YES, GIORGIO

Trailblazing producer Giorgio Moroder, who has had a seismic impact on the evolution of dance music, is returning to Casablanca Records, the legendary label (now under the Republic umbrella) on which he made his name in the disco era. The 76-year-old Italian innovator will release new music on Casablanca later on this summer.

"It just makes sense," Moroder said of his return to the label. "It feels like home." He added, with a nod to his classic solo bow, "Casablanca from here to eternity."

Proclaimed Casablanca GM Brett Alperowitz, "Giorgio is one of music’s most important innovators. It feels great to have him back with the label and we are looking forward to his next innovation!"

Even dance fans who don't know Moroder by name will recognize the silky electronic verve of his records, such as Donna Summer's smashes "I Feel Love," "Love to Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff," "On the Radio" and more, the Flashdance giant "What a Feeling," Blondie's "Call Me" and the original version of David Bowie's "Cat People."

In '77 he released From Here to Eternity, the vastly influential collection that paved the way for House Music, on the Casablanca label.

Moroder's synth-heavy production achieved a futuristic vibe that made the disco ball spin in brave new ways. He is thus rightly regarded as a bridge between disco and EDM.

Little wonder Daft Punk summoned him to collaborate on their Grammy-winning monster Random Access Memories (Columbia). In 2015, he dropped new album Déjà Vu, a strong return to form featuring guests Sia, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Mikky Ekko, Charli XCX and others.