Andain
| Company type | Duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronic music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Josh Gabriel, Mavie Marcos, David Penner |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Music singles and album |
Andain was an electronic music duo originating from San Francisco, established in 2000. Their breakthrough came in 2002 when DJ Tiësto discovered them, propelling their singles "Summer Calling" (2002) and "Beautiful Things" (2003) to international club acclaim. The founding members were producer Josh Gabriel, vocalist and songwriter Mavie Marcos, and guitarist David Penner. After disbanding in 2006, Andain reemerged in 2011 as a duo consisting of Josh and Mavie, releasing the single "Promises" followed by their sole full-length album on September 12, 2012, subsequent to extensive touring. The group ceased operations in 2014.
2000–06: Early phase
Starting as an experimental electronica initiative in 2000, Andain gained prominence in 2002 with "Summer Calling" after signing with Black Hole Recordings. This track included a club remix by Josh Gabriel and was featured on Tiësto's compilation In Search of Sunrise 3: Panama, later issued as a 12" single accompanied by a remix from Gabriel & Dresden.
Their 2003 release "Beautiful Things" became their hallmark track, supported by Gabriel & Dresden remixes and included on Tiësto's Nyana compilation. It resonated strongly within club circuits and inspired numerous remixes under the Black Hole label.
Although their official releases targeted dance floors, leaked demos such as "Time," "Get Up," and "Ave Maria" showcased a more experimental electronica approach incorporating acoustic influences. Plans for a full album were initially set for 2003. At the Winter Music Conference 2004, "Beautiful Things" received nominations for Best Progressive/Trance Track and Best New Dance Group. That same year, they covered "Here is the House," which appeared on Gabriel & Dresden's compilation Bloom.
Despite announcements regarding new projects in 2005, conflicting commitments led to the group's hiatus in 2006.
2007–14: Album era
In 2007, Andain reunited as the duo of Mavie and Josh with intentions to produce a new album. By 2009, Josh disclosed plans for their upcoming single "Promises," although no official release date was provided. Interest heightened following the leak of a demo version of "Turn Up the Sound".
After four years dedicated to production, the album was submitted to their label in April 2011. The single "Promises" received backing from prominent DJs within the EDM community, complemented by remixes from Gabriel & Dresden and Mÿon & Shane 54. Its official music video debuted on June 1, 2011, with the single released shortly after on June 6.
The follow-up single, "Much Too Much," was released on January 30, 2012, accompanied by its music video soon thereafter. This track was further promoted through a three-track remix EP and an independent remix by Mike Shiver.
While finalizing the album project, "Turn Up the Sound" was issued as the third single via a remix EP in June 2012; the album edition was made available in July along with additional remixes. The production underwent modifications from its original leaked version in 2009, preserving solely the initial club-focused ending.
On August 10, 2012, Andain announced their album You Once Told Me through Facebook. The release date was set for September 24, 2012, featuring eleven tracks including reworked versions of "Ave Maria" and "You Once Told Me." The iTunes LP Deluxe Edition offered eight bonus tracks such as the original "Summer Calling" along with Gabriel & Dresden’s iconic club mix of "Beautiful Things."
Following this release, two further singles were introduced: "What It's Like," an eight-track remix EP launched on December 31, 2012, which included club mixes despite its soft-rock influence; and the title track "You Once Told Me," released December 16, 2013, supported by a six-track remix EP predominantly filled with trance remixes. This marked the album’s fifth single.
According to information on their official website, members have since embarked on separate ventures including Mavie’s solo career.
Albums
- 2012 You Once Told Me
Singles
- 2002 "Summer Calling"
- 2003 "Beautiful Things"
- 2011 "Promises"
- 2012 "Much Too Much"
- 2012 "Turn Up the Sound"
- 2012 "What It's Like"
- 2013 "You Once Told Me"
Covers
- 2004 "Here is the House"
Awards and nominations
After the notable impact of "Beautiful Things," Andain secured nominations at the 2004 International Dance Music Awards in categories including Best Progressive/Trance and Best New Dance Group. Additionally, the group was honored with the Sunset Music Award at Poland’s Sunrise Festival in 2010.
Their 2011 return with the single "Promises" brought two nods at the 2012 International Dance Music Awards for Best Trance Track and Best Chillout/Lounge Track. In 2013, Andain received another nomination for Best Chillout/Lounge Track for Zetandel’s remix of "Much Too Much."
| Year | Award | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | International Dance Music Awards | Best Progressive / Trance | "Beautiful Things" | Nominated |
| Best New Dance Group | Nominated | |||
| 2010 | Sunset Music Awards | |||
| 2012 | International Dance Music Awards | Best Trance Track | "Promises" | Nominated |
| Best Chillout / Lounge Track | "Promises" | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | International Dance Music Awards | Best Chillout / Lounge Track | "Much Too Much - Zetandel Chill Remix" | Nominated |