TrueBliss

TrueBliss were the first band to be created under the banner of reality televison show Popstars. The concept was later sold to at least thirty other countries and in turn provided the inspiration for another series: Pop Idol. In April 1999, Carly Binding, Megan Cassie, Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, Erika Takacs were selected as the members of the group, and over the nine-weeks of airtime were managed on screen by Peter Urlich. Without the money that would be afforded other Popstar groups, their debut album was hastily written and produced by Anthony Ioasa, and a video created for the debut single 'Tonight,' which became a number one hit. The hopefully-titled second single 'Number One' achieved a #12 position, and in September of 1999, a cover of George Michael's ‘Freedom’ was released as a third single but failed to chart. SonyBMG commissioned a follow up album to the multi-platinum debut 726006, but it was never recorded. Since the parting of the TrueBliss ways, Carly Binding has gone on to have a solo career as a singer-songwriter. Both Joe Cotton and Erika Takacs have spent time as television presenters for state broadcaster TVNZ, while Megan Cassie (having married rugby-player Pita Alatini) is now one of the judges of the third series of New Zealand Idol. Keri Harper has been less visible and audible, except for appearances on stage and one unreleased song called 'Atmosphere' produced by Che Fu.