Cartoons (band)
Cartoons were a Danish bubblegum dance band formed in 1996. They are best known for their cartoon形象 and energetic, upbeat music style.
The band originally consisted of:
- Martin Østengaard (vocals, credited as "Toonie")
- Jesper Dukholt (keyboard, credited as "Sponge")
- Mads Æbeløe Nielsen (saxophone, credited as "Boop")
- Erling Budding (drums, credited as "Scoop")
- Henrik Baloo Andersen (guitar, credited as "Daz")
- Natasja Pencle (vocals, credited as "Red")
Cartoons achieved significant commercial success, particularly in Europe, with their debut album Toonage, released in 1998. The album featured popular singles such as "Witch Doctor" and "Doo Dah". Their music was characterized by its catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and use of sped-up vocals, contributing to its appeal to a younger audience.
The band's image was a crucial part of their branding. Each member adopted a cartoon persona, dressing in character and maintaining exaggerated personalities in promotional materials and performances. This visual element helped to distinguish them from other pop acts of the time.
Cartoons released further albums and singles, but never quite replicated the initial success of Toonage. While the original lineup experienced changes over time, the band continued to perform and release music into the 2000s.
Despite their relatively short period of mainstream popularity, Cartoons are remembered for their unique musical style and memorable visual identity within the bubblegum dance genre of the late 1990s.