Glashaus

by Jason Ankeny German neo-soul trio Glashaus emerged in 2000 when producers Moses Pelham and Martin Haas began work on the proposed solo debut by singer Cassandra Steen, previously known for her work with the hip-hop group Freundeskreis. As the project evolved, the creative synergy between artist and producers proved so potent that plans for a Steen solo effort were scrapped in favor of a true collaborative process, and after months in the studio, Glashaus issued their debut single, Wenn Das Liebe Ist, in 2001. The record peaked at number five on the German pop charts, and while its follow-ups "Was Immer Es Ist," "Ohne Dich," and "Trost (Es Tut Weh)" failed to match its success, the trio's self-titled debut LP nevertheless spent 30 weeks on the charts on its way to earning three ECHO Award nominations. Glashaus II (Jah Sound System) followed in 2002, notching only the minor hit "Bald (Und Wir Sind Frei)." After a three-year layoff, Glashaus next resurfaced with Drei, which reestablished their commercial credibility by debuting in the Top Five, in addition launching the hit "Haltet Die Welt An," which fell just shy of the Top Ten.