Munich may be widely associated with brass ensembles and traditional Alpine garb, yet the city maintains a strong presence in house music. One standout figure in that realm is DJ and producer Tom Novy, who first entered the local club scene as a teenager during the late 1980s. He later appeared at many of Europe’s leading venues and festivals, registering substantial influence on dance charts internationally. Although he began as a hip-hop DJ, Novy eventually turned his attention to house; his debut single, “I House U,” became a club favorite after its 1995 release and incorporated a sample from hip-hop pioneers the Jungle Brothers. He followed with “The Odyssey” in 1996 and “Creator” in 1997, both chosen as official anthems for the popular Rave + Cruise events. A decisive breakthrough arrived once he teamed with Kosmo Records producer Eniac, who had moved to Munich from the former East Germany. Recording as Novy Vs. Eniac, the pair gained prominence with the 1997 house track “Superstar,” which topped dance charts across Europe and reached the Top Ten in numerous other territories, including the U.S. and Canada. The subsequent single “Someday Somehow,” featuring vocals by Munich DJ Virginia, achieved solid club success worldwide, including on the famed Spanish party island of Ibiza. In 1999 Novy and Virginia scored again with the vocal house cut “I Rock,” which remained in the Top Ten for well over two months in several countries. Novy later joined forces with vocalist Lima for the club singles “Now or Never” (2000) and “Welcome to the Race” (2001).
