Donna Regina

During an existence that spanned nearly two decades and produced several albums, Cologne, Germany-based electronic indie pop group Donna Regina — centered around the breathy vocals of singer Regina Janssen, who worked alongside Günther Janssen, her fellow producer, multi-instrumentalist, and husband — were initially compared to Saint Etienne and One Dove. Through the years, however, they established a distinct, relaxed sound throughout a consistently stimulating and hushed body of work. While most of their material was clearly intended for home-listening environments, Donna Regina remained connected to dance music through remixes handled by the likes of Matthew Herbert, Mouse on Mars, Michael Mayer, and Isolée. In the late '90s, the group left the Strange Ways label and joined the Karaoke Kalk roster with A Quiet Week in the House. Northern Classic (2002), Late (2003), Slow Killer (2005), More (2007), and The Decline of Female Happiness (2010). Two anthologies, both of which were issued in 2004, rounded up their best output and covered distinct phases: The Early Years, released on the Polish Gusstaff label, and A Collection of Little Secrets, released on France's Tricatel.