Out now on Anjunabeats: ilan Bluestone, ALPHA 9 & H.E.A.R.T.S. ‘Paradise’.
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.
ilan Bluestone’s Ignite arrives on Anjunabeats this August and is available to pre-order now on vinyl via the Anjuna Music Store. Having released the title track, featuring Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca, earlier in July, ilan now teams up with longtime friend and fellow progressive trance aficionado ALPHA 9.
Over the years, ilan Bluestone & ALPHA 9 have contributed numerous hits to the Anjunabeats catalogue, but have rarely collaborated officially. That finally changes with the arrival of ‘Paradise’ featuring the beautiful vocals of ‘H.E.A.R.T.S’. A true progressive trance anthem that mirrors the styles that put both producers on the map and offers further insight to ilan’s highly anticipated upcoming third album.
Check out the Ignite tour dates here: ilanbluestone.com/tour
Buy/Stream: https://anjunabeats.ffm.to/x8w5lak.oyd
Release Date: 22 July 2025
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]ilan Bluestone, ALPHA 9 & H.E.A.R.T.S. - Paradise [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Over the years, ilan Bluestone & ALPHA 9 have each carved out impressive careers within the Anjunabeats catalogue, contributing numerous hits that have resonated with trance enthusiasts worldwide. Despite their individual successes, collaborations between these two maestros have been rare—until now. Their latest joint creation, "Paradise," featuring the ethereal vocals of H.E.A.R.T.S, marks a significant milestone, blending their signature sounds into a true progressive trance anthem that not only pays homage to their roots but also offers tantalizing insights into ilan’s highly anticipated third album. "Paradise" operates at an energetic 131 BPM, characteristic of anthemic progressive trance tracks that dominate both festival stages and intimate club settings. The production kicks off with pulsating basslines meticulously crafted to provide a solid foundation, enhanced by precision-engineered thumping kicks that cut through the mix with clarity and power. The pounding drums, layered with intricate percussive elements, create a dynamic rhythmic structure that drives the track’s momentum. A standout feature of "Paradise" is its superbly executed long breakdown. Here, the producers showcase a masterful use of classical orchestral strings, carefully arranged to evoke a cinematic atmosphere. The strings are layered with lush pads and subtle harmonic progressions, creating an expansive soundscape that allows H.E.A.R.T.S' exceptional, mesmerizing vocals to take center stage. The vocal production is equally meticulous, with delicate reverb and delay effects adding depth and a haunting resonance, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics. The track’s build-up is a testament to the producers' adeptness at tension and release. Utilizing rising synth arpeggios, filtered sweeps, and white noise risers, they generate anticipation without overwhelming the listener. This nuanced approach ensures that when the climax hits, it feels both satisfying and exhilarating. The climax itself is a masterclass in mainstage-friendly production. Epic, layered synths—rich in harmonics and processed with precise EQ and stereo widening techniques—create a wall of sound that’s both powerful and immersive. The use of sidechain compression ensures that the kick drum maintains its punch, cutting through the dense mix with surgical precision. The final crescendo is driven by these big, epic synths, perfectly balanced to maintain energy while allowing each element its space within the mix. "Paradise" is more than just a track; it’s an auditory journey that showcases the technical prowess and artistic vision of ilan Bluestone & ALPHA 9. Their meticulous attention to production details—from sound design to arrangement—ensures that "Paradise" is not only #PureGold but also a benchmark in contemporary progressive trance. 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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