 | Actuel Member / Co-Funder of U96 / Producer Activ : 2027 Function : Keyboarder, Vocalist and Songwriter |
Ian Henderson is an Irish musician with many years of experience in electronic pop and synthpop music. A keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter, he became particularly well known as a member of the Irish duo Eden, alongside Mark Power.
His career is closely connected to that of his German friend and collaborator Hayo Lewerentz, known in particular for his work with U96. Together, they have developed several musical projects, including their joint project Dim Shaker.
1. The early years and the birth of Eden (1998)
Ian Henderson began developing his musical activities well before the creation of Eden.
In 1998, he teamed up with Mark Power, whom he had met in the Irish music scene, particularly around Rock College in Ballyfermot.
The duo then began developing a musical identity based on synthpop, electropop and melodic electronic music.
The group initially became known under the name In Utopia, before eventually becoming Eden.
Their music is characterised by:
- Electronic arrangements and synthesizers.
- Catchy pop melodies.
- Vocal harmonies.
- A synthpop aesthetic inspired by electronic music of the 1980s.
The duo performed in Ireland and across Europe and notably supported Boyzone during their UK and Irish tour.
2. European recognition and success with Eden (2000–2010)
In the early 2000s, Eden began gaining recognition beyond Ireland's borders.
Through a collaboration with German producer Hayo Panarifo (Hayo Lewerentz), the duo gained new professional opportunities.
In 2001, Eden notably signed a recording deal with Universal Germany and a publishing agreement with Warner Chappell.
This collaboration with Hayo was particularly important to their development: he helped them establish contacts within the German and European music industries.
Some of the highlights of this period included:
- The release of the single Perfect World, released in Germany through Universal.
- Tours across several European countries.
- A tour with Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi.
- A growing presence in the German and Irish music markets.
The group consequently gained considerable visibility within the European synthpop scene.
Eden's main releases :
Perfect World (2001)
One of the key tracks from their European breakthrough period.
Desolate Shores
An album representative of their synthpop and electropop universe.
Electric! (2010)
An album marking a new stage in their musical evolution, featuring the single Subhuman.
The Singles
A compilation documenting their early years and main productions.
3. A long-standing musical partnership with Mark Power
The relationship between Ian Henderson and Mark Power goes far beyond a simple professional collaboration.
The two musicians have worked together for more than twenty years, developing a genuine artistic understanding.
They have written and produced a large part of their own repertoire.
After a particularly active first period, Eden went through a hiatus before gradually returning to the studio.
In 2018, the duo celebrated twenty years together with an anniversary compilation and the re-release of their first hit, Only Lovers Do.
The group subsequently continued its activities and developed new productions.
4. Eden's comeback and new productions (2020–2024)
Ian Henderson and Mark Power continued their collaboration with a modernised musical approach while retaining their synthpop influences.
Among the releases from this new period are:
- Outbound to Wonderland, an album illustrating their musical evolution.
- Speak of the Devil (2023).
- A Thousand Points of Light (2023).
- A Thousand Christmas Lights (2023).
- Lovelight (2024).
The track A Thousand Points of Light, written and produced by Ian Henderson and Mark Power, represents another milestone in the group's history.
At the same time, Eden launched its own label, Electric! Records, to further develop its artistic independence.
In 2023, the group also celebrated its 25th anniversary.
5. Dim Shaker: A new adventure with Hayo Lewerentz
Another important chapter in Ian Henderson's career is his collaboration with his German friend Hayo Lewerentz.
Together, the two artists created the project Dim Shaker.
Hayo, also known as Harry Castioni, brings his experience in electronic music production, dance music and the international music scene, while Ian contributes particularly to songwriting, melodies, arrangements and vocals.
Their collaboration brings together two complementary musical worlds:
- The synthpop and electronic pop culture of the 1980s and 1990s.
- Contemporary dance and techno production.
- Pop melodies combined with modern electronic arrangements.
- A musical approach aimed at clubs and dance floors.
Some Dim Shaker productions :
Deeper (2025)
A production credited to Ian Henderson and Harry Castioni for composition and songwriting.
Enemy
Another production from the project, released on the Triggertrax label.
The collaboration between Ian and Hayo was notably featured in an interview published in February 2025 by the German magazine Männer.
6. Ian Henderson's musical identity
Three main aspects of his musical work can be identified:
1. Synthpop and electropop
This is the musical world in which he initially made his name with Eden: synthesizers, pop melodies, vocal harmonies and electronic influences from the 1980s.
2. Songwriting and composition
Ian is also a songwriter. His work is not limited to performing on keyboards: he is directly involved in creating songs, melodies and arrangements.
3. Electronic and dance music
With Dim Shaker, he explores a more contemporary musical universe, more focused on clubs and electronic productions, working alongside Hayo's experience.
4. Some links to discover his work
- Dim Shaker interview in Männer (2025)
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