One to One: The Canadian Synth-Pop Pioneers

One to One is a Canadian synth-pop and dance music duo that achieved notable success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The group is best known for their platinum-selling debut album and a string of infectious singles that became staples on radio and music video channels.

Early career

The duo, consisting of singer-songwriter Leslie Howe and keyboardist/producer Dane DeViller, formed in Toronto in 1985. They initially gained attention with their self-titled independent EP in 1986, which led to a major label deal with Capitol Records in Canada and a significant international licensing agreement.

Breakthrough

One to One's breakthrough arrived in 1988 with the release of their debut album, Forward Your Emotions. The album was propelled by the success of the single "There Was a Time," which received heavy rotation on MuchMusic and climbed the Canadian charts. The album was eventually certified platinum in Canada, signifying sales of over 100,000 copies.

Key tracks

There Was a Time — This synth-driven single was the group's biggest commercial hit, defining their anthemic early sound and receiving extensive video play.

Angel in My Pocket — A follow-up single that further cemented their radio-friendly style, showcasing Leslie Howe's distinctive vocal delivery.

Black and White — A track that highlighted the duo's ability to blend pop hooks with more introspective, socially-conscious lyrics.

Forward Your Emotions — The title track exemplified their polished production and knack for crafting memorable synth-pop melodies.

Following their initial success, One to One released their sophomore album, 1 to 1, in 1990. The album featured a slightly harder-edged rock influence while maintaining their core electronic sound, yielding singles like "Take Me Home." The duo continued to perform and record into the mid-1990s before pursuing other projects in the music industry.

For fans of One to One's brand of catchy, keyboard-driven pop, similar artists from the era include Kon Kan, another Canadian act that expertly blended dance beats with pop songcraft. The Northern Pikes shared a similar Canadian radio presence and melodic sensibility, albeit with a more guitar-oriented approach. The iconic Core Hart also explored similar terrain of rock-inflected synth-pop during the same period. Listeners might also appreciate the work of The Spoons, fellow Canadian new wave innovators who paved the way for electronic pop on the airwaves.

The music of One to One maintains a steady presence on classic pop and 80s retro radio stations featured on this website. Their signature hits are frequently programmed on specialty shows and mainstream classic hits FM stations, ensuring their synth-pop anthems continue to reach new generations of listeners.

You can hear the classic synth-pop sound of One to One on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their influential tracks and the era of music they helped define on our curated selection of online radio streams.