Temperance (group)
| Company type | Music duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronic music |
| Founded | 1990 in Toronto, Canada |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Electronic music, Eurodance, house music |
Temperance was an electronic music duo originating from Toronto, Canada, established in 1990.
Biography
Initially created as a solo tech house endeavor by Mark Ryan (H.A. Der-Hovagimian), Temperance expanded into a duo with the addition of vocalist Lorraine Reid. The pair secured a contract with Hi-Bias Records in 1991.
Their debut commercial project was the five-track EP Phantasy, released in early 1992, which included Reid’s vocal performance on the track "Losing Touch." This was succeeded by the EP Obsessive. Although these early works gained traction on underground charts, Temperance achieved mainstream success in pop dance music with the 1994 single "Music Is My Life," earning the MuchMusic Video Award for Best Dance Video. Throughout this period, Ryan served as the exclusive songwriter and producer, while Reid provided lead vocals.
From 1994 to 1997, Temperance produced the album Virtues of Life alongside multiple dance-pop singles distributed through nine international labels. The duo emerged as key figures in Canada’s Eurodance movement during the early to mid-1990s, receiving extensive radio and club exposure, embarking on global tours, and earning seven nominations for the Juno Awards.
In 1996, Ryan initiated a side project named S.P.O.T. (Side Project Of Temperance), releasing the EP Drum-Head and the single "Welcome to Paradise," which found popularity across Asia before charting in Canada.
After Ryan’s exit in 1997, Nick Fiorucci—the founder of Hi-Bias Records—assumed songwriting and production duties. The 1999 album If You Don't Know showcased a transition toward a refined commercial house style aimed at a more adult demographic.
Temperance’s 1996 rendition of Alphaville’s "Forever Young" was featured in the first season of the television series Queer As Folk in 2000.
Following Temperance’s active years, Lorraine Reid pursued a career in linguistics. Nick Fiorucci continues to oversee Hi-Bias Records and produces music under various aliases including Fierce, DJ's Rule, and The Polorbabies. Mark Ryan relocated to Yerevan, Armenia, where he produces for local talent and creates international remixes under the name DerHova.
Band members
- Mark Ryan – production, songwriting, vocals (1990–1997)
- Lorraine Reid – lead vocals (1992–2000)
- Nick Fiorucci – songwriting, production (1997–2000)
Albums
- Virtues of Life (1995), Hi Bias Records, PolyTel
- Hands of Time (1998), Hi Bias Records
- If You Don't Know (1999), Hi Bias Records, Wood Records (Japan)
EPs
- Phantasy (1992), Hi Bias Records
- Obsessive (1992), Hi Bias Records
Singles
- "Music Is My Life" (1994), Hi Bias Records, BMG Music Canada, Ariola
- "Never Let You Go" (1995), Hi Bias Records
- "Let Me Take You Away" (1995), DFC (Italy), Hi Bias Records
- "Forever Young" (1996), Hi Bias Records, Popular Records (US)
- "Lost in Love" (1996), Hi Bias Records
- "Universal Dream" (1997), Hi Bias Records
- "Hands of Time" (1998), Hi Bias Records, Discoball (Sweden), ZYX Music (Germany), Dance Factory (Italy)
- "Dancing in the Key of Love" (1998), Hi Bias Records, One Step Music (UK)
- "Chains of Love" (1999), Hi Bias Records
- "If You Don't Know" (1999), Hi Bias Records, Attic Records
- "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" (1999), Hi Bias Records, Club Culture Records
- "Before You Never Call Me Again" / "Believer" (2000), Hi Bias Records, V.O.T.U. Records (Italy)
- "My Sentiments Exactly" (2001), Hi Bias Records
Appearances on compilations and split releases
- Split release with Jerrell (2001) on Hi Bias Records: "My Sentiments Exactly" / "Do You Feel The Same" featuring Mystah Munroe
- Split release with Alicia (2001) on Hi Bias Records: "Open Your Eyes" / "My Sentiments Exactly" featuring Mystah Munroe