Power 2 Move is the dynamic duo of producer Themi Charalambous (from Electrik Pulse) and vocal powerhouse Amber Dirks, who have brought their unique talents and extensive musical experience to the table to form the hottest, fastest rising group in the dance music industry today.
Themi’s remix of Chris “The Greek†Panaghi’s “The Time†soared to the 5 spot on the Billboard Club Play Dance Chart in 2007 as did his remix of Chris “The Greek†Panaghi track“Pumpâ€. Themi has also worked his remixing magic on producing and remixing singles by numerous dance recording artists including Collage, Damian Wild, Matheos, and Raquela.
Amber has performed extensively as part of the legendary singing group “Sister Sledge†and her soaring unique “rip the roof off†vocal style has earned her international acclaim. She has performed with an array of notable entertainers including Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, Michael Bublé, Destiny’s Child, and Macy Gray.
Power 2 Move has been hard at work in the studio finishing up their debut E.P. release entitled the “Passions EPâ€. Recently the new songs from this EP were featured prominently on the hit Fox series show “Nanny 911â€, which led to the up and coming group inking their current recording deal with Amathus Music.
Power 2 Move is now working on a full length album project to be released in the near future.
ABOUT THEMI
Themi Charalambous, aka Electrik Pulse, discovered his passion for music as a kid growing up in Queens, NY, a passion fueled by the funky sounds of artists such as Afrika Bambaataa (Zulu Nation), C&C Music Factory, Jam Master Jay, David Morales and Todd Terry. Themi’s childhood dreams of one day creating his own music were soon destined to come true.
Themi’s professional career started at the age of 15 when his mixing skills as a local house party DJ began to create a buzz, and the young aspiring DJ soon found his considerable skills in great demand. At 17, he decided to try his hand at writing some original melodies and lyrics and realized that it was not enough - he also wanted to be able to create and produce the backing music to complete his compositions, so he picked up a keyboard and taught himself how to play by ear.
"It is amazing when you can sit in front of a keyboard or piano and just play what you’re feeling at that moment" Themi says.
This one man dynamo soon taught himself to play other instruments as well, including the piano, and it wasn’t long before he was writing and composing songs, arranging music, and engineering and mixing his own tracks.
One of Themi’s first professional endeavors, as half of the production team known as “Big City Groove†led to his contract with Amathus Music and resulted in the international hit, “Cries In The Night†featuring guest vocalist Ezra Blue. “Cries In The Night†debuted to rave reviews and was featured in clubs and DJ mixshows worldwide, as well as being included on the Abercrombie & Fitch retail in-store playlist and receiving coveted airplay on the nation’s 1 Dance Music Station, New York City’s WKTU FM.
After several subsequent singles, Themi’s remix of Chris “The Greek†Panaghi’s “The Time†soared to the 5 spot on the Billboard Club Play Dance Chart, and in January of 2007, Themi’s remix of the scorching Chris “The Greek†Panaghi track “Pump†debuted in the 1 Breakout spot on the Billboard Dance Chart. He has collaborated with several notable producers and record labels in the dance genre, including Sweet Rains and Chris “The Greek†Panaghi, (who has worked with major artists including Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson and Christina Aguilera). Themi's collaboration with Chris "The Greek" and artist Raquela landed him a spot on the hottest trance compilation of 2006, “Working The Mix†on the Water Dance Music label through Universal Records.
Themi is currently working on new material with international recording artist Damian Wild, and the hit Fox series “Nanny 911†prominently featured several of Themi’s tracks in February 2007. Themi has also partnered with spectacular vocalist Amber Dirks to form the group Power 2 Move. Amber has performed extensively as part of the legendary singing group “Sister Sledge†and her soaring unique “rip the roof off†vocal style has earned her international acclaim. Power To Move is working on a full length album project to be released in the near future. Themi is a true believer that hard work, determination and not letting go of your dream are key factors on the road to success.
"It's all for the love of music," Themi explains.
From a humble beginning in Queens to the number one spot on the Billboard chart, Themi has truly found the power to move as he continues to rise to new heights in the dance music world.
ABOUT AMBER
Vocal powerhouse AMBER DIRKS was born in Holland and raised in New York City. While still in her teens, AMBER decided to leave the bright lights of New York City and head out west in search of fame and fortune. It wasn’t long before her strong, “rip the roof off†vocal style whisked her through the door and the professional singing career she had always dreamed of had finally begun.
AMBER’S cross-country gamble paid off in the studios of Phoenix and Los Angeles, where she quickly began working for several hit-making producers including Richard Shear (Stephanie Mills, Brenda K. Starr) and Nick Trevesick (5 Star). Her considerable vocal skills impressed producers and remix masters R.K. Jackson (CeCe Peniston) and Marcus Schulz, who eagerly recruited AMBER as the vocalist on the Plastik Records release "Do You Want Me". AMBER was also a featured vocalist on Motown recording artist Eddie Minninfield's Christmas album.
AMBER has provided backing vocals for an array of notable entertainers including Roberta Flack, KC & The Sunshine Band and A&M recording artist Malaika. As a Guest Vocalist of the classic group Sister Sledge, AMBER has traveled extensively in the US and abroad, performing in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans. With Sister Sledge, AMBER has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the music industry’s premiere recording artists including Gladys Knight, Michael Bublé, Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, Martha Wash (C&C Music Factory & The Weather Girls) and Chic. AMBER'S musical experience also includes a lengthy tour of South America with Latin recording sensation Raphael,. With Sister Sledge, AMBER appeared at the "Disco Fever to Race to Erase MS 2006" and along with superstar Natalie Cole, helped kick off the Grand Finale, "Lean On Me". After hearing AMBER lead off the second verse, industry legend David Foster singled out AMBER'S voice for praise.
AMBER has also appeared on BET, VH1 and has sung the National Anthem at numerous major televised sporting events. Her exotic blend of talent and beauty won her a spot as a former Miss Black USA finalist representing the state of Arizona.
Some of AMBER’S earliest influences growing up were the soulful stylings of strong female artists including Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Etta James, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin.
AMBER is currently recording with dynamic hitmaster Electrik Pulse (aka Themi Charalambous). Together they have formed the group Power 2 Move and are collaborating on material for a full length album. AMBER has also contributed vocals on upcoming projects by artists including Heathrow Project and Joni Sledge (Sister Sledge), and on a remake of the mid-90’s dance hit “Sweet Dreams†by LaBouche. AMBER’S strong, smoky vocals on Sweet Dreams 2007, on the German-based Fahrenheit-Music, bring a new 21st century flavor to the classic dance track.
AMBER continues to prove without a doubt that with a combination of talent, drive and determination, sweet dreams really do come true.
Billboard Dance Music Summit 2007