It’s the honesty in both his music and personality that has made ilan Bluestone a staple in the dance and trance world for over a decade.
As an Anjunabeats stalwart, the early ‘Anthem Test’ Instagram previews of his late-night writing sessions forged an instant connection with his audience years ahead of it becoming common practice on social media platforms. He provided the audience with insight into what it’s like to be a musician, producer, and DJ in the 2010s — a sentiment echoed in his high-energy, euphoric, and melodic music that has taken him to the stages of Madison Square Garden, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and EDC.
His albums are the clearest window into his current headspace as a musician. 2018’s ‘Scars’ is a love letter to the inspirations that had informed and imprinted his early musical journey. 2021’s ‘Impulse’, a thoroughly ‘Tronce’ coming of age LP embracing the high energy club side of life post pandemic.
Completing a trilogy of ‘heart on sleeve’ LPs is ‘Ignite’, the story of an artist reigniting his creative fires after burnout in 2023.
“Touring ‘Impulse’ after the pandemic was amazing” ilan shares. “But by November 2023, I’d played 70 shows in just over a year. The constant travel took its toll, and I had to come off the road to recharge by being in the studio again, explore new sounds, and work with fresh collaborators.”
Ignite is ilan’s most eclectic project yet: 15 tracks spanning 80s synthwave, cinematic ballads, melodic progressive house and new-age electronica, all grounded by the uplifting trance that defines his live sets.
“There are darker moments on there, but ultimately ‘Ignite’ is about the emotions and experiences that spark us into life. Writing these records felt like a weight coming off my shoulders and I’m hoping they inspire others to tackle and overcome their challenges in life”.
Bluestone’s love for string orchestration shines through the album, including the opening track ‘40’ with composer Jasper Blunk. The title track and first single, ‘Ignite’, is an electrifying blend of hypnotic melodies, soaring vocals, and explosive drops. It partners ilan with two artists who have been heavily involved in his story so far: Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca, marking the first time the three have collaborated on a record. Leeds-based writer and singer Giuseppe features more across the album, as well as on records with longtime contributors EL Waves, Gid Sedgwick and Ellen Smith. The album also introduces several new voices to ilan’s story.
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Tracklist:
1 40 ilan Bluestone & Jasper Blunk 3:51
2 Tethered To The Flame ilan Bluestone & Giuseppe De Luca 3:23
3 Paradise ilan Bluestone, ALPHA 9 & H.E.A.R.T.S. 4:20
4 Pause & Breathe ilan Bluestone & Diandra Faye 3:45
5 Africana ilan Bluestone & EL Waves 3:35
6 Slow Down ilan Bluestone & Gid Sedgwick 3:09
7 Ignite ilan Bluestone, Maor Levi & Giuseppe De Luca 4:40
8 This Town ilan Bluestone & Giuseppe De Luca 4:05
9 Mewo Fie ilan Bluestone, Jonny Bluestone, EL Waves & Pieter T 4:07
10 Heaven Needed You More ilan Bluestone & FiL Straughan 3:33
11 The Waves ilan Bluestone & Ellen Smith 4:27
12 Move All Night (Italodisco) ilan Bluestone & Giuseppe De Luca 3:44
13 Last Man Standing ilan Bluestone & Ollie Wride 4:02
14 Safe & Sound ilan Bluestone & Natalie Shay
15 Turiya ilan Bluestone & Giuseppe De Luca
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
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[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Ilan Bluestone’s Ignite is a masterclass in progressive trance, weaving intricate melodies with powerful beats. 40 (with Jasper Blunk) A captivating opener, "40" sets the tone with lush pads and a deep, atmospheric intro. The layered synth work and dynamic range control showcase Bluestone’s meticulous production style. Tethered To The Flame (with Giuseppe De Luca) Giuseppe’s soulful vocals blend seamlessly with crisp percussions and vibrant arpeggios. The sidechain compression breathes life into the mix, giving it a pulsating energy. Paradise (with ALPHA 9 & H.E.A.R.T.S.) A collaboration that oozes euphoria. The melodic progression, combined with lush reverb tails and stereo imaging, creates an expansive soundstage. Pause & Breathe (with Diandra Faye) A serene, vocal-driven track with minimalistic beats. The subtle use of delay effects adds depth, while the warm synth pads wrap around Diandra’s vocals effortlessly. Africana (with EL Waves) This track introduces tribal percussions layered with soaring synth leads. The rhythmic complexity is enhanced with syncopated hi-hats and tight EQ control. Slow Down (with Gid Sedgwick) Melodic trance meets emotional lyrics. The track’s dynamic automation and meticulous reverb placement allow Gid’s vocals to shine. Ignite (with Maor Levi & Giuseppe De Luca) A festival anthem with punchy kicks, layered basslines, and flawless vocal chops. The drop utilizes sidechain techniques for a powerful, driving impact. This Town (with Giuseppe De Luca) A progressive house influence is evident. Clean mixdown, effective use of vocal harmonies, and creative filter sweeps elevate the track. Mewo Fie (with Jonny Bluestone, EL Waves & Pieter T) A fusion of trance and world music elements. The eclectic instrumentation is complemented by dynamic panning and rich harmonic layering. Heaven Needed You More (with FiL Straughan) A heartfelt tribute with emotionally charged vocals. The minimalistic arrangement and soft piano chords highlight Bluestone’s versatility. The Waves (with Ellen Smith) Atmospheric pads and evolving textures dominate. The use of granular synthesis and delay modulation creates a hypnotic flow. Move All Night (Italodisco) (with Giuseppe De Luca) Retro vibes with modern production. The analog synth patches and gated snares pay homage to classic disco, while keeping a fresh trance feel. Last Man Standing (with Ollie Wride) – A synthwave-inspired gem. The track shines with warm analog synths, tight drum programming, and evocative vocal delivery. Safe & Sound (with Natalie Shay) An uplifting piece with intricate chord progressions. The layered vocal harmonies and shimmering pads create an ethereal atmosphere. Turiya (with Giuseppe De Luca) A perfect closer, blending spiritual undertones with lush melodic layers. The sophisticated arrangement and spatial effects leave a lasting impression. Ignite is an album that showcases Ilan Bluestone’s evolution as a producer. Each track is a testament to his prowess in blending emotive melodies with cutting-edge sound design. #PureGold Love iT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
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[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]
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