Voggue

Websites:  No
Origin: Montréal, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Voggue was a Canadian pop duo from Montreal that made waves in the early 1980s with their catchy blend of disco and synth-pop. Originally created by Denyse Lepage (of Lime fame) and a singer friend, Voggue rose to prominence with their infectious hit "Dancin’ The Night Away" in 1981. The song became a club anthem, bringing the group international recognition. However, the story behind Voggue is as complex as it is fascinating.

Denyse Lepage and her husband Denis Lepage, well-known in the disco scene for their work with Lime, initially envisioned Voggue as a side project. With Denyse's distinctive vocals already gracing their first tracks, the duo’s music was set for release. However, fearing that Denyse’s connection with Lime would confuse audiences, Trans-Canada Music made a controversial decision: they hired Chantal Condor and Angela Songui as the public faces of Voggue for promotional purposes. Despite having no role in the creation or production of the music, Condor and Songui fronted the project, appearing in performances, music videos, and promotional campaigns.

The Lepages were unaware of this shift in direction until they saw Condor and Songui on television representing the group. Disillusioned, Denyse and Denis left the project before the completion of Voggue’s self-titled debut album. The remaining production was handled by François L'Herbier and Michel Daigle, giving the record a polished and upbeat disco-pop feel.

After Voggue, Chantal Condor launched a solo career in 1989 under the mononym Chantal, releasing pop tracks that leaned towards contemporary radio hits. Although her solo efforts didn’t achieve the same level of success, she remained active in the music industry. In 1992, she joined the pop trio Collage, which lasted for two years. Later, she re-emerged as a solo artist, finding a more receptive audience through perseverance and innovative self-promotion.

Angela Songui transitioned away from the music industry and became an entrepreneur. She founded Museability, a website dedicated to tradeshow management and business consulting, carving out a successful career in the corporate world.

Voggue’s biggest hit, "Dancin’ The Night Away," remains a staple of 1980s disco compilations and continues to enjoy airplay in retro dance clubs. The group's history is a testament to the complexities of the music industry, where creative origins can be overshadowed by business decisions. Despite its unusual trajectory, Voggue left a lasting impression on Canada’s disco-pop landscape and remains a cult favorite among fans of early ’80s dance music.