Solid HarmoniE
Solid HarmoniE (stylized as Solid HarmoniE, also known as SHE) is a British-American pop girl group formed in the mid-1990s, recognized for their upbeat dance-pop sound and international hits that blended catchy melodies with energetic performances.[1][2] The group achieved moderate commercial success, particularly in Europe, selling over one million records worldwide through their self-titled debut album and five singles before disbanding around 2000.[2] Originally consisting of five members including Beki Onslow, Elisa Cariera, Jenilca Giusti, Mariama Goodman, and Melissa Graham, the lineup evolved over time, with their debut single "Got 2 Have Ya" marking their entry into the European music scene in 1996.[1][2] Their breakthrough came with tracks like "I Want You to Want Me," which peaked at No. 4 on the Dutch singles chart, and the album Solid HarmoniE (1998), which reached No. 2 in the Netherlands and earned gold certification there for sales exceeding 50,000 copies.[3][2] Other notable singles included "I'll Be There for You," which helped establish their presence on charts across Europe and Southeast Asia, where they toured extensively and appeared on shows like the UK's Top of the Pops.[2] Despite limited mainstream breakthrough in the UK and US, their music contributed to the late-1990s girl group wave, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like the Spice Girls for their vibrant pop style and group dynamics.[1] After a hiatus spanning over two decades, Solid HarmoniE announced their reunion in April 2025, featuring core members Beki Onslow, Elisa Cariera, and Melissa Graham, who had maintained contact and pursued individual careers in music, acting, and other fields.[4] The comeback was revealed on Dutch radio station Qmusic, emphasizing a return to performing their classic hits alongside new material, driven by a desire for creative fulfillment.[4] Their first post-reunion release, the single "Circus (2025)," became available on streaming platforms in April 2025, followed by plans for "Glow in the Dark" later that year and potential discussions for a new album with international producers.[4] As of November 2025, the group continues to engage fans through social media and live appearances, reviving interest in their '90s legacy while exploring fresh opportunities in the pop landscape.[4]History
Formation (1996–1997)
Solid HarmoniE was formed in 1996 by music manager Lou Pearlman in Orlando, Florida, as a female counterpart to his successful boy bands such as the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.[5][6] The group was envisioned as a British-American pop act, drawing talent primarily from the UK, and was signed to Jive Records in the United States to capitalize on the burgeoning teen pop market.[5][6] The initial lineup consisted of a trio: Rebecca "Beki" Onslow (born January 3, 1975, in Swansea, Wales), Melissa Graham (born October 10, 1975, in Coventry, England), and Mariama Goodman (born December 25, 1977, in Lambeth, London, England).[5][6] Onslow and Goodman initially formed a duo, with Graham joining shortly after to complete the group; their early rehearsals and development occurred under Pearlman's Trans Continental management, focusing on dance-pop material suited for international audiences.[5] In late 1996, the trio released their debut single, "Got 2 Have Ya," which served as an introduction to their upbeat, harmony-driven sound and marked their entry into the European market, though it achieved limited commercial success.[5][6] By early 1997, internal changes began as Goodman temporarily departed the group to care for her ailing mother, prompting auditions for a replacement.[5][6] Elisa Cariera (born June 16, 1978, in Orlando, Florida) was selected after auditioning at her parents' restaurant, joining Onslow and Graham to maintain the trio format during this transitional period.[5][6]Debut and lineup changes (1997–1998)
Solid HarmoniE released their self-titled debut album in 1997 through Jive Records, marking their entry into the Europop scene with a collection of upbeat tracks produced by teams including Max Martin and Kristian Lundin.[7] The album showcased the group's harmonious vocals and dance-oriented sound, drawing comparisons to contemporary acts like the Spice Girls. It achieved commercial success primarily in Europe, reaching number 1 on the Dutch Albums Chart and earning a gold certification for over 50,000 units sold in the Netherlands.[2] The lead single, "I'll Be There for You," arrived in November 1997 and became the group's breakthrough hit, peaking at number 9 on the Dutch Top 100 and spending 25 weeks on the chart.[8] It also charted at number 18 in the UK and number 9 in Sweden, highlighting the track's catchy melody and themes of support in relationships.[9] Follow-up singles in 1998, such as "I Want You to Want Me" (peaking at number 4 in the Netherlands) and "I Wanna Love You" (number 15), further solidified their presence on European charts, with the former benefiting from a cover of the Cheap Trick classic reimagined in a pop-dance style.[10] Amid these releases, the group underwent significant lineup changes starting in 1997. Original member Mariama Goodman temporarily departed early that year to care for her ill mother, prompting the addition of Elisa Cariera, an American singer from Orlando, Florida, who joined via an open audition.[5] Goodman rejoined later in 1997, expanding the lineup to a quartet of Rebecca "Beki" Onslow, Melissa Graham, Mariama Goodman, and Elisa Cariera for promotions and recordings.[11] By late 1998, however, Goodman left permanently to join the R&B group Honeyz in 1999, while Graham pursued a solo career; they were replaced by Jenilca Giusti, restoring the group to its trio format of Onslow, Cariera, and Giusti.[5] These shifts occurred during a period of touring and media appearances across Europe, adapting the group's dynamic without halting their momentum.[11]Disbandment (1998–2000)
Following the release of their self-titled debut album in 1997, Solid HarmoniE experienced significant lineup instability that contributed to their eventual disbandment. In late 1998, founding member Mariama Goodman departed the group permanently, having briefly left and rejoined in 1997, to join the British R&B group Honeyz in April 1999.[5] Shortly thereafter, Melissa Graham also left to pursue a solo career, leaving Rebecca Onslow and Elisa Cariera as the remaining members.[12] To continue performing, Onslow and Cariera recruited Jenilca Giusti after an audition in Orlando, Florida, forming a new trio lineup.[5] Despite these changes, the group maintained activity in 1999, embarking on a successful tour in Orlando and recording material for a planned second album. However, progress stalled due to escalating legal disputes with their label, Jive Records, which ultimately led to the loss of their recording contract.[12] The unreleased second album highlighted the group's shift toward a more mature R&B sound, but without label support, it was shelved.[5] By early 2000, unable to secure a new deal amid ongoing legal issues, Solid HarmoniE disbanded, marking the end of their initial run after four years. The split allowed members to explore individual paths: Goodman achieved moderate success with Honeyz, releasing three singles and an album; Graham issued solo singles such as "Bulletproof" and "Welcome to My World" in 2000–2001, though her debut album was canceled; Onslow released "Wake Up" in 2002; Cariera worked on an unreleased solo project; and Giusti later transitioned to acting and released albums in 2007.[5][12]Reunion and recent activities (2014–present)
In late 2013, Solid HarmoniE announced their reunion as a trio consisting of original members Melissa Graham, Rebecca Onslow, and Elisa Cariera, marking the group's return after a 13-year hiatus. The members, who had remained in contact over the years, began recording new material and conducting photoshoots in March 2013, with plans for a full comeback album.[5] The group's first post-reunion release came in 2014 with the single "Circus," a upbeat pop track produced by Guena LG, known for his work on remixes for artists including Lady Gaga and Enrique Iglesias. Released digitally on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, "Circus" featured the reunited trio and symbolized their refreshed sound, blending catchy hooks with contemporary production elements. The single received attention in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, where the group had previously achieved commercial success.[13][14][15] Following the "Circus" release, Solid HarmoniE entered a quieter phase, focusing on behind-the-scenes development amid personal commitments. In 2022, the group issued their long-shelved second studio album Two, originally recorded in 2000 but delayed due to label issues. The 16-track collection, distributed digitally via S3 Recordings and available on streaming services like Spotify, incorporated R&B influences and included remixes of earlier material such as "So Good." This release featured Cariera, Onslow (credited as Beki Russo), and former member Jenilca Giusti, who had briefly joined the group in the late 1990s. A limited-edition CD version followed, appealing to longtime fans.[16][17] By early 2025, Graham, Onslow, and Cariera reconvened as the core trio for a renewed comeback, leveraging their enduring friendship and fan support in Europe and Asia. On April 4, 2025, they released a reimagined version of "Circus" titled "Circus (2025 Version)," available as a single with radio edit and extended mixes on major streaming platforms. The update modernized the track while preserving its energetic essence. Later that year, the group announced their independent record label and partnership with a Dutch management team for bookings.[18][19] In August 2025, Solid HarmoniE shared details of their next single, "Glow In The Dark," described by the members as a "catchy bop" with high energy and an irresistible hook designed to get listeners moving. Rebecca Onslow noted its earworm quality, while Melissa Graham emphasized the fun vibe, and Elisa Cariera expressed excitement over its danceable rhythm. The single is slated for release later in 2025, with tour plans to follow, potentially including European dates to capitalize on their nostalgic appeal. On November 7, 2025, the group announced that their next new original release would be a Christmas single.[4][20] This phase underscores the group's commitment to new music and live performances, independent of major labels.Musical style
Early influences and sound
Solid HarmoniE's early sound was characterized by upbeat teen pop with danceable rhythms and catchy hooks, blending Europop elements with contemporary R&B influences. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1997, featured synth-driven tracks that emphasized harmonious vocals and accessible melodies, reflecting the commercial pop landscape of the late 1990s.[21][1] The group's music drew heavily from the burgeoning teen pop genre, popularized by acts like the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC, with a focus on empowering, youthful themes delivered through polished production. Several songs on the debut album, including the key singles, were penned by prolific songwriter Max Martin, whose style infused the tracks with shimmering intros, breezy verses, and dramatic builds, as heard in singles like "I Want You to Want Me," which showcased bouncy, synth-laced arrangements reminiscent of early boy-band hits.[5][22] This sound positioned Solid HarmoniE as a female counterpart to Lou Pearlman's boy groups, prioritizing group harmonies and high-energy performances over individual spotlighting. While the album occasionally ventured into funkier grooves or ballads, such as "I'll Be There for You," the core aesthetic remained mid-tempo pop with universal appeal, avoiding heavier rock edges in favor of sunny, radio-friendly vibes.[5][23]Evolution post-reunion
Following a 2014 single release by the trio lineup of Beki Onslow, Melissa Graham, and Elisa Cariera, and their official reunion in 2025, Solid HarmoniE shifted their sound toward a more pronounced dance-pop orientation, building on but diverging from the teen pop and Eurodance foundations of their late-1990s debut album. This evolution emphasized contemporary electronic production and upbeat rhythms, while preserving the group's signature layered vocal harmonies that defined their earlier work. The 2014 single "Circus," released via Belgian label Bip Me If You Can and produced by Guena LG, exemplified this transition with its energetic dance beats and empowering lyrics, marking a deliberate move into modern club-friendly territory.[24] In 2022, the group released their shelved second album Two, which incorporated more R&B influences while maintaining a pop-leaning dance-pop style.[25][17] Subsequent activities reinforced this direction, incorporating Europop elements suited to European dance scenes where the group had found initial success. In 2025, Solid HarmoniE released an updated version of "Circus" titled "Circus (2025 Radio Edit)," produced by Ferdinand Skead under their own Solid HarmoniE Records imprint, which blended refreshed synth-driven arrangements with the original's core structure to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new listeners.[26] This re-release, part of a broader comeback announcement, highlighted a matured dance-pop aesthetic that integrated 2020s production techniques like polished digital effects, while the group announced ongoing work on additional new tracks to sustain their evolved harmonic-dance fusion.[4]Members
Current members
The current lineup of Solid HarmoniE consists of founding members Beki Onslow (also known as Rebecca Russo) and Melissa Graham, alongside Elisa Cariera, who joined in 1997. This trio reunited in early 2025, reviving the group's core formation from its late-1990s peak and focusing on new music releases, such as the single "Circus (2025 Version)," while emphasizing creative control and fan engagement in Europe. The members have cited their enduring friendship and shared life experiences— including family priorities and individual careers—as key to the comeback's authenticity.[4] Beki Onslow, a Welsh singer and songwriter, is a founding vocalist of Solid HarmoniE, contributing to the group's signature pop harmonies since its inception in 1996. After the band's initial disbandment around 2000, she paused her music career to raise three children, channeling her experiences into a renewed focus on personal fulfillment during the 2025 reunion. Onslow has expressed appreciation for the supportive management in the Netherlands, which aligns with the group's international roots.[27][4] Melissa Graham, an English singer and songwriter from Coventry, serves as the lead vocalist, renowned for her dynamic range that defined hits like "I Wanna Love You." Post-group activities included DJing across Europe, acting in films such as Return to Silent Hill, and training as a paramedic and emergency care practitioner, while maintaining songwriting. In the reunion, Graham highlights the joy of reconnecting with loyal fans and the creative freedom to produce new tracks without past label constraints.[28][29][4][30] Elisa Cariera, the American member from Orlando, Florida, joined Solid HarmoniE in 1997 as a vocalist, adding stylistic flair and simplicity to the group's performances during its European and Asian tours. Following the hiatus, she balanced family life—caring for children, attending sports events, and managing a unique household with a 450-pound pet pig named Peanut—alongside part-time work in family businesses. Cariera views the 2025 revival as an exciting opportunity to tour and release music, bolstered by the close bonds with her bandmates and a management team attuned to their vision.[31][4][5]Former members
Solid HarmoniE's former members include Jo O'Meara, Mariama Goodman, and Jenilca Giusti. O'Meara was part of the earliest incarnation of the group around 1995–1996, recording demos before departing prior to the debut single; she later achieved fame as a member of S Club 7. Goodman and Giusti contributed to the group's lineup during its original 1990s run but did not participate in the 2013–2014 or 2025 reunions.[32] Mariama Goodman served as an original member from the group's formation in 1996 until her departure in 1999. She temporarily left in 1997 to care for her ailing mother before rejoining briefly, but ultimately exited permanently to join the R&B trio Honeyz as a replacement member.[33][34] After her time with Honeyz, Goodman transitioned to a career in midwifery and stepped away from the music industry.[33] Jenilca Giusti joined Solid HarmoniE in 1999 as a replacement following lineup shifts, forming part of the trio alongside Rebecca Onslow and Elisa Cariera until the group's disbandment in 2000. Her tenure was brief, and she was not officially featured on any released material with the group, though sessions for an unreleased second album included her contributions.[35] Post-Solid HarmoniE, Giusti pursued a solo career as a singer, songwriter, and producer, releasing her debut album Jenilca in 2007 and later working as a voice teacher.[35][36]Discography
Studio albums
Solid HarmoniE's debut studio album, the self-titled Solid HarmoniE, was released on 7 April 1998 through Jive Records, marking the group's entry into the pop music scene with a collection of 12 dance-pop tracks. Produced by Max Martin, Kristian Lundin, Jacob "Jake" Schulze, TTW, Timmy Allen, Larry "Rock" Campbell, and Veit Renn, the album blended upbeat Eurodance rhythms with R&B influences, featuring lead single "I'll Be There for You" as its opener. Other notable tracks include covers like "I Want You to Want Me" and originals such as "To Love Once Again" and "Walk Away," which showcased the group's harmonious vocals and energetic performances. The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I'll Be There for You | 3:11 |
| 2 | I Want You to Want Me | 3:29 |
| 3 | To Love Once Again | 3:30 |
| 4 | Come and Get It | 3:34 |
| 5 | Walk Away | 4:24 |
| 6 | You Got the Flava | 3:28 |
| 7 | He's Playing Hard to Get | 3:38 |
| 8 | Forever I Do | 4:00 |
| 9 | I Wanna Love You | 3:58 |
| 10 | Fantasy | 3:28 |
| 11 | I Gotta Get My Groove On | 3:50 |
| 12 | When We Kiss (Missing You) | 3:59 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silver Lining | 3:29 |
| 2 | Call My Name | 4:16 |
| 3 | How's It Gonna Be | 3:17 |
| 4 | I Love Being Me | 3:36 |
| 5 | So Good | 3:42 |
| 6 | Know What I'm Sayin' | 3:28 |
| 7 | If Your Daddy Knew | 3:58 |
| 8 | World Without You | 4:12 |
| 9 | Intuition | 3:45 |
| 10 | Never Say Never | 3:51 |
| 11 | All Over Again | 4:05 |
| 12 | This Time | 3:33 |
| 13 | If Your Daddy Knew (Skeady Remix) | 4:10 |
| 14 | So Good (Skeady Remix) | 3:55 |
| 15 | The Right Way | 3:20 |
| 16 | Live a Little | 4:02 |
Singles
Solid HarmoniE's singles discography primarily consists of five releases from their 1998 self-titled debut album, which achieved moderate success on the UK Singles Chart, reflecting the group's pop-R&B style influenced by contemporaries like En Vogue. These tracks emphasized catchy hooks and harmonious vocals, contributing to the album's gold certification in the Netherlands where the group found their strongest market. Following their 2014 reunion, the group issued sporadic digital singles, including a lead track for their comeback and promotions tied to their second album Two (2022), blending nostalgic elements with updated production.| Title | Year | Label | UK Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Got 2 Have Ya | 1996 | Jive | — | Debut single; peaked at #65 in Germany. |
| I'll Be There For You | 1997 | Jive | 18 | Lead single; peaked at #9 in Netherlands and Sweden; 3 weeks on UK chart. |
| I Want You To Want Me | 1998 | Jive | 16 | Second single; peaked at #4 in the Netherlands, #10 in Finland and Sweden. |
| I Wanna Love You | 1998 | Jive | 20 | Third single; peaked at #30 in Netherlands, #39 in Sweden; 4 weeks on UK chart. |
| To Love Once Again | 1998 | Jive | 55 | Fourth single; peaked at #46 in Netherlands; included extended and radio mixes. |
| Circus | 2014 | Independent (digital) | — | Reunion single with Onslow, Cariera, and Graham; radio edit version. |
| So Good (Skeady Remix) | 2022 | Independent (digital) | — | From second album Two; remix by Skeady Beats. |
| Circus (2025 Version) | 2025 | Independent (digital) | — | Updated version of 2014 single released in April 2025; includes radio and Skeady Beats edits. |
Music videos
Solid HarmoniE produced music videos to promote their singles during their active period in the late 1990s, aligning with the era's Europop and dance-pop aesthetics. These videos typically featured the group's synchronized choreography, vibrant visuals, and themes of romance and empowerment, often shot in studio settings or urban environments to complement their upbeat tracks. While not all singles received videos, several key releases did, with official versions later made available on platforms like YouTube in the 2020s.| Song | Release Year | Director | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Got 2 Have Ya | 1996 | Unknown | Official music video showcasing early group dynamics. [39] |
| I'll Be There For You | 1997 | Gerry Wenner | Official video with friendship and support motifs, featuring group performances. [40] |
| I Want You To Want Me | 1998 | Roger Pomphrey | Promotional video tied to their album single, focusing on desire and energy. [41] |
| I Wanna Love You | 1998 | Max & Dania | Official video highlighting romantic themes and dance routines. [42] |
| To Love Once Again | 1998 | Paul Morgans | Video explores themes of heartbreak and renewal, directed for emotional impact. [43] |
| Fantasy | 1998 | Unknown | Video emphasizes playful, colorful pop imagery from their debut album era. [44] |