The Shapeshifters

In 2003, Simon Marlin and Max Reich, a.k.a. The Shapeshifters, shot to instant fame with a tune that should become somewhat of a dance classic. Although Simon insists that the inspiration came from his wive (hence Lola's Theme) the inpiration is much more likely to have come from Johnnie Taylor's 1982 track 'What About My Love', the intro of which they heavily sampled. In fact, when listening to the original you might be forgiven for thinking you are listening to The Shapeshifters with the turntable at the wrong speed.
The guys played around with Lola's record collection and came up with the name, which was originally intended to be a mere working title. The instrumental version found it's way to UK dancefloors and proofed and instant success at the end of 2003, which is when it was first released on Nocturnal Goove. The vocals were added after hiring Janet Ramus, a.k.a. Cookie, from the London Community Gospel Choir in East Dulwich, and - due to it's immense popularity, the track was re-released on Positiva the summer of the following year, when it it the mainstream.
Cookie's vocals also feature on The Shapeshifters' follow up single 'Back To Basics', which enjoyed similar success in the clubs.
Remarkably, Lola's Theme, as well as Back To Basics hit #1 in the US Radio Airplay Charts, where the duo is known as Shape:UK to avoid conflict with LA based Hip-Hop outfit Shape Shifters.
Simon and Max are also widely known for remixing other artists' tracks.

Shapeshifters - Lola's Theme (2003)
UK#1, US#1, RSA#1, BE#2, US#5, IRL#7, FIN#9, NZ#11, NL#13, DK#17, IT#18, DE#23, CH#31, AUS#35, SWE#41, AT#47



Shapeshifters - Back To Basics (2005)
FIN#5, UK#10, NL#17, BE#18, IRL#23, CH#49, DE#74