User:Glastown/sandbox

Tokyo Vogue is Neo Romantic group created in 1981 by vocalist Dameon Styles. Tokyo Vogue's sound was built upon the dance rhythms created by Mike Shinnimin (bassist)and a handful of great drummers one of which was Kevin Swan. Kevin was with the band the longest and played a good part of the Canadian Tour. Greg Fill(keyboardist)added the layers of synth sounds with Dameon completing the equation with the lead vocals. There was a strong presences of synth-pop music but played with the power of a live drummer and bassist as opposed to just synthesizers.

Tokyo Vogue accentuated its sound with a extremely visual show. Dameon Styles said that they were always trying to create an "experience' not just music. "We wanted the audience to feel as if the band AND audience were partying in the streets of Tokyo" Dameon had created a unique light show for touring which was inspired by many UK acts and their videos of the time. This combination really struck a chord with the underground, alternative, college crowd. As to the "Vogue" (in Tokyo Vogue) and "Romantic" (in Neo-Romantic)the appearence was all about Style. We always approached every show as if it were a concert/theatrical production/fashion show and the audience responded in kind.

Although the group only lasted a few years it got much recognition and played over 200 shows per year on average. Because of its strong dance material the group was contracted on many occassions to perform in dance clubs which only ran D.J.s and not live entertainment. The influences were that of the British music scene. As TOKYO VOGUE received much attention and press they had not yet developed their own writing style. This was brought to light when in Calgary performing and had then vice president of capitol Records, Dean Cameron. Upon their introduction Dameon had to admit that all the material they were performing were their own renditions of British bands. It was agreed that the group would start developing its own material and keep in touch with Dean. After the break-up of the group in 1983, Dameon formed a new line-up in 1985 which was short lived. Following that a Canadian group out of Victoria, B.C. wrote and included a track called "Tokyo Vogue" on their album "     ". After this point other groups unaffiliated with Dameon used the name for their own.