Real McCoy and the Secret Behind “Another Night”

In the mid-1990s, Eurodance was at its peak, and one of the defining acts of the genre was Real McCoy. Their pulsating beats, catchy hooks, and late-night club appeal brought them international stardom. At the center of their success was their most recognizable song, “Another Night”, which climbed charts worldwide and became a cultural touchstone of the decade. Yet behind the track’s glossy music video and radio-friendly polish was a surprising truth: the voice that millions sang along to wasn’t the one audiences were led to believe.

The Rise of “Another Night”

Released in 1993 in Europe (and later in the U.S. in 1994), “Another Night” became Real McCoy’s breakout international hit. Driven by a hypnotic dance beat, a memorable synth riff, and a blend of male rap verses with female vocal hooks, the song epitomized the Eurodance formula that dominated the charts in the mid-’90s.

The single quickly soared in popularity, reaching No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and staying in the Top 10 for an impressive 11 weeks. It also became a club staple across Europe and North America. The song’s relatable theme—loneliness and yearning for connection “another night, another dream, but always you”—resonated with listeners, while its high-energy production made it irresistible on dancefloors.

The Face vs. The Voice

Real McCoy’s lineup was marketed as a trio: rapper Olaf “O-Jay” Jeglitza, dancer Patsy Petersen, and singer Vanessa Mason. In the music videos and promotional appearances, Petersen appeared as the group’s glamorous female vocalist, lip-syncing the soaring chorus of “Another Night”.

Ready for the truth?

The true vocals behind the track were actually recorded by German studio singer Karin Kasar.

Kasar was not featured in the music videos nor promoted as a member of the act. Instead, she worked behind the scenes, lending her distinctive voice to the track while Petersen performed the visuals. This was a common practice in the Eurodance world at the time, where producers often used session singers to achieve the perfect studio sound while casting charismatic performers for television and video appearances.

Kasar’s vocal delivery gave “Another Night” its haunting, almost ethereal quality—part melancholy, part longing, yet undeniably catchy. Her voice was key to the song’s identity, even if she remained largely unrecognized by mainstream audiences.

Why the Swap?

The decision to separate the singer from the face of the group reflected the era’s emphasis on image and marketing. In the early ’90s, Eurodance acts often relied on striking visuals, with performers who could command the stage and connect with audiences on TV programs like MTV’s Club MTV or Top of the Pops.

Karin Kasar, while an accomplished vocalist, was not positioned for the spotlight. Instead, the producers—Frank Hassas and Juergen Wind, working under the name Freshline—chose to highlight Petersen, who had the camera-ready charisma to sell the group visually. This formula worked for them. Real McCoy’s appeal rested on both their infectious music and their memorable presence in videos and live shows.

Legacy of “Another Night”

Today, “Another Night” is remembered as one of the defining Eurodance tracks of the 1990s. Its success helped Real McCoy’s album Another Night (titled Space Invaders in Europe) achieve platinum status in the U.S. The track also solidified the group’s place alongside contemporaries like La Bouche, 2 Unlimited, and Corona in the pantheon of Eurodance legends.

While casual fans may still associate the song’s vocals with Petersen, enthusiasts and music historians now recognize Karin Kasar as the real voice behind the chorus. Her uncredited but essential contribution shaped the sound of Real McCoy and left an enduring mark on dance music history.

“Another Night” stands as both a classic of its genre and a reminder of the complex relationship between image and artistry in pop music. Though audiences danced and sang along to Petersen’s lip-synced performances, it was Karin Kasar’s soulful voice that truly carried the song to its iconic status.

Decades later, the track remains a nostalgic anthem of the Eurodance era—proof that sometimes, the “real” story behind the music is even more fascinating than what played out on screen.