providing an opportunity to narrate the story of La Bouche. Stating that the enduring love and support of their fans throughout the years have not gone unnoticed, expressing a deep appreciation for the affection received. Lane looks forward to reuniting soon on the stage, and is eager to share more memorable moments with the fans.
Follow La Bouche:
Website: https://officiallabouche.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labouchefanpage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirlanemccray