SINCE settling permanently in Germany 12 years ago, singer Singin’ Gold has performed as a solo act throughout that country.

But for the past year, the St Mary-born artiste has been part of Hatta Clapz, an electronic dance music (EDM) duo which also includes German Raphael Reuter, also known as FedUpFaction.

Their song, When We Were Down, is their latest crack at national recognition.

“I did lots of shows per year just as Singin’ Gold but now with Hatta Clapz it’s getting there again. Not so much as the past, but we are getting there,” said Singin Gold.

When We Were Down, which looks at the career challenges of Hatta Clapz’ members, is produced by Reuter and written by Singin’ Gold. It is the follow-up to their debut single, Music School.

Singin’ Gold lives in the northern German city of Hannover, and is known in club circles as an electronic music artiste. Reuter, who is from Osnabrueck, a city in the coutry’s north-west, is a popular club DJ who specialises in trip hop and dub step.

While he was a reggae act when he moved to Germany, Singin’ Gold said the music is not as big as previous years, despite the success of homegrown acts such as Gentleman.

“The reggae scene in Germany is like more regional vibes. What the people want to hear in Hamburg, in most cases, is totally different in Berlin, for instance,” he explained. “That’s because reggae and dancehall is not the main music here, but overall one can have good fun going to reggae/dancehall parties.”

Singin’ Gold started his career on talent shows in St Mary. He first went to Germany in 2001 at the invitation of a sound system selector, and visited intermittently until deciding to settle there in 2003.