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ilan Bluestone & Jasper Blunk ‘40’ is out now on Anjunabeats.
A name synonymous with the modern trance scene and amongst Anjunabeats fans, British-born and US-based DJ and producer, ilan Bluestone has released music on the label since 2012. Earlier this year, ilan released his ‘Anthem Test’ compilation which featured a 2025 Rework of his 2013 track ‘Sinai’.
Having headlined most major festivals and clubs across the world, collaborating and remixing everyone from Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren & Cosmic Gate to major pop starts such as Teddy Swims & cross-over artists like ILLENIUM, ilan Bluestone’s trademark sound is widely regarded as the perfect match for main stages and club systems. ‘40’ is no different, having already been road-tested by ilan during appearances across North America last year. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for ilan, and ‘40’ kicks it all off.
Northern Californian self-taught composer and long-time friend of ilan, Jasper Blunk, boasts an impressive list of film credits, including 'Red Sparrow', 'The Purge' franchise, 'Pacific Rim' and many others.
Marking his return to Anjunabeats with his first release of 2025, ilan Bluestone collaborates with Jasper Blunk on ‘40’. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for ilan, and ‘40’ kicks it all off.
Release Date: 4 April 2025
ilan Bluestone & Jasper Blunk - 40 10
Summary
Ilan Bluestone’s latest release, "40," co-produced with Jasper Blunk, emerges as a vibrant tribute to his 40th birthday, showcasing a masterclass in trance production under the Anjunabeats label. This track encapsulates the essence of Bluestone's signature sound, blending meticulous technical craftsmanship with an emotionally charged musical narrative. From a technical standpoint, "40" operates at a driving 130 BPM—a tempo that perfectly balances energy with melodic space, allowing each sonic element to breathe yet maintain dancefloor momentum. The foundational layer features pulsating basslines crafted using sidechain compression techniques, which create that characteristic 'pumping' effect synonymous with peak-time trance anthems. The bass is tightly locked with thumping drums, where multi-layered kick drums are EQ’d to carve out space for the sub frequencies, ensuring clarity and punch. The mainstage-friendly kicks are complemented by crisp hi-hats and percussive elements that have been carefully panned and stereo-enhanced to create a wide, immersive soundstage. Subtle reverb and delay effects add depth without muddying the mix, showcasing the producers’ adept control over spatial dynamics. A standout feature of "40" is its cinematic orchestral strings, which are not merely background embellishments but integral to the track's melodic and emotional trajectory. These strings are meticulously arranged, likely utilizing high-quality sample libraries combined with live recordings to achieve their lush, authentic resonance. Layered harmonies and dynamic swells, enhanced with automation of volume and reverb parameters, contribute to the track’s cinematic grandeur.10.0
The breakdown is a tour de force of sound design. Heavenly operatic voices float above a bed of rich strings, their ethereal quality achieved through advanced vocal processing techniques including reverb modulation and pitch shifting. This section crescendos into an explosion of euphoric, colorful synths—likely constructed using a combination of analog and digital synthesizers. The synths employ complex modulation matrices, with LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators) and envelope shaping to add movement and texture. As "40" ascends to its climactic peak, the arrangement becomes a tapestry of sonic elements—each meticulously balanced within the mix. Dynamic range compression is skillfully applied to maintain energy without sacrificing dynamic integrity, ensuring that each drop hits with maximum impact. In conclusion, "40" is not just a track; it’s a sonic adventure. It’s a showcase of Ilan Bluestone and Jasper Blunk’s profound understanding of both musicality and production science. The track’s ability to evoke imagery of massive crowds, unified in euphoric release, is a testament to its powerful composition and flawless execution. #PureGold Love iT
Beat and Rhythm10
Basslines and Groove10
Melody 10
Synths 10
Breakdown10
Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment10
Intensity, Drive and Energy10
Sound-design and Arrangement10
Overall Atmosphere10
Goosebumps / Shivers moments10
Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments10
Originality and Inventiveness10
Radio Friendly10
Vocals & lyrics10
You can’t get this memorable track out of your head10
It has potential to become an anthem or a classic10
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