Total (13)

Total, a band hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, was established in 1983 under the guidance of Thomas Maisenbacher. The founding lineup featured Michael Zimmermann on vocals, Joe Bauer on keyboards, "Ozzy" Oliver Rodeit on bass, Bernie Weimer on drums, and Maisenbacher himself on guitar. In 1983, the band collaborated with Günther Mannschreck to produce a series of demo tracks. These demos found their way to Mannschreck's publishing agency, Intersong, in Hamburg. Unfortunately, the publisher declined the demo, leading to the departure of the vocalist and bassist. Subsequently, Total organized auditions to fill the vacant roles. The auditions were conducted at Mannschreck's newly established 24-track studio, where the talented vocalist Andrea Ströbel joined the ensemble. During the latter part of 1983, the band dedicated three intensive weeks to recording the song "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" ("The Same Dream Every Night"). This track was meant to secure a contract with CBS through the assistance of the prominent new wave manager, Jim Rakete. Regrettably, negotiations with CBS faltered, as the label insisted on a full album contract rather than a single, preventing a formal agreement. As a response, the band independently released a limited quantity of the single under Mannschreck's Schreckschuss label in January 1984. The vinyl copies were utilized to further their pursuit of a record deal and promotional opportunities. Relocating to Berlin Kreuzberg, Total endeavored to establish themselves there. However, due to the declining popularity of the Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) scene, the "Total" project was shelved by the end of the year. Despite the potential of "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" to achieve commercial success and gain radio airplay, it gradually faded from the music market. A few copies were available through Burkhardt Seiler's renowned Zensor distribution or were distributed via Mannschreck's mail order service. Most copies found their way into the possession of band members or suffered from loss and neglect over time.