Oliver Smith collaborates with Amy J Pryce on ‘Open Up’, out 25th June on Anjunabeats.
Oliver Smith has established himself as a driving force in electronic music and performed at some of the biggest clubs and festivals in the world. With a wide array of releases and multiple aliases under his belt, the London-based DJ and producer is part of the fabric of Anjunabeats, being both the first signing to the record label and the only artist (other than label bosses Above & Beyond) to have featured on all 16 of the label's beloved 'Volume' compilations.
Recently released as part of Oliver Smith's debut album 'Footprints', 'Open Up' sees the Anjunabeats mainstay collaborate with accomplished singer-songwriter Amy J Pryce. On 25th June, the track receives its own single release.
‘Footprints’ takes listeners on a captivating journey through Oliver’s evolution as an artist. The timeless and hotly anticipated debut album is one of the top requested Anjunabeats releases to date, and is the culmination of a songwriting process that began several years ago.
“I’ve been releasing music for years, but my own album always took a backseat,” Oliver says. “When I finally started the project I had so many ideas and was unsure where to begin. I decided to embrace the process and let the destination reveal itself. This inspired ‘Footprints’, the title for the album, as even the tracks that didn’t make it left an imprint, and were a necessary part of the journey.”
There’s echoes of all eras of Oliver’s sound on ‘Footprints’, from addictive bassline-driven tracks like ‘Legacy’ and ‘Be The One', to stylings of his Anjunadeep alias Meramek in the house-leaning ‘Love Is A Feeling’, and the soaring trance arps in ‘Don't Hold Back’ and ‘Breathe’. The album also sees Oliver collaborate with an eclectic cast of vocalists and songwriters, including Tailor, FARLEY, Benjamin Roustaing and Susie Ledge.
“I wanted to go beyond club music and tell real stories, so I collaborated with some incredible singers and songwriters who brought a whole new dimension to the project,” Oliver says. “I put a lot of thought into making sure every track had something special and truly deserved its place on the album. I think people will recognise the thread that connects all my releases, and hopefully, they’ll enjoy the new directions I’ve explored as well.”
The album arrives hot on the heels of Oliver’s head-turning singles ‘Rely On Me’ and ‘Breathe’, which earned support from Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Solarstone, Don Diablo, Gabriel & Dresden, Massane, Mees Salomé and more, as well as from editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music including Heart Beats, Trance Mission, danceXL, Trance & Progressive, Future Dance Hits, and Breaking Dance to name a few.
‘Footprints’ also follows a string of hits in recent years that have cemented Oliver’s position at the forefront of dance music. Fan favourites like ‘Lovingly’, ‘Warehouse’ and ‘Be Alone’ rapidly ascended the Beatport charts and added to a discography that’s amassed over 20 million streams to date. In 2018, Oliver mixed the ‘Anjunabeats Worldwide 08’ compilation, which included ten of his own productions and reached the #1 spot on the iTunes dance chart in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Oliver Smith & Amy J Pryce - Open Up [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Oliver Smith and Amy J Pryce join forces to deliver the exhilarating progressive trance track "Open Up," maintaining a steady 128 BPM that perfectly anchors its dynamic structure. This track is a masterclass in modern trance production, showcasing a meticulous balance between technical prowess and emotive resonance. The foundation of "Open Up" is built on brilliant, pulsating basslines that provide both warmth and drive, effectively setting a robust groove. The thumping tech kicks are crafted with precision, offering a tight, punchy low-end that complements the bass without overwhelming it. Layered atop this rhythmic bed are punchy electro grooves, achieved through expertly programmed percussive elements and subtle side-chaining techniques that add rhythmic vitality and energy. Atmospheric melodies weave through the track, characterized by lush pads and carefully modulated synth leads that create a spacious, immersive soundscape. The use of reverb and delay effects enhances the track's depth, giving each melodic element room to breathe and evolve naturally over time. Amy J Pryce’s vocals are a standout feature, deep and meaningful with an emotive delivery that resonates throughout. The vocal processing is subtle yet effective, with light reverb and delay adding a touch of ethereality without detracting from the raw emotional power of her performance. The breakdown section is a study in minimalism, stripping back to essential melodic motifs and atmospheric textures. This creates an anticipatory space that builds tension masterfully. The transition back to the main drop is executed with finesse, utilizing rising synth sweeps, strategic filter automation, and a gradual reintroduction of rhythmic elements. The climax bursts forth with epic synth layers and anthemic themes, characterized by soaring leads and a full, rich harmonic structure that is both uplifting and dancefloor-ready. Overall, "Open Up" is a simply gorgeous, playful, and danceable track that exemplifies #PureGold in the progressive trance genre. Its thoughtful production techniques, emotional depth, and technical precision are a testament to the artistry of Oliver Smith and Amy J Pryce. #PureGold LoveIt [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
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