First came ‘shivelight’, then ‘sonata’, and last month Solarstone delivered us his introspective ‘innermost’ with the release of the musician/DJ’s ninth studio album. Into July, and the LP’s singles take on a more vocal nature, as hand in hand with singer-songwriter Clara Yates, he brings us ‘your sacrifice’.
In keeping with the album’s unflinchingly open-book approach, Richard was looking for equally fearless collaborators for it, and in the English-born/Australian-based artist he most certainly found one.
“Clara’s wrote the song about her father, and when I heard the vocal, it struck me immediately. Around the time, I’d been thinking a lot about my own relationship with my kids — periods being away from them, on tour and what that means to everyone involved.“
Clara goes on to elaborate, “I’m a firm believer of songwriting done right. Songs have to mean something and come from the depths of somebody and not just be words for the sake of them.'As Clara says, ‘your sacrifice' was written about my father Frederick who raised me and my siblings alone back in the late 80s - 90s. With a very ill mother, no struggle or sacrifice was too great to ensure we were fed, had a roof over out head, homework done on time, whilst making sure we all had smiles on our faces. Not enough praise goes to single fathers and just how tough it is for them. They deserve all the recognition and good in the world.”
Talking about ‘your sacrifice’s production, Rich continues ‘I decided to keep Clara’s voice really soft in the mix. I wanted people to lean into it, to really have to listen close to what she was saying.” From there, he musically expanded the album’s original vision into a full-length, 12” voyage, embracing its progressive house core to the nth. Melting melodies, bass pulse and its cinematically-edged strings all combine to move hearts, minds, and dancefloors in equal measure.
‘your sacrifice' is available via all major sales and streaming platforms now here.
The ‘innermost’ album is on full release and available ‘here’.
Tracklist:
01. Solarstone & Clara Yates – ‘your sacrifice’ (7” Mix)
02. Solarstone & Clara Yates – ‘your sacrifice’ (12” Mix)
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Solarstone and Clara Yates join forces to deliver the mesmerizing track "Your Sacrifice," a masterclass in melodic deep progressive trance set at an evocative 126 BPM. The production intricacies highlight Solarstone’s signature purity in sound design, seamlessly blending traditional trance elements with modern progressive nuances to craft a deeply immersive auditory experience. The track opens with lush, emotive piano chords, setting a serene yet poignant atmosphere. These chords are meticulously processed with subtle reverb and delay effects, creating an expansive soundstage that envelops the listener. The atmospheric breakdown that follows serves as a canvas where ambient textures intertwine with ethereal pads, showcasing advanced layering techniques that add depth and spatial dynamics. As "Your Sacrifice" progresses into the main section, the production unveils deep, pulsating basslines that are both warm and resonant. The bass is carefully EQ'd to maintain clarity, allowing it to drive the track without overpowering the melodic elements. Soft kicks, crafted with precision to provide a gentle yet firm rhythmic foundation, complement warm, organic-sounding drums. These percussion elements are enhanced with delicate high-frequency embellishments, such as shakers and subtle hi-hats, which add movement and intricacy. A standout feature is the orchestral strings arrangement, which injects a cinematic quality into the track. These strings are layered with multi-timbral synth patches, utilizing modulation and dynamic automation to evolve throughout the composition, adding emotional crescendos that resonate deeply. Clara Yates’ vocal performance is undeniably the soul of "Your Sacrifice." Her vocals are captured with pristine clarity, using high-quality condenser microphones to preserve every nuance of her emotive delivery. The vocals are treated with tasteful reverb and delay, creating a sense of space without detracting from their intimacy. Multiband compression and careful de-essing ensure that her voice sits perfectly within the mix, shining through the lush instrumentation. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of personal growth and emotional resilience, with words that are both profound and universally relatable. The synergy between Clara’s heartfelt lyrics and Solarstone’s masterful production results in a track that not only moves the body but also touches the heart and soul. Overall, "Your Sacrifice" is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of both artists. It’s a track that showcases the perfect balance between technical prowess and emotional expression, making it a standout piece in the realm of progressive trance. #PureGold indeed. Love IT[/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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