Now: Big Fun – The UK's Dance-Pop Powerhouse

Now: Big Fun is a British dance-pop and electronic music project that emerged from the vibrant late-1980s club scene. The group achieved significant commercial success in the early 1990s, most notably with their debut album "Now: Big Fun" which charted across Europe and spawned several hit singles.

Early career

The project was formed in London in 1989 by producer and songwriter Mark Beswick. Initially conceived as a studio-based act, Now: Big Fun was designed to blend the energetic beats of the emerging rave culture with catchy, radio-friendly pop melodies.

Their first single, "I Feel the Earth Move," was released independently in 1990 and quickly gained traction in UK clubs. This early buzz led to a recording contract with the dance-focused label Deconstruction Records later that same year.

Breakthrough

The year 1991 marked the major breakthrough for Now: Big Fun. Their single "Living in a Dream" was released and became an instant hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number six.

This success was solidified by their self-titled debut album, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 14 and was certified Gold for sales exceeding 100,000 copies. The album's success established them as a leading force in the crossover dance-pop genre.

Key tracks

Living in a Dream — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound of euphoric piano house and remains their highest-charting record.

I Feel the Earth Move — The original independent release that built their clubland credibility and secured their first major label deal.

Can't Let You Go — A later single that showcased a more polished, soulful direction and received heavy rotation on European radio.

Shine On — This track exemplified their anthemic production style and became a staple on compilation albums of the era.

Following their initial success, Now: Big Fun released a second album, "Magic," in 1993. While it did not match the commercial peak of their debut, it produced several solid club tracks and maintained their presence on dance charts. The project collaborated with notable producers and vocalists throughout the mid-1990s, including work with singer Danni Minogue on the track "All I Wanna Do." As musical trends shifted, the group's output decreased, but their early 90s hits continue to be celebrated as defining moments of the UK dance-pop era.

Fans of Now: Big Fun often appreciate the work of similar UK dance acts from the same period. The Shamen shared a similar trajectory from the underground to mainstream chart success. The KLF also mastered the art of blending provocative pop with stadium house beats. Technotronic achieved comparable pan-European success with a fusion of hip-house and pop. Oceanic captured the same euphoric, piano-driven sound that defined the early 90s dance charts.

The music of Now: Big Fun maintains a steady presence on radio stations that specialize in classic dance and 90s pop nostalgia. Their hits are frequently featured on dedicated 90s FM stations, retro dance music online streams, and various independent music radio stations that celebrate iconic dance-pop anthems.

Listeners can discover the classic dance-pop sound of Now: Big Fun on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their iconic early-1990s hits in regular rotation.