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Coco Star
Coco Star
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Key Information

Susan Brice (born 16 March 1971),[1] better known by her stage name Coco Star (or simply Coco), is an English singer and songwriter, who was signed to Universal Music and EMI.[2][3][4] Brice has collaborated with artists such as Craig David, Artful Dodger[5] and Fragma for the number 1 hit, "Toca's Miracle".[4]

Early life

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Brice was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Her parents were both musical artists and singers although not professionally. She was musically active before the age of just 5 with hopes of having a number one hit record,[3] which she later achieved. Brice can play the cello and all of the recorder family, and some piano.[6][non-primary source needed]

At the age of just 12, Brice was writing and performing her own songs and had recorded her first track at the age of 15.[6]

Brice attended the University of the West of England, Bristol where she achieved a BA Hons degree in fashion and textiles. Prior to this, she had completed an art foundation course and a national diploma in art and design.[6]

Musical career

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During her time at university, she met up with Jody Wisternoff, Massive Attack and Tricky and began to further enhance her live performances and songwriting skills, landing underground hits with "One By One"[7] and "Always on my Mind".[8]

In 1994, Brice was signed by Universal MCA music publishing as part of a development deal where she worked alongside Paul Connolly on live showcases. Brice was coached by Whitney Houston's vocal coach and had dance tuition at Pineapple Dance Studios, as well as meeting Rob Davis regularly to work on music he wrote, and "I Need a Miracle" was just one of a few projects Brice worked on between 1994 and 1997. The ad libitum parts and sections of the melody line in "I Need a Miracle" including harmonies are exclusively the creation of Brice, who gave the song its iconic stamp. Brice also spent some time working with Roger McKenzie (AKA Wildchild) who died in 1995 aged 24.[9]

By 1997, Brice had entered the main UK charts with "I Need a Miracle" at No. 39[10] following its debut live performance at Pacha, Ibiza. It later went on to be the feature of a bootleg by UK DJ Vimto[4] with huge success. Originally called "Fragma vs Coco", the mashup of the two records "Toca Me" by Fragma, and "I Need a Miracle" by Coco resulted in the name "Toca's Miracle".[4] By the time of its official release in April 2000, the energy surrounding it was such that it went straight in at No. 1 in the UK, selling in excess of 500,000 copies.[4]

Brice is an accomplished songwriter, also signed to Universal Music Publishing for her works, including "It Ain't Enough" which features on the Artful Dodger album It's All About the Stragglers; this version also featuring Brice's vocals. "It Ain't Enough" was a top 20 hit for the Artful Dodger in 2001 but featured vocalist MZ MAY.

Brice also wrote the track "Driftaway", which was covered by Kele Le Roc.

Brice worked on an EP of songs by songwriter/producer Peter Wright. "Take You There" was released in April 2011.

She has also signed a deal with DJ Smash, for a release of her self penned "Get Over You". This collaboration was part of the 2011 DJ Smash album, 23,[11] and featured production by another Russian, DJ She.

Ahead of the 2011 Winter Music Conference in Miami, Brice featured at No. 12 in the official buzz chart[12] with a re-vocal of "I Need a Miracle", in a fresh new collaborative work with MYNC and Australian house music star Christian Luke. As with "Toca's Miracle", the new release entitled "A Miracle in Melbourne" is a mashup of the iconic vocal from "I Need a Miracle" and the track "London to Melbourne" released in late 2010 by MYNC and Christian Luke on CR2 Records, London.[13]

Collaborations

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Brice has collaborated with artists including Sub Love (Way out West) in 1993 (both writing and performing with DJ Die & Jody Wisternoff),[14] Tricky, Massive Attack, Victor Imbres (Deep Dish engineer), Rob Davis from 1994–'97 (Kylie Minogue's songwriter), Craig David and the Dreem Teem (Timmi Magic and DJ Spoony), Artful Dodger, Brian Harvey (East 17), Fragma (on the remix of "I Need a Miracle" 2000 & 2008[15]) and Photek under his moniker of 'Sentinel'.[16] In 2011, Brice teamed up with MYNC and Christian Luke for collaborative works involving "I Need a Miracle".[12]

Brice is also associated with Andy Levy and Simon Bartholomew of the Brand New Heavies with whom she collaborated with during the production of some of her self written music.

"I Need a Miracle" and "Toca's Miracle"

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"Toca's Miracle"
Single by Fragma and Coco
from the album Toca
Released10 April 2000 (2000-04-10) ("Toca's Miracle")
7 April 2008 (2008-04-07) ("Toca's Miracle 2008")
Recorded1999 (1999)
GenreEuro house
Length5:44 (Original Mix)
5:38 (Vocal Club Mix)
3:22 (Radio Edit)
3:01 (U.S. Radio Edit)
LabelPositiva
SongwritersDirk Duderstadt, Marco Duderstadt, Ramon Zenker, Rob Davis, Victor Imbres
ProducerRamon Zenker
Fragma and Coco singles chronology
"I Need a Miracle"
(1997)
"Toca's Miracle"
(2000)
"It Ain't Enough"
(2001)

Her most notable work to date is as the vocalist of "I Need a Miracle", released by EMI/Positiva in the UK and by Greenlight Recordings in the US.[17][18] This track is also known worldwide under the guise of the mashup "Toca's Miracle" which was a number 1 hit[19] in 14 countries worldwide in 2000.[20] "Toca's Miracle" is the result of splicing tracks (see mashup (music)) from two separate entities, namely Fragma (the German-based electronic production trio) and their hit "Toca Me", and "I Need a Miracle" which was initially written for solo artist Coco,[4] by Universal Music publishing writers Victor Imbres and Rob Davis in 1994. Despite appearances in the "Toca's Miracle" video and Fragma album line-up, Brice was never part of the Fragma group, and remains a solo artist. Rebranding of the original song "I Need a Miracle" to Fragma's "Toca's Miracle" occurred without permission or prior agreement.[21][non-primary source needed]

Brice appeared live on Top of the Pops on four occasions, including the Christmas special during 2000 and 2001 to perform "Toca's Miracle" as well as on CD:UK, T4 and the Pepsi Chart Show. Further live performances of "Toca's Miracle" and Brice's other works were given on MTV and The Prince's Trust's Party in the Park.

"Toca's Miracle 2008"

[edit]

Brice's vocals can also be heard on the 2008 remix of "Toca's Miracle", remixed by brothers Marko and Dirk Duderstadt. Again it uses the vocal parts from Brice's signed release of "I Need a Miracle". The 2008 remix was released by EMI/Positiva on 7 April 2008. Although the original 2000 release topped the charts in several countries exactly eight years previously, the remix climbed to No. 2 in Australia[22] and No. 16 in the UK. The original is acknowledged as one of the top 5 biggest dance anthems ever.[23][24] Remixes of Toca's Miracle were released without authorisation of Brice or Universal Music in 2008 and 2012.

Both poor credit and lip-synching[25] issues were discussed by press in Central Europe in 2010[26] when official singer Coco Star announced on National TV that a passing off act was appearing worldwide claiming to be the singer of the hit,[27] either lip-synching or performing live over Brice's copyright-protected vocals, a scenario compared with the Milli Vanilli scandal, although it relates to only one song "Toca's Miracle", effectively a remix of "I Need a Miracle" written for Brice in 1994. The offending passing off artist appears on the cover of the Australian release[28] of "Toca's Miracle 2008" adding to further confusion.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Coco Star is the stage name of Susan Brice (born 16 March 1971), an English singer and songwriter from , , best known for providing the iconic vocals on the 2000 trance anthem "" by German group , which topped the UK Singles Chart and achieved certification in the UK for 600,000 units. Raised in a musical family with influences, Brice began her career in local churches and choirs before transitioning to secular , collaborating early on with act Sub Love featuring and working with Universal-signed songwriters Rob Davis and Victor Imbres. Signed to Universal/MCA Records in 1998 after being discovered performing in nightclubs, she released her debut single "I Need a " in 1997 on Positiva Records (initially via Greenlight Recordings in 1996), which sampled elements of her roots and reached number 39 on the UK Singles Chart and number 8 on the Dance Chart. The track's powerful, soaring vocals gained renewed global prominence in 2000 when mashed up with Fragma's instrumental "Toca Me" to create "," a release that not only debuted at number 1 in the but also topped charts in 14 countries, with a 2008 extending its success to 17 countries. Following this breakthrough, Coco Star contributed vocals to other dance hits, including Dreem Teem vs. Artful Dodger's "It Ain't Enough" featuring Coco Star and (2001, UK #20). She has spoken publicly about ongoing royalty disputes for her vocal contributions to major hits. Throughout her career, she has balanced solo work with collaborations in genres spanning R&B, , dance, and , signing with Universal Music Publishing for songwriting. In the , Coco Star has remained active, reissuing classics such as a 2022 extended mix of "" and partnering with producers like for a 2023 progressive remake of "I Need a Miracle," alongside features on remixes by artists including and .

Early life and education

Childhood and early musical influences

Coco Star, born Susan Brice on March 16, 1971, in , , , was raised in a musical family with strong influences. Her parents were both musical artists and singers, though not professionally, which sparked her interest in performance from a young age. She began her career singing in local churches and choirs. By the age of 12, Brice was already writing and performing her own original songs, demonstrating an early talent for composition and vocals in styles including and pop. At 15, she made her first recording with a local producer, further honing her skills in these genres and marking the beginning of her transition from amateur pursuits to professional opportunities. Her foundational exposure to profoundly shaped her soulful vocal style and laid the groundwork for her later blend with electronic dance elements. In the mid-1990s, Brice's amateur performances evolved into professional endeavors, including a development deal with , which propelled her into the industry.

Formal education and initial career steps

Susan Brice pursued a with Honours in and Textiles at the University of the West of England in , where her studies intersected with her burgeoning creative interests in design and performance. This academic background provided a foundation for her artistic expression, complementing her early musical talents developed through influences in her youth. During her university years in the early , Brice balanced her education with emerging opportunities in the UK music scene, performing in local clubs and churches to refine her vocal abilities and gain recognition. These live appearances and initial demos showcased her transition from roots to broader pop and electronic styles, attracting attention from industry professionals. Her association with followed in the mid-, facilitating her initial recording contracts.

Musical career

Early recordings and gospel roots (1992–1996)

Coco Star, born Susan Brice, entered the music industry in the early as a session and , immersing her in the dynamic pop, trip-hop, and emerging electronic scenes amid the UK's mid-1990s and club culture. In the mid-1990s, Brice collaborated on solo recording efforts, co-writing and laying down vocals for initial tracks with collaborators Rob Davis and Victor Imbres. Signed to (a subsidiary) in 1998, her debut single, "I Need a ," originated as a demo during this period, capturing her emotive vocal delivery suited to dance and underground formats. The track received an initial underground release in 1996 via Greenlight Recordings, circulating in US club circuits and highlighting Brice's potential in before wider exposure. This era marked her foundational experimentation with rave-influenced sounds, blending soulful elements into the burgeoning UK garage and electronic landscapes.

Breakthrough single "I Need a Miracle" (1997)

"I Need a Miracle" marked Coco Star's entry into the dance music landscape as her debut single, written by songwriter Rob Davis and producer Victor Imbres. The track was initially released in 1996 on Recordings, Imbres' independent US-based label, before a re-recorded version appeared in 1997 under the artist credit Coco via Positiva Records in the . This house-infused anthem featured Star's powerful vocals, drawing from her background to deliver an emotive plea that resonated in club environments. The recording process emphasized Star's vocal prowess, with her layered harmonies and soulful delivery providing the emotional core over a pulsating beat produced by Imbres. Blending gospel-inspired phrasing with electronic elements, the production created a high-energy track suited for late-night sets, reflecting the era's fusion of spiritual depth and dancefloor urgency. Star's contributions extended beyond singing, as she collaborated closely on the vocal arrangements to infuse the song with raw intensity. Upon its 1997 UK release, "I Need a Miracle" achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart in November and reaching number 8 on the UK Dance Chart. Promotion included club performances and radio airplay, notably on , alongside a simple showcasing Star in urban settings to highlight the track's club-ready vibe. Critics praised its infectious energy, with Music Week noting it as a "winner" in the burgeoning dance scene. In the late UK club scene, amid the rise of and , the single positioned Star as a fresh voice transitioning from roots to electronic dance, gaining traction through underground DJ support and live sets that amplified its anthemic quality.

International success with "Toca's Miracle" (2000–2001)

In 2000, German producers Dirk Duderstadt and Ramon Zenker, under their project , adapted Coco Star's vocals from her 1997 single "I Need a " into a new track by layering them over the from Fragma's earlier release "Toca Me." This mashup, officially titled "," was produced for Gang Go Music and released on labels including Positiva and Edel Records, marking a pivotal fusion of UK garage elements with European that propelled Star's voice to global prominence. The single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in April 2000, where it sold over 500,000 copies and became one of the year's biggest dance hits, while also topping charts in 14 countries worldwide, including (number two peak) and (number one). Its euphoric build-ups and Star's emotive delivery resonated across dance floors and radio, establishing it as a trance anthem and contributing to Fragma's debut album Toca. Coco Star joined for high-profile performances, including four appearances on the BBC's between April and May 2000, as well as slots on and at major outdoor events like London's . These exposures amplified media buzz around her as the track's featured vocalist, elevating her status in the international dance scene.

Later releases and remixes (2008–present)

Following the success of her early hits, Coco Star continued to engage with the electronic music scene through and new collaborations starting in 2008. That year, she featured on the " 2008" remix by Inpetto, a reworking of the original track that revitalized her vocal presence in . The single reached No. 2 on the Australian ARIA Club Chart and re-entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 16, demonstrating sustained interest in her contributions to and genres. In the mid-2010s, Star expanded her remix work and features across house subgenres. She collaborated with DJ Kam on the 2014 house track "Everything," which highlighted her soulful vocals in a contemporary club context alongside "Drift Away." Similarly, her partnership with producer Mike Jolly resulted in the 2015 release "Give Me the Reason," a funky house single with multiple remixes that emphasized uplifting melodies and her gospel-infused delivery. Star's output in the late 2010s and beyond included high-profile reworkings of her classic material, maintaining her relevance in festival and radio circuits. In , she lent vocals to "Coco's Miracle" by and Dannic, a of her 1997 single "I Need a Miracle" that incorporated hard-hitting percussion and became a staple in global dance sets. She also featured on remixes by around 2021–2023. In 2022, an extended mix of "" was reissued. More recently, in 2023, Star collaborated with Norwegian duo on a remake of "I Need a Miracle," updating the original with modern production elements while preserving its euphoric core. No major new releases were reported as of November 2025. Throughout this period, Star's music evolved to incorporate and influences, blending these bass-heavy styles with her signature gospel roots for a hybrid sound. Tracks like these often retained spiritual themes and vocal harmonies drawn from her early gospel background, adapting them to high-energy electronic formats popular in underground club scenes. Star sustained her career through active live performances in the 2010s, appearing at festivals such as in 2010 and , where she performed her remixed hits to enthusiastic crowds. These appearances, along with regular club circuit gigs, helped her maintain a dedicated following in the global dance community.

Collaborations and influences

Partnerships with UK garage and dance artists

Coco Star's notable partnership in the scene came through her collaboration with Dreem Teem, , and Craig David on the 2001 track "It Ain’t Enough," a two-step garage anthem that she co-wrote and provided lead vocals for. The song originated as a bootleg before its official release, highlighting Star's soulful delivery layered over the duo's signature basslines and rhythmic grooves, which helped propel it to number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. This project exemplified the early 2000s boom, where Star's gospel-infused vocal style was integrated with the genre's upbeat, syncopated beats to create crossover appeal. The track's success extended to UK garage compilations, where a dub version featuring Star's vocals appeared on DJ EZ's Pure Garage III mix album, underscoring her role in the genre's club rotations during that era. Similarly, it was included in Rewind 2001: Lessons from the Underground, a collection celebrating influences, further cementing Star's contributions to the scene's archival presence. In parallel dance collaborations, Star worked with production duo MYNC and Australian DJ Christian Luke on tracks like "A in " (2012), where she reprised her iconic "I Need a " vocals over a house-infused beat, contributing to the track's inclusion in EDM festival compilations. These partnerships showcased her versatility in blending emotive, powerhouse singing with rhythms, though they achieved more niche impact in club charts rather than mainstream peaks.

Work with electronic and alternative acts

Coco Star's engagement with electronic and alternative acts traces back to her early involvement in the UK drum and bass scene, where she contributed vocals to SubLove's "One By One" from the 1992 EP of the same name. Co-written and performed under her birth name Susan Brice, the song exemplified the genre's raw energy and foundations, drawing on her gospel-influenced phrasing to infuse emotional depth into the high-tempo production. This collaboration marked her entry into underground electronic circles, expanding her reach beyond mainstream dance into alternative listening audiences seeking atmospheric and rhythmic experimentation. In 1996, Star featured as Co-Co on "Toulépleu" by Sentinel, an alias of acclaimed producer , released on Basement Records. The track blended intricate percussion with haunting vocal layers, showcasing Photek's signature intelligent style and highlighting Star's adaptability in sparse, experimental arrangements. Her performance on this release, part of Photek's broader oeuvre in and evolution, helped bridge her work with alternative electronic producers who prioritized sonic innovation over commercial polish. Star continued exploring electronic remixes in the 2010s, providing vocals for "I Need a Miracle" by the Guru Project and Tom Franke in 2015, with CJ Stone delivering a prominent remix that retained the track's uplifting essence while incorporating progressive house elements. The CJ Stone Video Edit, in particular, emphasized her soaring delivery against layered synths, demonstrating how such partnerships preserved the integrity of her original compositions in evolving electronic contexts. These ventures into drum and bass and progressive electronic subgenres broadened her appeal, connecting dance enthusiasts with alternative scenes through live credits and remix integrations that underscored her vocal versatility. In 2023, she collaborated with Norwegian duo on a progressive house remake of "I Need a Miracle," updating her classic vocals for contemporary electronic audiences.

Discography

Studio albums

Coco Star's discography features no traditional full-length studio albums of original material, reflecting her career emphasis on singles and collaborations in the dance and garage genres. Instead, her album releases consist primarily of reissue compilations and remix collections centered on her breakthrough tracks, particularly "I Need a Miracle" and its derivatives. These releases, often formatted as multi-track packages on digital platforms, highlight updated productions and club-oriented mixes that extend the life of her early hits. In 1994, Coco Star (then Susan Brice) signed a music publishing development deal with Universal/MCA, pursuing gospel-influenced projects and collaborating with producers like Paul Connolly on live showcases and demos. However, no original studio emerged from this period, with her efforts shifting toward electronic and recordings by the mid-1990s. In 2015, the I Need a (The Remixes), credited to The Project & Tom Franke vs. Coco Star and released via Pulsive Records, compiled 10 versions of her 1997 single. Produced by a team including CJ Stone, Tom Franke, and Vijay & Zlatko, it featured radio edits, extended mixes, and genre-specific remixes such as the Panda Remix Edit and Tommy Mc Remix, emphasizing and elements. Key tracks included "I Need a (Tom Franke Extended Mix)" (4:49) and "I Need a (Vijay & Zlatko Remix)" (6:06), showcasing production updates that refreshed the song for contemporary club play. This collection underscored the enduring appeal of her vocals in electronic music, with no reported chart performance but positive integration into DJ sets. The 2017 release Coco's Miracle, a collaboration with and Dannic on , focused on club mixes and updated versions of "Toca's Miracle" motifs, presented as a two-track package including the Club Mix (3:04) and Extended Mix (5:13). Produced by the DJ duo with Coco Star's vocals layered over high-energy beats, it highlighted remixed elements from her earlier hits like "Coco's Miracle" as a nod to her catalog's legacy. Released amid a resurgence of 2000s revivals, it received favorable reception in electronic circles for bridging nostalgic vocals with modern production, though it functioned more as an EP than a full compilation.
ReleaseYearLabelKey Tracks/HighlightsFormat
I Need a Miracle (The Remixes)2015Pulsive RecordsTom Franke Extended Mix, Vijay & Sofia Zlatko Remix (10 tracks total)Digital remix compilation
Coco's Miracle2017Club Mix, Extended Mix (2 tracks)Digital single with mixes
These releases, while not charting independently like her singles, have sustained fan interest by repackaging core tracks from her catalog—such as remixed versions of "I Need a " and ""—for new audiences in club and streaming environments, contrasting the standalone success of her 1990s and hits.

Singles and EPs

Coco Star's debut single, "I Need a was initially released in 1996 on Recordings before a 1997 reissue on Positiva Records in formats including vinyl and CD, peaking at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart and number 8 on the UK Dance Chart. The track, produced by Victor Imbres, featured gospel-influenced vocals and served as a foundational release in her career. Her most successful single, "," a collaboration with utilizing her vocals from "I Need a Miracle" over the instrumental "Toca Me," was issued in 2000 on Positiva Records across vinyl, , and later digital formats. It debuted at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, selling over 400,000 copies there for certification, and achieved top 10 peaks in at least 10 countries including (number 2), (number 1), (number 2), (number 3), and (number 4). A 2022 extended mix reissue was released digitally, extending its legacy. In 1999, she featured on The Fridge's "It Ain't Enuff," which reached number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2001, "It Ain't Enough," a track co-written by Coco Star and featuring production by Dreem Teem and , was released on FFRR in CD and vinyl formats, reaching number 20 on the UK Singles Chart over five weeks. That year, she also released "Take My Advice" on Oyster Records, peaking at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. A 2008 remix of "Toca's Miracle" by Inpetto, featuring Coco Star's vocals, was released digitally on Positiva, re-entering the UK Singles Chart at number 16. Other notable singles include "Loving Arms" (2004, featured on compilations), a 2007 revocal version of "I Need a " on KLM Music, a 2014 cover of "Drift Away" with DJKAM on EML Recordings in digital format, "Everything" featuring Coco Star by DJKAM on the same label in extended mix digital release, and "Give Me the Reason" with Mike Jolly on 9th Floor Recording in CD and digital formats (2014–2015). In 2023, a progressive house remake of "I Need a " with KREAM was released on Musical Freedom Records as a digital single. EPs encompass the 2015 "I Need a (The Remixes)" by The Guru Project & Tom Franke vs. Coco Star on Pulsive Recordings, a 10-track digital collection of remixes including chillout and club variants. Additionally, the 2017 "Coco's " by , Dannic, and Coco Star on was released digitally as a standalone EP-like package with radio and club mixes.
TitleYearLabelFormatsUK Peak
"I Need a Miracle"1997PositivaVinyl, CD39
"It Ain't Enuff" (The Fridge feat. Coco Star)1999N/AN/A20
"Toca's Miracle" (Fragma feat. Coco Star)2000PositivaVinyl, CD, Digital1
"Take My Advice"2001OysterN/A20
"It Ain't Enough" (Dreem Teem vs. Artful Dodger feat. Coco Star)2001FFRRCD, Vinyl20
"Toca's Miracle 2008" (Inpetto Remix, Fragma feat. Coco Star)2008PositivaDigital16
"Loving Arms"2004N/AN/A-
"I Need a Miracle" (revocal)2007KLM MusicN/A-
"Drift Away" (DJKAM feat. Coco Star)2014EML RecordingsDigital-
"Everything" (DJKAM feat. Coco Star)2014EML RecordingsDigital-
"Give Me the Reason" (Mike Jolly & Coco Star)20149th Floor RecordingCD, Digital-
"I Need a Miracle (The Remixes)" EP (The Guru Project & Tom Franke vs. Coco Star)2015Pulsive RecordingsDigital-
"Coco's Miracle" (Fedde Le Grand, Dannic & Coco Star)2017Spinnin' RecordsDigital-
"Toca's Miracle" (Extended Mix reissue)2022N/ADigital-
"I Need a Miracle" (KREAM & Coco Star)2023Musical Freedom RecordsDigital-

References

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