Artist
Special D.
Why we feature this artist Special D.: the rush behind Nothing I Won’t Do Nothing I Won’t Do is a direct introduction to Special D.’s early sound: fast electronic production, an immediately recognisable vocal idea and very little hesitation about reaching the …
- From
- Germany
- Sound
- Hands up
- Active
- 2003–present
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The story of Special D.
Why we feature this artist
Special D.: the rush behind Nothing I Won’t Do
Nothing I Won’t Do is a direct introduction to Special D.’s early sound: fast electronic production, an immediately recognisable vocal idea and very little hesitation about reaching the chorus. The single belongs beside Come with Me and Home Alone, the records that established Dennis Horstmann’s name beyond the German club scene.
Dennis Horstmann and Mental Madness
Horstmann developed as a producer around Mental Madness, where Brooklyn Bounce producer Dennis Bohn recognised his work. The label’s early programme and remix commissions gave him a setting in which a forceful dance sound could still accommodate an uncomplicated pop melody.
Come with Me reworked Nena’s Nur geträumt into a new dance arrangement in 2003. The record’s success introduced the approach clearly: retain a strong melodic point of recognition, then change the energy and the function of the song.
Reckless
The album Reckless followed in 2004, with Nothing I Won’t Do, Home Alone and Come with Me all included. The original Japanese Victor edition also lists Speaker Slayer, Dust to Dust and Full Metal Jackass, showing the broader programme around the singles.
The production is deliberately emphatic, but melody remains central. The vocal gives the listener a phrase to follow; the synth parts and rhythm decide how large its return will feel.
Nothing I Won’t Do makes a useful first listen because that relationship is so easy to hear. The album then offers a fuller picture of the producer’s early interests, from compact vocal singles to more explicitly instrumental club material.
Essential releases
Come with Me
The Nena-connected breakthrough introduces Horstmann’s direct dance-pop approach.
Reckless
The album brings the first singles into a larger production programme.