Folks who frequent the St. Petersburg club scene might be familiar with Double M, a high energy pop duo who write and perform original dance music as well as classic covers. Double M consists of vocalist Mario Jooste (pronounced You-is-ta), who is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa; and keyboard player, composer and backing vocalist Michael Aaron Monrad, who comes from the equally exotic South Dakota. The couple made their separate ways to the Tampa Bay area, where they developed a personal and professional partnership which has led to two CD’s, several music videos and many performances.

“Both of our families were quite musical, with pianos, organs, guitars and drum sets around both of our homes.” Mario was classically trained on the piano and Michael performed with several bands before the two M’s moved to the Sunshine State. “We both arrived in Florida about the same time - Mario was running a restaurant and Michael was doing the signs.” One thing led to another and soon the boys discovered that they shared a passion (and talent) for music. Now life partners, Mario and Michael formed the group Double M, translating their personal “chemistry” into writing, recording and performing music.

A typical Double M performance consists of high energy dance music together with a mix of classic covers from the 1970's to the present; not to mention Double M favorites like “Get Pumped Up,” “Come Out Tonite” and “Something To Believe In,” just to mention a few. At every Double M show, “Mario can often be found around the room on his wireless mike, making sure that everyone is having a good time, while Michael keeps the keyboards and the beats rocking.” There are also a few surprises in store, which guarantees that every Double M performance is different from the rest.

According to the Double M Web site (doublemband.com), Mario and Michael have performed in a variety of venues in Central Florida, including the Alibi, Grand Central Station, Pepperz and the Suncoast Resort in St. Petersburg and the Parliament House in Orlando. While all those clubs are largely gay, the guys assure me that the places that they perform in are “a mix of 60%=40%” gay/straight, and include the RibFest at Vinoy Park, Moon Under Water, the Don Cesar Hotel and Ten Beach Drive. “We perform to a mixed crowd and appeal to all ages from both sides of the fence.” While most of the appearances have been in Central Florida, they “have been in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area as well, and will return soon, trying to fit it all in as we are working on another video as well as writing new material for our third CD, not to mention performing.”

Get Pumped Up is Double M’s second CD. It features such fan favorites as “Get Pumped Up!,” “Something To Believe In” - in both definitive sonic and contemporary radio versions - and a new version of “Come Out Tonite.” According to Double M, Get Pumped Up “has done very well, via the Internet and live. With the distribution of the “Come Out Tonight 2005" video on RockAmerica, which has sparked sales as far as the UK and South Africa, we feel it is the beginning of great things. The gigs continue to get better along with response, fan base, and CD sales.” M2 admit that their radio play has been limited to personal appearance in Tampa Bay or Orlando radio stations. “We have enjoyed much more success thanks to the Internet. But we’re coming soon to a major label near you!” In addition to their CDs, Double M has produced four videos, one of which, for “Come Out Tonite,” made it to Rock America’s International play list.

In spite of its title, “Come Out Tonite” is not meant to be a “gay anthem.” “It did not start out that way. It is a party song, about letting it all go at the end of a stressful day or week. But we don’t mind how people interpret it. We love to see them sing along, it makes one feel very good.” Another cut in Get Pumped Up is a remake of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” a song that Jessica Simpson recently covered. “Boots,” the two M’s tell me, “is a really fun song. We decided to do the tune a few years back and it made it onto our CD. Many colleagues recommended that we put at least one re-make on the CD.” Double M also cover songs by “some of our favorite artists such as Robbie Williams, Coldplay and Seal along with some classics at live performances.”

Mario and Michael describe their music as being “pop/dance-oriented keyboard based, with catchy, irresistible beats that are slightly reminiscent of 1980's Elton John, Erasure and the Pet Shop Boys, all rolled into one! With the Double M twist of course, and Mario’s smooth unmistakable voice.” The guys also work together to write most of their own material: “Mario usually has a lyric and a melody to start with. We find a key and a tempo to get a groove going and build from there. Michael can get it started with a groove first when inspired, and vocals with a melody aren’t far behind when Mario hears it. It usually doesn’t take long for us to agree when a new song is born or not.” Though most of Double M’s music is dance-oriented, “Something to Believe In” “was originally written as a ballad. “ “Save a Lil’ Room (For Me)”, also featured in the Get Pumped Up CD, “is also a ballad, with a contemporary beat.” Still another song, “A Touch” (from the first CD), “was also a ballad, as well as at least one we have already began work on for our next release.”

Looking forward, “Double M is working on at least one more video from Get Pumped Up as we work on new material for a third CD, probably out in early to mid 2006, while keeping a performance schedule.” Needless to say, “there is never a dull moment. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for new videos and music from the M boys and come party with us live! See our Web site (doublemband.com) for CD’s and showtime information.” Double M has a great career in front of them, and we look forward to more from this amazing duo.