Propaganda (band)

Propaganda was a German synth-pop band, formed in Düsseldorf in 1982. They were one of the initial signings to ZTT Records, the label formed by producer Trevor Horn, journalist Paul Morley, and others. The original lineup comprised Ralf Dörper (formerly of Die Krupps), Andreas Thein, Susanne Freytag, and Claudia Brücken.

The band is best known for their singles "Dr. Mabuse" (1984) and "Duel" (1985). "Dr. Mabuse," a complex and atmospheric track referencing the classic film character, established their distinct sound. Andreas Thein left the group before the release of "Duel," which became their biggest hit, reaching the top 30 in both the UK and Germany.

Propaganda's debut album, A Secret Wish, was released in 1985 and featured sophisticated arrangements and production, further solidifying their reputation for experimental and intelligent pop music. Trevor Horn contributed significantly to the production of this album.

Following A Secret Wish, Claudia Brücken and Susanne Freytag pursued solo careers. Ralf Dörper remained the only constant member and later reformed Propaganda with new members for the album 1234 in 1990. This album featured a more commercial sound compared to their earlier work and achieved moderate success.

Despite their relatively short lifespan and changes in lineup, Propaganda is considered an influential act in the synth-pop genre, known for their innovative sound, strong visual aesthetic, and intellectual lyrics. Their music has been sampled and covered by numerous artists, and A Secret Wish is regarded as a classic album of the 1980s. The original lineup, excluding Thein (who passed away in 2013), briefly reunited in the early 2000s but did not release any new material.