Propaganda Propaganda is a German synth-pop band formed in Düsseldorf in 1982 by Ralf Dörper, Andreas Thein, and Susanne Freytag, later joined by Claudia Brücken and Michael Mertens. Signed to Trevor Horn’s influential ZTT Records, they achieved international success with their 1984 debut single “Dr. Mabuse.” In 1985, they released their critically acclaimed masterpiece album, A Secret Wish, delivering hypnotic, dark-edged electronic hits like “Duel” and “p:Machinery.” Combining avant-garde soundscapes, industrial rhythms, and striking visual aesthetics, Propaganda became pioneers of intelligent 1980s dark synth-pop, leaving a lasting influence on electronic and dance music.