What Is Love: The Eurodance Phenomenon

What Is Love is the stage name of German Eurodance producer and DJ Felix J. Gauder. Hailing from Frankfurt, Gauder became a defining force in the late 1990s European dance scene with his project's infectious, sample-driven sound. His commercial peak arrived with the 1998 single "What Is Love (7" Edit)", which achieved platinum status in multiple countries and became a global radio staple.

Early career

Felix J. Gauder formed the What Is Love project in Frankfurt around 1996, initially as a studio-focused endeavor. His early work was characterized by a savvy use of classic disco and funk samples, layered with contemporary house beats and catchy vocal hooks. These first tracks gained traction in German club circuits, leading to a signing with the influential dance label Logic Records in 1997.

Breakthrough

The project's major breakthrough occurred in 1998 with the release of the single "What Is Love (7" Edit)". The track, built around a prominent sample from Haddaway's 1993 hit of the same name, became an inescapable smash across Europe. It reached the Top 10 in Germany, the UK, and numerous other charts, earning platinum certifications and propelling sales of the debut album "What Is Love" released that same year.

Key tracks

What Is Love (7" Edit) — This 1998 single is the definitive track, achieving multi-platinum sales and cementing the project's signature sample-heavy style.

Around the World — A follow-up single from 1998 that successfully replicated the formula, sampling Daft Punk and securing further high chart placements internationally.

Saturday Night — This 1999 release showcased a shift towards original production while maintaining the energetic, chart-ready Eurodance vibe.

Forever Young — Featured on the 2000 album "Forever Young", this track demonstrated a more melodic, vocal-driven side of Gauder's production.

The success of the debut era led to sustained output through the early 2000s, including the albums "Forever Young" (2000) and "Dance!" (2002). Gauder continued to DJ extensively, and the What Is Love sound remained a fixture in European dance compilations. While later releases did not match the colossal commercial height of the 1998 single, the project maintained a loyal fanbase, with Gauder occasionally reviving the alias for special performances and curated re-releases of the classic catalog.

Fans of the driving, sample-based Eurodance of What Is Love should also explore similar German acts of the era. Listen to Scooter for even higher-energy techno and breakbeat hardcore influences. The melodic hooks of Culture Beat offer a similar blend of vocal house and dance-pop. For another iconic German dance project built on samples, try Snap. The anthemic production style is also echoed in the work of Masterboy.

The music of What Is Love remains a staple on dedicated dance and retro radio formats. Classic hits like "What Is Love (7" Edit)" are frequently featured on European dance FM stations, 90s throwback online radio streams, and various independent music radio stations celebrating the era's defining sounds.

Listeners can discover the classic Eurodance anthems of What Is Love through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the stations available on onairium.com to hear the iconic tracks that defined this German producer's career.