Ganymede consists of Patrick Runkle and David Friede. Based in California, this electropop duo released the album After The Fall in May 2000. This was followed by the maxi-single Neon Rain in February 2001 and their new album Euromantique is due for release in May 2001.

Sum up Ganymede in three words

Classic analog electropop.

How did you first discover OMD?

Like most Americans, I was first exposed to OMD through "If You Leave" being in perpetually heavy radio rotation. It wasn't until I discovered the rest of their music that I became a serious fan.

Are the vocoder-style vocals on Messages typical of Ganymede's approach to music?

Yes and no. Yes in that it is a prime example of our use of vintage analog gear and classic synthpop stylistic techniques. No in that "Messages" is the only song we've done so far where the vocals are entirely vocoded. Instead of trying to copy Andy's vocals from the original, we decided to use the vocoder to give our version a completely new sound and identity.

Do you have any other favourite OMD songs?

I'm most attracted to the style and attitude of their other early material, such as "Electricity," "Enola Gay," and "Statues."

What other artists and music are you into?

In addition to OMD, our music is influenced by many other great synthpop pioneers, examples being Alphaville, Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk, and Giorgio Moroder.

What plans have you got for Ganymede in the future?