Two DJs and a vocalist singing over back tracks.

Let’s be blunt, that’s the idea some people still have of South African trio, Flash Republic. But, for every person who pegs the outfit in that way, there are plenty of others who know that since its inception in 2005, Flash Republic has been fleshing out a creative vision that is only just hitting its considerable creative stride.

That Flash Republic is so much more than just a narrowly defined dance act that’s easily able to run with hundreds of similar top-drawer outfits around the globe, doesn’t just come from its already documented plethora of successes – among them a rack of chart-topping radio singles like last year’s ‘Twister’ and the attention of some of the dance world’s biggest-name remixers.

It comes when you see Flash Republic perform live, in what is now undeniably a real band.

As those lucky enough to have been in the audience have already witnessed, on-stage Flash Republic’s founding core of Tamara Dey, Ryan Dent and Craig Massiv is augmented by two scorching hot live musicians in the form of Martin Rocka (Martin Rocka & The Sick Shop) on guitar and Isaac Klawansky (Soft Serve, The Shadowclub) on drums. And the result of the addition of these two skilled musicians is, quite frequently, jaw-dropping.

“We can instantly see the reaction of the audience to the live five-piece,” says Massiv. “They are clearly blown away by the power of the electronica mixed with live guitar and drums and it’s really pushed us creatively on so many levels.”

The most obvious and fully-fleshed out example of these new creative heights is set to come with Flash Republic’s now much anticipated third album, due out later in 2010 and the follow-up to 2008’s ‘Danger’.

Working out of the Jazzworx Studio in Johannesburg, Flash Republic’s original songwriting trio of Dent, Massiv and Dey has now expanded to include Rocka as an integral part – and the results of this newly invigorated writing team are already sounding superb.

Dent is quick to point out that the super-charged energy and confidence the group feels in its upcoming album and from the extended Flash Republic family doesn’t mean their previous albums weren’t up to scratch. “Every project that we have done has been completely honest and a real representation of where we were creatively at the time – and right for the scene,” he says.

But, there’s an undeniable shimmer of anticipation in the Jazzworx Studio as Dent and Massiv produce what’s bound to be the standout album of 2010.

Importantly, the two producers and still active DJs have developed into heavyweights over the period and the impact of this is elevating the new material and the current live shows into something that’s – there’s simply no other word for it - worldclass.

Sure, the global polish shone heavily on all Flash Republic’s singles - Robot’, ‘Emergency’, and ‘Gave It Up for Music’ off ‘Time Is Now’ and ‘Star’ and, the biggest of them all, ‘Twister’ off ‘Danger (a song that Dey says has become the benchmark for where to go in album three).

But what’s emerging out of this time in the studio is a sound that’s refined, right across the spectrum: songwriting, production, performance and a striking originality are all perfectly in tune with each other.

It may seem incongruous to use the words organic and raw in relation to music that has its roots so solidly in dance, but they are especially apt in Flash Republic’s new material. And it’s not just courtesy of the live guitar and drums, as compelling as these two additions to the sound are. Indeed what’s maybe most striking about the new material is just how song-focused it is.

“You can play every one of the new songs on an acoustic guitar and you will immediately be able to identify it as a Flash song,” says Rocka, with no small measure of pride. “You know you are onto something special when you have a singer who learnt her trade in jazz and soul, two DJs and a rock musician in a studio and everyone is jumping up and down at the sound of a newly created song.”

It’s a lip-smacking thought.

Still, the set of songs that will appear on Flash Republic mark 3 are still firmly under wraps as they are lovingly coaxed to full strength by the group. But it would not be giving much away to say simply that what’s emerging autumn 2010 is forward-striding pop that has the energy of early post-punk, the swagger of rock and the sheen of 21st century avant-dance.

For Dey, the expanded live act, the re-energised songwriting core, and the upcoming album are a gratifying reflection of how each individual member of Flash Republic has grown since its debut, and where the group currently locates itself in relation to the international music scene.

“Collectively we are in a really great space,” she confides. “Over the past five years we’ve had loads of experience on stage, we’ve traveled the country and overseas and we’ve absorbed everything that is going on around us and that can’t help but play into our creative process.”

In the end, what indeed did start out as the sound of two house DJs and a vocalist trying to find their place and sound in the music industry has steered a hit-littered path through a tough domestic music scene, absorbing a myriad of influences along the way, and coming out the other end enormously creative and thrillingly ahead of the global music curve.

“Because we’ve had so much success on radio, people have put us in this kindof cheesy, commercial box, which is so much not what we are,” says Dey. “There’s still a great deal of dance in the music – that is always a core part of who we are. But mixed in with that is an amazing mix of individuals who are interesting and adventurous, and the new album will really seal the deal on bringing that home to people.”

About Flash Republic:
• In November 2005, Flash Republic released their debut album, "Time Is Now", which featured a mix of booming house, soulful vocals and electro riffs. It produced two Top 10 airplay hits on South African National radio in ‘Robot’ and ‘Emergency’, the group’s remake of an old Roachford tune. Third single ‘Gave It Up for Music’ also went Top 10 on national radio in early 2007.

A second album ‘Danger’ followed in 2008. ‘Danger’ featured the number 1 airplay hit “Twister”, Top 15 UK and DMC Club Hit ‘Star’, as well as collaborations and remixes with some of the world’s leading dance music producers and remixers including: Seamus Haji, StoneBridge, Thomas Gold, Prok & Fitch, Fonzerelli, Bellatrax and Henry John Morgan. Another notable track off ‘Danger’ was ‘Outta My Head’, an instrumental track written and produced by the Seamus Haji, owner of the Big Love Music label, and the man behind remixing some of the world’s biggest artists – Mariah Carey, Rihanna, The Ting Tings, Moby & Roisin Murphy. The Flash Republic crew added an infectious top line to Seamus’ original instrumental and the result is one of the album’s finest moments. Swedish superstar, StoneBridge, best known for his remix work with Ne-Yo, Usher, Sugababes, Britney Spears and Missy Elliott, delivered a remix of ‘Twister’ which has also been remixed by Bellatrax who had a Billboard 1 Dance Single in 2008 with ‘I Can’t Help Myself’. Two of the world’s hottest remixers in 2008, Fonzerelli (Tiesto, Booty Luv, Sunfreakz & J Majik) and Henry John Morgan (responsible for the 2008 1 Billboard dance hit from Bellatrax) also added their touches to the single ‘Shut It’.

The Flash Republic sound has also spread around the globe over recent years: The mighty Roger Sanchez selected the Prok & Fitch remix of ‘Star’ for his upcoming Renaissance compilation album. French DJ Arno Cost featured the single on his compilation album via EMI France as did Dutch superstar Deejay, Chuckie.
• Flash Republic’s frontwoman, Tamara Dey, is one of South Africa’s most successful female artists, providing the vocals on massive hits like "Thathi Mphalakho" (with BOP), ‘The First Lady’ EP (nominated for a trio of SA Music Awards) and SA chart-toppers "It’s Disco", "So Sweet (Uyazi Mos)" and "S’Groovy Baby" (off her lauded album ‘The First Lady and the Boys’).

Ryan Dent has numerous awards and accolades behind him. "The Dentist" (as he’s fondly known) delivers dance floor dynamite and crazy cross fade antics each time he steps into the booth. Ryan has DJ’ed in the UK, Holland, Germany and France over the past few years. Now applying his superior house knowledge to original productions, Ryan has produced tracks like "Haya" (a Top 10 hit on national radio), "Funkdust" and "Need It" (both released on Belgian label StartStop).

Craig Massiv is also no stranger to the scene, having served up super-deep sets at legendary spots like Foundation, Bar Rhumba (London) and The Kitchen (Dublin). As a member of the Jazzworx collective, Massic has contributed his deeply deft touch to many projects, including international remixes for Les Nubians and Beverley Knight. He has earned three South African Music Awards (South African Grammys) nominations for his efforts. His expertise has also been acknowledged by London label, Inspirit and Gossip records (NYC), with releases under his Soul Khula alias with Troye Lilley (with remixes from Andy Caldwell, Native New Yorkers and Hot22).
• Flash Republic’s live show has seen them support Kelis, Fatboy Slim, Audio Bullies, and Stereo MCs and performances at high-profile events like the Robbie Williams SA tour after party have earned them the respect of their peers.

Most recently, Flash Republic teamed up with Foto Na Dans to create side project, Dans Republic.