DJ Project

DJ Project is a Romanian electronic dance music group formed in 2000 in Timișoara by producers Gino Manzotti (also known as Handke Giuseppe) and DJ Maxx (Ovidiu Florea).^[1][2] The duo specializes in upbeat dance-pop and trance tracks, often featuring prominent female vocalists who have varied over the years, including Elena Baltagan from 2003 to 2009, Giulia until 2011, and more recent collaborators like Oana and Ioana Ignat.^[3][4] Their music blends synthesized beats with romantic lyrics, contributing to their popularity in Eastern Europe's club scene. The group released their debut album, Experience, in 2001, marking their entry into the Romanian music industry with instrumental and vocal-driven singles.^[5] Subsequent albums such as Spune-mi tot ce vrei (2002) and Șoapte (2005) solidified their domestic success, with hits like "Hotel," "Miracle Love," and "Nu" (featuring Giulia) topping Romanian charts and gaining airplay across Europe.^[6][7] In 2006, DJ Project received the Best Romanian Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, along with Best Dance Group honors at the MTV Romania Music Awards in both 2006 and 2007, highlighting their influence in the regional dance genre.^[8][9] Over two decades, DJ Project has produced over a dozen albums and numerous singles, evolving from early trance influences to modern house and EDM collaborations while maintaining a core focus on melodic, vocal-centric productions.^[10] Notable recent works include tracks like "Privirea Ta" (with Alina Eremia), "Supranatural" (with Ioana Ignat), and "Pe pământ" (with Francis On My Mind), reflecting their ongoing relevance in Romania's electronic music landscape as of 2025.^[11][12][13]

History

Formation and early releases (2000–2003)

DJ Project was formed in 2000 in Timișoara, Romania, by producers Gino Manzotti (born Handke Giuseppe) and DJ Maxx (born Ovidiu Florea) as a dance music project initially operating without a fixed vocalist.^[1][14] The duo focused on electronic and trance sounds, drawing from the burgeoning European dance scene while adapting to Romania's evolving music landscape.^[15] The group began with early independent releases before signing with the Inn Music label, which supported their entry into the commercial market.^[16] Their debut album, Experience, arrived in 2001 and featured vocal contributions from Claudia Pavel and Giulia Anghelescu on tracks including the title song "Experience" and "Arabian Story," establishing a foundation in trance and eurodance styles.^[16][15] In 2002, DJ Project released their second album, Spune-mi tot ce vrei, under Inn Music, with Claudia Pavel returning as the primary vocalist; this project marked a noticeable shift toward a pop-dance fusion, blending catchy melodies with electronic production.^[17][15] The title track exemplified this evolution, incorporating more accessible vocal hooks while retaining dancefloor energy.^[17] By 2003, the group transitioned to the Music & Music label for their third album, Lumea ta, introducing Ellie White (born Elena Baltagan) as the lead vocalist and bringing a fresh dynamic to their sound.^[18][15] The album's title single, "Lumea ta," gained traction on Romanian radio and charts, signaling the start of broader recognition for the project amid the post-2000 surge in electronic dance music popularity.^[19][15]

Rise to prominence and vocalist transitions (2004–2010)

During the mid-2000s, DJ Project achieved significant breakthrough success with vocalist Elena Baltagan, professionally known as Ellie White, who joined the group in 2003 and contributed to their evolving dance-pop sound. Their fourth studio album, Șoapte, released in 2005 under the newly signed label CAT Music, marked a pivotal moment, featuring the lead single "Privirea ta," which became a major hit and topped the Romanian Top 100 chart for one week. The title track "Șoapte" followed as another strong performer, reaching high positions on airplay charts and solidifying the album's impact. This period established DJ Project as a leading act in Romanian electronic music, with Șoapte blending trance influences and emotive vocals that resonated widely.^[15][20] Building on this momentum, the group released Povestea mea in 2006, which included the chart-topping single "Încă o noapte," holding the number one spot on the Romanian Top 100 for two non-consecutive weeks and earning them the Best Romanian Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards that year. Another key track, "Ești tot ce am," peaked at number two on the chart, further demonstrating their commercial dominance in the domestic market. The album's success extended their popularity across Eastern Europe, with performances and airplay gaining traction in neighboring countries. In 2007, Două anotimpuri followed, featuring introspective themes and continued strong sales, reinforcing DJ Project's status as Romania's premier dance group during this era.^{[15][21][22][23]} By 2009, DJ Project released In the Club, their fifth album, highlighted by the single "Nu" featuring new vocalist Giulia Anghelescu, which reached number three on the Romanian Top 100 and signaled a transitional phase. Ellie White departed the group at the end of 2009 to pursue a solo career under her stage name, a move that allowed her to explore independent projects while leaving a lasting imprint on DJ Project's early hits. Giulia's integration brought a fresh dynamic, evident in the 2010 EP Încă o noapte and the lead single "Regrete," which topped the Romanian Top 100 and topped year-end charts in Romania. This vocalist shift, coupled with CAT Music's support, sustained their prominence and opened avenues for international exposure in Eastern Europe through regional tours and media.^{[15][24][25][26]}

Later career and collaborations (2011–present)

In December 2011, following Giulia Anghelescu's departure due to pregnancy, actress and singer Adela Popescu joined DJ Project as the lead vocalist, marking a new phase of online-driven success for the group.^[2] During her tenure through 2016, they released several singles, including "Bun Rămas" in 2012 and "Fără Tine" in 2013, which gained significant traction on digital platforms and radio airplay in Romania.^[27] Popescu's involvement also supported ongoing tours across Romania, helping maintain the group's live presence amid vocalist transitions.^[8] After Popescu's exit in 2016, DJ Project continued with rotating vocalists, releasing "Sevraj" featuring Ela Rose that year.^[8] In 2017, Mira collaborated on "Omnia," followed by the 2018 hit "Inima Nebună," which amassed millions of streams and views, solidifying their pop-dance appeal.^[28] Andia joined for subsequent releases, including "Retrograd" in 2019 and "Slăbiciuni" in 2020, both of which topped streaming charts in Romania and contributed to over 50 million combined YouTube views.^[29] The group further expanded with "Parte Din Tine" featuring Roxen in 2021, a track that highlighted their adaptation to contemporary pop elements. Since 2018, Ioana Ignat has been a frequent collaborator, notably on "Supranatural" in 2023, which extended their reach into electronic pop territories.^[30] In 2019, DJ Project founders Gino Manzotti and Maxx launched a side project under their own names, focusing on international electronic tracks separate from the main group's vocal-driven output; their debut single "Matado" arrived in 2020, emphasizing club-oriented productions.^[8] This period also saw a shift to Global Records as their primary label after nearly two decades with Cat Music, enabling broader digital distribution and collaborations in the streaming era. No full-length studio album has been released since 2010, with the focus instead on consistent singles and occasional EPs to align with modern consumption patterns.^[2] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live performances from 2020 to 2022, prompting a pivot to virtual releases and online engagement, though the group maintained output with tracks like "Slăbiciuni" during lockdowns.^[1] As of 2025, DJ Project remains active with performances in Romania and select European venues, including a performance at the Grand Rally Tour in Râmnicu Vâlcea on August 20, 2025. Recent releases under Global Records include "Nimic Mai Mult" with Yuka (July 2024), "I Need You" with Tamaz (August 2024), "Ultimul sărut" (2024), "Vise de zahăr" (2025), and "Pe pământ" with Francis On My Mind (October 2025), underscoring their longevity in the Romanian dance scene, blending nostalgia with fresh electronic sounds.^[31][15][10]

Members

Current members

The current lineup of DJ Project consists of its two founding producers and featured vocalists who collaborate on releases.^[1] Gino Manzotti (born Handke Giuseppe on January 22, 1972, in Arad, Romania) serves as co-founder and primary producer, responsible for the group's music composition and arrangements.^[32] Of Italian descent but based in Romania, Manzotti has been instrumental in shaping the project's dance and electronic sound since its inception in 2000.^[8] DJ Maxx (real name Ovidiu Florea, born July 7, 1973, in Alba Iulia, Romania) is the other co-founder, acting as DJ and co-producer with a focus on live performances and mixing.^[33] Florea contributes to the energetic stage presence of the duo, handling transitions and remixes that define their club-oriented sets.^[34] Ioana Ignat (born July 22, 1998, in Botoșani, Romania) has been a featured vocalist since 2023, bringing her pop-infused style to releases such as "Supranatural" (2023) and "Am vrut să te sun" (2024).^[35][36] Known for her background in the Romanian pop scene, Ignat's emotive delivery has helped modernize the group's output while maintaining its dance roots.^[37] The group frequently collaborates with various vocalists, including recent features with Oana and Alina Eremia.^[10]

Former members

DJ Project has seen several vocalists over its history, each contributing to key releases during their tenures before departing for various reasons. Claudia Pavel joined as vocalist from 2001 to 2003, appearing on the debut album Experience (2001) and the single Spune-mi tot ce vrei. She departed after a brief stint to explore international opportunities.^[17] Elena Baltagan, professionally known as Ellie White, was the longest-serving early vocalist from 2003 to 2009, playing a central role in breakthrough albums such as Şoapte (2005) and Povestea mea (2007). She left in 2009 to focus on solo pursuits in music and acting.^[4][38] Giulia Anghelescu was the vocalist from 2009 to 2011, contributing to the album In the Club (2009) and the Încă o noapte EP. She exited in 2011 for family commitments and solo projects.^[14] Adela Popescu served as vocalist and occasional actress in promotions from 2011 to 2016, featuring on popular singles like "Mi-e dor de noi" (2012). She left in 2016 to prioritize her television career.^[3] Other short-term vocalists included Mira (Maria Mirabela Cismaru), who joined in 2017–2018 and contributed to singles such as "Omnia" (2017) and "Inimă nebună" (2018) before transitioning to a solo career, and Andia (Diana Constantin), who was involved from 2019 to 2020 on singles such as "Retrograd" (2019) and "Slăbiciuni" (2020) prior to her own solo endeavors.^[39][40][41]

Musical style

Genre and influences

DJ Project's core genre is dance-pop, characterized by upbeat eurodance and house elements that defined their early 2000s club-oriented sound.^[3] Their music typically features driving rhythms at around 128 BPM, paired with electronic production typical of the Romanian popcorn subgenre, which draws from Europop templates.^[42] Over time, the group's style has evolved from pure dance instrumentals rooted in progressive trance to modern EDM-infused pop, incorporating synth-pop layers for a more contemporary appeal.^[14] Lyrics in DJ Project's songs predominantly explore themes of love, heartbreak, and nightlife, delivered in the Romanian language to resonate with local audiences and foster a strong domestic following. This thematic focus emphasizes emotional narratives over abstract concepts, often blending romantic longing with the euphoria of night-time escapism in their vocalist-driven era.^[43][44]

Production and songwriting

The production of DJ Project's music is primarily managed by the core duo of Gino Manzotti and DJ Maxx, who handle the creation of beats, synthesizers, and overall arrangements as the group's founders and producers since 2000.^[1][14] Based in Timișoara, Romania, where the group was formed, their early work involved recordings at facilities associated with CAT Music, their initial label partner for 18 years, allowing for focused development of their dance tracks.^[24][45] In the songwriting process, Manzotti and Maxx emphasize conceptual storytelling and fresh ideas, often preparing 2–3 tracks simultaneously and subjecting them to extensive revisions, mixing, and mastering to ensure a polished, radio-friendly sound with catchy hooks typically lasting 3–4 minutes.^[45] Since signing with Global Records, they have expanded their collaborative approach, working with external vocalists and contributors on recent releases to blend traditional dance elements with contemporary styles, as seen in projects featuring artists like Roxen and Andia.^[1][46][10] As of 2025, their productions continue to incorporate melodic EDM elements in vocal-centric tracks, such as collaborations with Oana on "Vise De Zahăr," maintaining their focus on upbeat, romantic dance-pop.^[47]

Discography

Studio albums

DJ Project's studio discography spans from their debut in the early 2000s to a transitional EP in 2010, reflecting their evolution from trance and house roots to more pop-infused dance productions. The group's early releases were issued under Sprint Music, before transitioning to CAT Music for their breakthrough era, where they achieved commercial success in the Romanian market through certified sales. Following the 2010 EP, DJ Project shifted focus primarily to singles and collaborations, with no subsequent full-length studio albums released.^[14] Their debut album, Experience, was released in 2001 under Sprint Music and featured vocalists Claudia Pavel and Giulia Anghelescu, establishing the duo's initial sound in electronic dance music. The album introduced core elements of their trance and house style but achieved only modest commercial performance in Romania.^[14][48] In 2002, Spune-mi tot ce vrei followed on Sprint Music, comprising 9 tracks that began incorporating pop sensibilities alongside electronic beats. This release marked a slight refinement in their production approach, though specific sales figures remain undocumented.^[49][50] The 2003 album Lumea ta, also under Sprint Music, featured 9 tracks with new vocalist Ellie White (Elena Baltagan), emphasizing melodic dance tracks. It represented a pivotal shift with White's involvement, contributing to the group's growing domestic presence.^[51] DJ Project's major commercial breakthrough came with Șoapte in 2005, released by CAT Music as a 10-track album (including extended versions in some editions). The record sold over 30,000 copies in Romania, earning a gold certification from the Uniunea Producătorilor de Fonograme din România (UPFR).^[52] The follow-up, Povestea mea (2006, CAT Music), expanded to 15 tracks and solidified their popularity, achieving platinum status with 25,000 units sold in Romania according to UPFR certifications. This album highlighted mature songwriting and vocal harmonies, particularly with Ellie White.^[52][53] Două anotimpuri arrived in 2007 via CAT Music, a 12-track effort exploring seasonal and emotional themes in its dance-pop framework. It maintained the group's momentum in the Romanian charts without reported certifications. By 2009, In the Club (CAT Music) featured 12 tracks with vocalist Giulia Anghelescu, shifting toward club-oriented eurodance and house productions suited for nightlife settings. The album underscored DJ Project's adaptability to contemporary dance trends.^[54][55] The final release, the 6-track Încă o noapte EP in 2010 on CAT Music, served as a bridge between full albums, featuring remixes and new material amid vocalist changes. It signaled the group's pivot away from long-form releases toward single-driven output.^[56]

Singles

DJ Project's singles have been a cornerstone of their success in the Romanian music scene, with many achieving high positions on the Romanian Top 100 chart (active until 2012) and later on Airplay 100, contributing to their reputation as one of the country's leading dance acts. Their tracks often blend electronic beats with emotive vocals, resonating with audiences and leading to prolonged chart runs and high streaming numbers. The group's early breakthrough came with "Lumea ta" in 2004, which charted on the Romanian Top 100 for 40 weeks. This was followed by "Privirea ta" in 2005, which reached #1 on the Romanian Top 100. That same year, "Şoapte" peaked at #2. In 2006, "Încă o noapte" reached #1 on the Romanian Top 100, spending multiple weeks at the summit and becoming one of their signature songs (official video with 1.4 million views as of 2025). "Eşti tot ce am", also from 2006, achieved a strong #2 position. The mid-period continued with "Nu" in 2009, peaking at #3, and "Regrete" in 2010, which peaked in the top 5.^[57] Later releases sustained their chart dominance, including "Mi-e dor de noi" in 2011, which hit #1 on the Romanian Top 100. Post-2012, with the Romanian Top 100 discontinued, they achieved #1 positions on Airplay 100 and other charts with "Inimă nebună" in 2018, "Retrograd" in 2019, "Slăbiciuni" in 2020, and "Parte din tine" in 2021. These singles, featured on various studio albums such as Povestea mea and Best of 15 ani, highlight DJ Project's enduring appeal. Overall, DJ Project has amassed numerous top-10 hits on the Romanian Top 100 up to 2012, making them one of the most chart-successful acts in Romania during that era. Their music remains highly streamed, with multiple singles from 2010 onward earning gold and platinum certifications from UPFR for digital sales, reflecting their commercial impact in the streaming era.

Awards and nominations

Major awards won

DJ Project has garnered numerous accolades over their two-decade career, highlighting their enduring influence in Romanian dance music and their ability to adapt to changing lineups and trends. In 2006, the group achieved international recognition by winning the Best Romanian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, marking a significant milestone that elevated their profile beyond Romania's borders. That same year, they secured the Best Dance award at the MTV Romania Music Awards for their hit single "Șoapte," affirming their dominance in the local dance category. The following year, DJ Project repeated their success at the MTV Romania Music Awards, winning Best Dance again for the song "Ești tot ce am" from the album Două anotimpuri, which solidified their status as Romania's leading dance act during the mid-2000s. In the Romanian Music Awards, DJ Project demonstrated consistent excellence in the group category, winning Best Group in 2008,^[58] 2009 for the album Hotel,^[59] 2011,^[60] and 2022, reflecting their sustained popularity and successful collaborations with vocalists like Giulia and Andia.^[61] These victories, spanning over a decade, underscore the group's versatility and fan loyalty in the competitive pop-dance landscape.

Notable nominations

DJ Project has garnered several significant nominations across major music awards, demonstrating their consistent recognition within the Romanian and European dance music landscape despite not always securing victories in broader categories. At the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2007, the group was nominated for Best Romanian Act but lost to Andreea Bănică.