Paul Elstak

Paul Elstak is the crown prince of Dutch gabba, the variant of hardcore techno that consistently sought the darkest, fastest electronic dance music possible. Though the Rotterdam producer was later reviled by many of his hardcore brethren because of his surprising chart leanings, his 1992 single "Where the F**k Is Amsterdam?" by Euromasters practically created the gabba style. Later singles like "Rotterdam" and "The Nightmare Continues" were also popular on the emerging scene, but by 1995, Elstak had pulled back from the dark side. Instead, he followed a more light-hearted hi-NRG style -- with help from Dutch producers the Klubbheads -- that resulted in a series of Top Ten Dutch pop hits including "Life Is Like a Dance," "Luv U More" (a cover of the Sunscreem hit), "Don't Leave Me Alone," and "Rave On." ~ John Bush