Showing posts with label ambient. Show all posts
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14:48:00

 


Trampolines’, the ninth studio album of the British household name responsible for seminal classics such as ‘Offshore’, ‘Saltwater’ and ‘Don’t Give Up’, has been turned into a beatless, multi-track soundscape to underline the compositional brilliance. With each album track stripped from its layered percussion, fans can expect the signature Chicane sonics presented in such a fan that makes the songs even more suitable to dream to.


Discover this fantastic album HERE







Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Chicane - Trampolines (Beatless Mixes) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Chicane, a distinguished luminary in the electronic music scene, consistently delivers emotionally evocative tracks that resonate deeply with listeners. His acclaimed album "Trampolines" undergoes a transformative journey with the introduction of the "Beatless Mixes," an artistic reimagination that strips down complex arrangements to their melodic cores, creating an immersive ambient experience. The production process behind "Beatless Mixes" demonstrates meticulous attention to sonic detail. The original rhythmic structures have been delicately removed, allowing the melodies to breathe and expand within vast soundscapes. This approach emphasizes the emotive power of airy pads, crafted using layered synthesis techniques to produce lush, ethereal textures that envelop the listener. Orchestral strings within the album are meticulously arranged, blending traditional instrumentation with modern production methods. These strings are often enhanced through digital processing techniques such as reverb and granular synthesis, adding depth and a cinematic quality to the tracks. The vocals are treated with subtle modulation effects, including reverb tails and harmonic layering, to maintain an intimate yet expansive auditory presence. A standout feature is the memorable piano chords, recorded with high-fidelity microphones to capture nuanced dynamics and natural resonance. These chords are supported by vibrant, colorful synths, designed using subtractive and wavetable synthesis. The synths’ rich harmonic content is sculpted through precise EQ adjustments and dynamic processing, ensuring clarity and emotional impact. Chicane’s decision to distill the tracks down to their melodic essence not only showcases his compositional prowess but also creates a hypnotic listening experience. The absence of percussive elements invites listeners to engage more deeply with the harmonic and textural intricacies, fostering a calming and introspective atmosphere. "Beatless Mixes" is more than an album; it’s a sonic sanctuary where listeners can rediscover lost emotions and achieve an inner equilibrium. This collection stands as a testament to Chicane’s innovative spirit and mastery in blending technical sophistication with heartfelt expression. #PureGold 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]




Additional info:
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14:02:00

 


Comprising all of the songs YORK made over the past one-and-a-half years, ‘Infinite’ effortlessly showcases the many sides to the legendary producer’s artistry. From new interpretations of esteemed classics such as ‘On The Beach’ and ‘The Awakening’ to a genre-crossing palette of new tracks such as ‘Mawaz-O’, ‘Oxytocin’ and ‘On Your Mind’, this album ties the legacy of the acclaimed artist to his contemporary work, providing fans old and new with ‘Infinite’ listening glee.








Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]York - Infinite [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]York’s latest album, Infinite, presents an exceptional sonic tapestry, meticulously crafted for the summer season. This masterpiece seamlessly integrates contemporary singles with iconic remixes of York’s timeless classics, showcasing Torsten Stenzel’s signature of sonic excellence and eclectic flair. What elevates Infinite beyond its technical prowess is the profound emotional depth woven into each track, a testament to York’s ability to transcend music and create immersive experiences. The album resonates with heartfelt sincerity, evoking a spectrum of emotions ranging from euphoric highs to introspective tranquility. Each song feels like a personal narrative, enriched by the collaborative brilliance of talented vocalists such as Ava Silver, Chris Howard, Sarah de Warren, and others. Their contributions infuse the tracks with soulful authenticity, each voice a distinct hue in York’s vibrant sonic palette. Ava Silver’s ethereal vocals gracefully traverse lush synth landscapes, while Chris Howard adds a dynamic edge with his emotive delivery, anchoring melodies with heartfelt conviction. Sarah de Warren’s hauntingly beautiful tones impart an intimate, almost otherworldly quality, drawing listeners into reflective spaces. These collaborations transcend mere features, becoming the heartbeats of Infinite, elevating the album to an emotionally immersive experience. Diving into the technical intricacies, the production of Infinite demonstrates an adept use of both analog warmth and digital precision. York employs a meticulous layering process, intertwining warm, organic guitar riffs with ethereal synth textures. The memorable synth hooks are crafted using vintage synthesizers, likely analog models such as the Moog Sub 37, renowned for its rich, resonant tones, providing a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience. York also integrates crystalline, reverb-drenched guitars layered over pulsating basslines, achieving a lush, immersive soundscape. The track’s dynamic range is expertly controlled, with subtle automation techniques enhancing the ebb and flow of energy, mimicking the natural rhythm of ocean waves. York demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting dreamlike ambient textures. The use of granular synthesis adds a shimmering, almost tactile quality to the pads, while the carefully modulated strings provide an emotive undertone. Intricate percussive elements, subtly panned across the stereo field, create a sense of spatial depth, drawing the listener into an expansive auditory landscape. York’s production techniques emphasize clarity and warmth, achieved through precise EQ sculpting and multi-band compression. The mixdowns maintain a perfect balance between the low-end’s depth and the high frequencies’ sparkle, ensuring that each element occupies its intended sonic space without clutter. “Infinite” is not merely an album; it is an emotional odyssey and an immersive journey. Whether preparing for a night out, relaxing by the beach, or seeking a meditative escape, York’s artful composition and production finesse, combined with the heartfelt contributions of exceptional vocal talents, offer the ideal summer soundtrack. Refrain from seeking standout tracks; allow all of them to envelop you and experience York’s Midas touch. Indeed, “PureGold” is truly exceptional. 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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08:49:00

 


The project includes interpolations of hits such as Inner City’s ‘Good Life’, that is out now.

Warmer days are right around the corner and to ring in the start of the season, Armada Music has launched a new project to embody the essence of summer all year round: Summer Is Calling. The series unveils chill, lounge versions of iconic tracks from the Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund catalog designed for relaxing, unwinding and basking in sun-soaked nostalgia. 



Alongside the project’s dedicated releases, Armada Music TV has launched a YouTube channel, Summer Is Calling 24/7, featuring 24 hours of uninterrupted ambient, chill, downtempo and Afro house music, seven days a week. The channel will broadcast the Summer Is Calling interpolations, such as Sultan + Shepard, Nadia Ali and iRO’s ‘Almost Home’ and Karen Overton’s ‘Your Loving Arms’, as well as a selection of chill electronic dance music tracks from the label’s extensive catalog.



The third Summer is Calling track is a rework of Inner City’s world-renowned 1988 hit ‘Good Life’. Trading the classic house energy of the original for a laid-back groove, this breezy summer soundscape feels both familiar and refreshingly new—perfect for the ultimate summer day. 




About Armada Music


Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.


Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.


Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent. 


Additional info:
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03:34:00

 




Pre-order, release date May 9th 2025.Sunlounger Returns with New Double Album Distant Memories

Sunlounger, the iconic project of internationally renowned DJ and producer Roger Shah, unveils his latest masterpiece: Distant Memories – a compelling double album that seamlessly blends soothing atmospheres with infectious club energy.

The album is split into two distinct yet connected experiences:

CD 1 – Meditation Versions: A tranquil soundscape of ambient and Balearic-inspired compositions, perfect for moments of introspection, relaxation, or mindful escape. These meditative versions showcase Sunlounger's signature guitar work and cinematic textures, inviting listeners to slow down and breathe.

CD 2 – Club Mixes: The flip side brings the energy to the dancefloor with groovy, melodic, and emotionally charged club edits. Crafted for DJs and electronic music lovers, these mixes reimagine the ambient originals with percussive beats and melodic drops, staying true to the essence of his balearic sound, organic and progressive house.

With Distant Memories, Sunlounger continues to redefine the boundaries between chillout and dance music, offering fans a full-spectrum audio journey.




About Sunlounger

Sunlounger is the beloved alias of Roger Shah, a German electronic music producer known for his unique fusion of Balearic, trance, and chillout sounds. With a career spanning over two decades, Shah has released music on labels like Armada and Black Hole Recordings, collaborating with industry giants including Armin van Buuren, Aly & Fila, and JES.

Sunlounger’s debut album Another Day on The Terrace became an instant classic, and his follow-ups — Sunny Tales, The Beach Side of Life, and Balearic Beauty — further cemented his place as a pioneer of melodic electronic music. Combining sun-drenched guitars, lush pads, and uplifting melodies, Sunlounger continues to be a defining force in the global chill and trance scenes.


Tracklist:

Disc 1. Meditation Versions
01. Distant Memories (with Ambedo)
02. True Kindness
03. Reflections
04. Recharge
05. Summer Rain
06. Calm
07. Remembrance
08. Inner Essence
09. Wandelpad (with Noah Shah)
10. Beachwalk (with Betafish)
11. Vacation
12. Auspicious Day
13. Peregrination
14. Into The Light
15. Recovery
16. Let Your Spirit Fly (with Ambedo)

Disc 2. Club Mixes
01. Distant Memories (with Ambedo)
02. True Kindness
03. Reflections
04. Recharge
05. Summer Rain
06. Calm
07. Remembrance
08. Inner Essence
09. Wandelpad (with Noah Shah)
10. Beachwalk (with Betafish)
11. Vacation
12. Auspicious Day
13. Peregrination
14. Into The Light
15. Recovery
16. Let Your Spirit Fly (with Ambedo)





Additional info:
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08:26:00

 


ANNA announces her new release ‘Future Hearts’

A journey of music, mindfulness, and self-discovery

ANNA, the visionary DJ and producer celebrated for her ability to merge profound artistry with meaningful experiences, is proud to announce the release of her latest track, ‘Future Hearts’, released today on Tomorrowland Music. This groundbreaking project not only showcases Ana’s versatility but also marks a transformative moment in her musical journey.


'Future Hearts' is out now via all platforms.

‘Future Hearts’ transcends traditional club music by offering three unique interpretations, each reflecting ANNA’s dedication to personal growth and her vision of music as a medium for empowerment, healing, and expansion of consciousness:

The Original Track: a deep, club-ready creation infused with the hypnotic rhythms of the handpan, reminiscent of her earlier success, ‘Cosmovisión’, released on Afterlife.

Ambient Version: a soothing, atmospheric interpretation designed to create a meditative state of calm and introspection.

Guided Meditation: A transformative 20-minute experience created from the original track’s sonic textures, guiding listeners through a journey of mindfulness and self-empowerment.

ANNA believes that music has the power to elevate the human experience, and ‘Future Hearts’ is her latest offering to inspire connection, introspection, and transformation. This release signifies a bold step in her artistic evolution, as she redefines the role of music in modern culture; no longer just for entertainment, but as a catalyst for healing and consciousness expansion. ‘Future Hearts’ is a continuation of ANNA’s mission to push boundaries, blending her passion for mindfulness with her talent for creating captivating soundscapes.



Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]ANNA - Future Hearts[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]ANNA is a rising star in the electronic music scene, renowned for her captivating track “Future Hearts.” This melodic house masterpiece skillfully blends influences from afrohouse, tribal house, and melodic techno, resulting in an explosive and immersive soundscape. ANNA’s exceptional arrangement of the track is particularly noteworthy, with a mesmerizing piano melody that evokes the tranquility of Ibiza sunsets and sunrises. The track’s vibrant synths and percussive melodies create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, encouraging listeners to dance and immerse themselves in ANNA’s enchanting sonic world. The ambient mix will appeal to those seeking a soothing sonic tapestry of warm and smooth sounds to unwind after a demanding workday. ANNA’s music continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as a rising star in the electronic music industry. #PureGold 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]



About ANNA

​Ana Miranda, aka ANNA, is a rare example of a musician and producer completely comfortable shapeshifting between two parallel careers in electronic music, representing her two worlds – Techno and Ambient.

Born in Brazil and now based in Lisbon, ANNA moved to Barcelona in 2015 to immerse herself in the heart of the European dance music scene. This transition brought her hypnotic and melodic techno to the forefront, with releases on influential labels like Drumcode, Plus 8, Mute Records, Domino Records, and Afterlife. Her 2019 summer anthem, "Forever Ravers," a collaboration with Miss Kittin on Kompakt, ignited dancefloors worldwide and became a defining track during the pandemic. ANNA’s productions, characterized by powerful, driving beats infused with ambient nuances, have consistently evolved, enriching her sound with each release.



With over 20 years in the industry, ANNA began her career in her father's nightclub in São Paolo. She now performs at top venues like DC10, Hi, and Printworks, and festivals such as Tomorrowland and Coachella. Her remixes for Jon Hopkins, Orbital, and Depeche Mode have solidified her status in the electronic music world. ANNA's dedication to her craft led her to a neurofeedback center in 2017, transforming her creative process. This journey resulted in her debut ambient album "Intentions," featuring collaborations with Jon Hopkins, Laraaji, and East

Forest, and an invitation to remix artists like Lana Del Rey and Rob Grant, Olafur Arnalds. Deeply committed to spirituality and meditation, ANNA integrates these influences into her music, creating a unique blend of Techno and Ambient sounds. “I am everything. I am the stillness, the chaos, the light and the shadow,” ANNA says, encapsulating her fusion of musical worlds. Her name, a palindrome, symbolizes the harmony of her dual musical paths: two worlds, one true artist.


Additional info:
https://www.instagram.com/djannaofficial/
​https://soundcloud.com/dj_anna
​https://www.tiktok.com/@djannaofficial
​https://x.com/djannamiranda
​https://www.facebook.com/djannabr/
​https://anna.dj/


About Tomorrowland Music

Tomorrowland Music is Tomorrowland’s official in-house record label and dedicated music division, founded in August 2021 and working in partnerships with Virgin Music/Universal Music Group. Tomorrowland Music provides a home for artists from all different levels in electronic music and works closely together with artists to help create strong stories around their releases and perform them at different festivals, supporting them in all their recording and release activities and aiming to introduce music fans in every corner of the world to the most exciting projects in electronic music.

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00:32:00

 


“This one might’ve been in us from the start”, says John Hancock. He’s talking about ‘Echos’ - his, Becky Williams, Finn Bjarnson & Ryan Raddon seventh Late Night Alumni longform.

Predominantly known for blending electronic and organic elements into their music, the album represents a departure from the band’s largely house-led sound. An all-acoustic affair, in many ways though ‘Echos’ is a natural extension of LNA’s DNA. “Most of our songs”, John continues, “are written in the organic/acoustic realm and then produced with electronic flavours to create our sound. In those intimate song beginnings though, there’s a magic all its own. We’ve long wanted to do an album that captured and augmented that initial intimacy.”
Which is indeed what Becky, John, Finn & Ryan have now done. The quartet have dug back into their twenty-year, six-album history and selected eleven tracks that they felt could most benefit from this song-spotlighting treatment. With their original acoustic intros as cues, they’ve taken them to their natural conclusions. A Sliding Doors-type feast for LNA enthusiasts both new and established, or indeed all lovers of downtempo, downtime, live instrumentation-led music, ‘Echos’ releases October 2023.


‘Echos’ embarkation point is ‘Beautiful’, which originally featured on the band’s 2005 debut album. Initially piano-threaded, halfway in it reaches an emotional tipping point, as LNA allow strings to swell through its production. Begging the question ‘when is a cover version not a cover version?!‘, the album moves onto an acoustic retelling of Ryan ‘Kaskade’ Raddon’s ‘4 AM’. Already co-written by his fellow Late Night Alums, here, ‘4 AM’s adopts a more break-of-dawn type feel. Dropping a pin on more latter Late Night times, ‘Even As I Go’ (from 2019’s ‘Silver’ LP) applies a touch more of the orchestral and cinematic tones to its acoustics. ‘Gemini’s playful vocals make easy bedfellows for its new folk flecked production, lending an upbeat, carefree note to ‘Echos’. Returning to ‘Silver’, the string thrum and sweetly sung tones of ‘Love Is A Knife’ bely the song’s smartly observed lyrics. 
“The more we feel, the more we know” sings Williams, as its production mixes pathos and poignance in equal measure.

Speaking ahead of the album’s release, "Echos", says the group, “is a completely organic reimagination of selected songs from our 20-year catalogue. Creating these acoustic versions has made for some of our most inspiring and rewarding times together. We plan to release these songs throughout 2023 and will have much more to share about the project as we get closer to its release. Stay tuned friends!”
Finding the emotional middle-ground between its two precursors, ‘You Can Be The One’ dips into ‘Of Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Etc’ - the band’s second album. ‘Mine’ meanwhile introes with the grandly drawn strings of an orchestra before its wrought vocals up the bittersweet lament. As the band’s signature song, ‘Empty Streets’ was the introduction for many to the Alumni. Here, shorn of its familiar 4/4 rhythms, it’s stripped-back nature places more emphasis on the verses, in turn expanding the understanding of the song itself. A nod to the group’s longest standing fans, ‘The Rest Of You’ which followed ‘Empty Streets’ on their debut album, follows suit on ‘Echos’. In respect of its instrumentation and vocal delivery, the track applies Spanish inflexions to deliver an instant chillout classic. With its penultimate number, the band look to their 2013’s ‘A Beat Becomes A Sound’ LP. ‘Sapphire’s arps turn into harps, and more orchestral magnificence still, as Becky Williams channels some inner Bjork into its song. ‘Window’ which signs the album off, serves fans an entirely new LNA number. Sensing its occasion, the track builds drums, percussion and other live elements into its rhythms, as the song’s affecting harmonies and refrains land ‘Echo’s final emotive blows.


A release that provides the most organic of departures for Light Night Alumni, ‘Echos’ will be released in October of 2023. You can preorder/save it here 

Late Night Alumni - Echos
01. Beautiful
02. 4AM
03. Even As I Go
04. Gemini
05. Love Is A Knife
06. You Can Be The One
07. Mine
08. Empty Streets
09. The Rest Of You
10. Sapphire
11. Window


Additional info:

 We Love this great remix by Alpha 9 on Empty Streets

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03:26:00


 John O'Callaghan notes on his facebook post:

'Riverside' named after the place I grew up as a boy, by the Boyne river in Navan Co.Meath. 

My father's workplace was here and many Summer evenings were spent rambling in the local area, the local disco where dance music blasted weekly was here too (The Ardboyne). The river guided your 3am walk home. We now live by this same river. Also shout out to Riverside SoCal 😀 The track is out now, add / share / play Find it here: https://subculture.complete.me/riverside



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] John O'Callaghan - Riverside[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]John O'Callaghan is considered to be one of the pivotal figures of electronic dance music. Riverside is an exceptional slice of energetic euphoric uplifting feel good trance of the highest order. Pounding drums, energetic driving pulsating war basslines, heavy rough kicks and underneath truly beautiful warm strings and piano chords leading to a magical breakdown full of orchestral strings, emotional melancholic pianos, big swirling synths and an intense build up that will send you to outerspace when the beat strikes back for the ultimate high euphoria experience. This is what instrumental uplifting trance should be about truly warm and beautiful but at the same dynamic and punchy to get the crowd dancing leaving their dreams and secret fantasies. Excellent idea to include an ambient version that allows us all to chill out and relax full of detailed sonic soundscapes and cinematic touches that will definitely inspire you while you enjoy it to daydream of your favourite moments by the side of your beloved river. We definitely need more ambient interpretations of Subculture releases. #PureGold 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]



Additional info:
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06:47:00

 


Inviting a new wave of ambient and downtempo talent to the Reflections roster, this is the fifth instalment of the label’s various artist EP series, ‘Reflections 05’.

Opening the EP, we welcome back Ryan Davis with a stellar ambient rework of his 2016 Anjunadeep classic ‘Brun’. Ryan lands back on Reflections following the release of his December 2022 orchestral album ‘Through The Mirror Glass’, which saw support from SiriusXM, BBC Radio 1 and totals more than 600,000 streams to date.

Next up, Cologne-based live electronic act Alex Hövelmann makes his debut on Reflections with ‘Evermore’. Alex turns in an expertly layered evolving track, melding together field recordings and his own live instrumentation.
Returning to the EP series for a second time is ambient producer Michael FK, who presents a delicately woven production of humming synths and light piano motifs with ‘Indrawn’. Michael made his label debut on 'Reflections 01' with ‘Ashes’; a favourite from the 2022 edition of Anjunadeep’s prolific compilation series ‘Anjunadeep 13’.

Rounding off 'Reflections 05' are newcomers taennya and Endlesstrains with a pair of ethereal mixes of their new collaboration ‘early rise’; the original mix is accompanied by a dream-like ambient instrumental.

Find Reflections 05 here  https://reflections.ffm.to/ref05.oyd


Additional info:
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19:40:00

 


Mark Barrott is an artist that creatively speaking, never stops moving. His musical career has taken many forms. Some know him as Future Loop Foundation, the alias he used to create and perform ambient drum and bass from the mid-90s. Some know him for his Sketches from an Island albums, which he released under his own name, and others know him as the founder of the highly influential International Feel label, a label that spearheaded the bespoke vinyl movement of the 2010's and brought DJ Harvey out of studio retirement. Barrott has spent close to four decades exploring new sonic territory and pushing the boundaries of various genres and is considered a pivotal figure in the revival of the Balearic music scene of the last decade.

Buy/Stream the album 'Jōhatsu (蒸発)': https://reflections.ffm.to/mbjohatsu.oyd


Barrott's new album, 'Jōhatsu (蒸発)', is predictably unpredictable. Due for release this April on Above & Beyond's new downtempo imprint Reflections, the album is a full departure from anything Mark has written before, partly because he was writing to moving picture. In 2019, Mark was commissioned by a director to write the score for their new documentary, 'Jōhatsu (蒸発) ... the art of Evaporation'.


'Jōhatsu (蒸発)' is an 8-track journey through the sounds, sights, smells and sensations of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Every year, it is estimated that as many as 100,000 people in Japan vanish, without a trace. These are the so-called johatsu. The "evaporated people". People become jōhatsu for many different reasons including addiction, divorce and job loss. While some people may consider taking their own lives, others simply… evaporate. Jōhatsu refers to these people who purposefully leave the lives they knew behind.


'Jōhatsu... the art of Evaporation', shadowed a Japanese man as he went through this exact process, paying a contractor to help him vanish, moving from central Kyoto to Scandinavia. Scene notes from the director and shots of Kyoto at night-time, rural Japan, and Scandinavian forest-scapes informed Barrott's musical direction for the project.


The tracks on this album are the 'full' pieces - those written for the longer sequences of film. The first single and opening track from the album, 'Kyoto (京都)', utilises the art of simplicity. It's stripped back and minimal, allowing Barrott's ambient, spontaneous production style to shine through.


'Jōhatsu (蒸発)' is a fairly air-tight representation of Mark Barrott as an artist. It's spontaneous, it's unexpected, it's unrestricted and it's a gorgeous listening experience. It's the sound of an artist set free, without creative restraints. If music could fly, 'Jōhatsu (蒸発)' has wings.

'Jōhatsu (蒸発)' is out now on Reflections.


You can order on Anjunabeats music store HERE

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03:46:00


 The fourth single taken from Chicane's forthcoming ninth studio album, 'Nevertheless' sits right in the middle between the beach and the dance floor. Synergizing Paul Aiden's distinct vocal and the enchantingly beautiful atmosphere, this growingly upbeat track is awash with emotion, subtle hope and the unique sense of freedom only Chicane tracks bring.




Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[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"]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]
[item value="10"]Chicane feat. Paul Aiden - Nevertheless [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Chicane continues to unleash tracks from his forthcoming album and Nevertheless is another top chillin laid back record featuring Paul Aiden. Nevertheless starts with nice atmospheric intro and the superb vocals by Paul with that indie dance /rock dynamism making you eager to watch soon a live performance from it. The steady driving beat resembles the well known Running Up The Hill bassline and conveys the same feeling of wanting to run free full of magical atmospheres and relaxing sonic environment to absorb you and let you escape for 5 minutes. If you had a bad day in the office is the perfect medicine to change your mood instantly and motivate you that tomorrow will be a better day ahead. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]


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01:20:00

 


"Music is one of the most free forms of art. It's a way of expressing yourself and communicating with people without having to say anything." - Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis says his new album 'Through The Mirror Glass' has existed in idea-form for a very long time – most of his life, in fact. The album is inspired by the movies he grew up watching with soundtracks by James Horner, Thomas Newman and Jóhann Jóhannsson, and the tropes and rhythms of electronic music. Davis has wanted to connect the two ever since he started producing, so this album is his first full-length foray into cinematic electronic music.

Most of the 12 tracks on this low-tempo project are peppered with field recordings. Davis took his field recorder out on hikes in Japan, America, China, Austria and in the forests near his hometown in Germany. "I hope the album helps people reflect and rest for a moment," Davis says. "I think nature is one of the places people can go to connect and breathe." Davis knows this because he's spent most of his life in cities. He was born in Magdeburg, a small, green city in Germany's east that was part of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR).

In 2001 Davis' bought a pair of turntables and started DJing at local bars. His first releases were unnamed white label tracks mainly produced on his primitive desktop computer. He couldn't afford decent speakers so he'd shuttle back and forth to clubs in Magdeburg to play the track, then drive home to make edits. In 2007 he co-founded his own vinyl label Maripoza, which means butterfly in Spanish, and launched his digital labels Klangwelt and Back Home a few years later.

In 2006 he released his first solo EP, which sold close to 1500 copies on vinyl. He released dozens of tracks throughout the late 2000s and became a pioneer of the neo-trance movement. But he always maintained an interest in classical, cinematic and downtempo composition despite his dance-floor ready releases. So his debut album 'Particles of Bliss' on Traum Schallplatten in 2012, which married low-tempo and ambient tracks with up-beat, danceable productions, revealed the full spectrum of his musical interest.

Davis teamed up with Anjunadeep for the first time in 2012 with a remix of Andrew Bayer's catalogue classic 'Gaff's Eulogy'. This led to a series of EPs showcasing the melodic, downtempo side to his artistry. He'd long wanted to create a full-length project for Anjuna, so when Above & Beyond launched Reflections in 2022, Davis knew he'd found the perfect home for his next album.
"With electronic music I have access to a never-ending palette of sounds. This album has been inside me for ages, but computers just weren't good enough. I didn't know how to arrange notes to create an orchestra or to record a violin, but now Spitfire Audio has built these incredible samples. I have BBC One's orchestra at my fingertips."

And he makes full use of it on the first single 'Altitudes'. "With 'Altitudes' I programmed different rhythmic patterns to create these moving electronic dots and connect them with the liveliness of the piano and orchestra. I used an electronic kick drum layered with a drum used in classical arrangements to connect old and new, and that's really the essence of the album - it merges my musical past and links it with the future."
Ultimately, Ryan Davis hopes 'Through The Mirror Glass' will act as a sonic space to reflect and hold fragile memories. The mirror glass is a way to look at yourself, and simultaneously look behind you, at what's brought you to this point.


'Through The Mirror Glass' is out 5th December on Reflections.

Tracklist:
1-When At Night  Ryan Davis
2-Waialeale  Ryan Davis
3-Altitudes  Ryan Davis
4-Anticipation  Ryan Davis
5-Remote  Ryan Davis
6-Daffodils  Ryan Davis
7-Okawa  Ryan Davis
8-Mekong  Ryan Davis
9-Farallones  Ryan Davis
10-Atlas  Ryan Davis
11-Solstice  Ryan Davis
12-Anshin 安心  Ryan Davis


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23:57:00

 


Welcoming a new wave of ambient and downtempo talent to the label, Reflections presents the third instalment of their various artists EP series with ‘Reflections 03’.

Across four original compositions, the EP marks label debuts for För Alltid and Mathias Nyqvist, Nils Hoffmann and Niklas Paschburg, Cephas Azariah and ASHE.


The EP opens with ‘Piano Tapes’, a melancholic piano-led composition between Finnish pairing För Alltid, the ambient project of Anjunadeep’s Tontario, and Mathias Nyqvist. Next up, the title track from Anjunadeep rising star Nils Hoffmann’s recent LP, ‘A Radiant Sign’ sees the Berlin native team up with pianist and composer Niklas Paschburg. The EP also features an exclusive beatless contribution from accomplished film and TV composer and producer Cephas Azariah. Based in London, Cephas is well versed in crafting moving, cinematic soundscapes, and 'Table Cloth’ is testament to that. Closing the EP, is Toronto-based producer ASHE. With previous releases on leading electronic label Mau5trap, ASHE rounds off the EP with an atmospheric beat-led production, ‘Garden’.



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22:27:00

On Monday 30th of October in Stockholm, Sweden, Skott was announced as a winner of the 2018 European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA), the European music awards for emerging artists with outstanding success across Europe. Skott was surprised on live radio at Musiken i P3, by DJ Emma Vikström.

Skott
Dreamlike folk, warm electronics and ethereal vocals conspire to draw you closer. Skott is Pauline Skött, a 25-year old singer-songwriter and musician from a tiny village just outside Stockholm. Early singles Porcelain and Wolf were praised by Lorde and Katy Perry, and the Swedish artist kept up the pace with a string of amazing singles in 2017. Skott cooperated with artists like Grey and Twelve'Len, and she is currently working on her debut album, expected to be released in 2018. 




Skott is the first European artist to be announced as a winner of an EBBA. A total of ten EBBA winners will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The winners will receive their award in a ceremony hosted by TV personality and musician Jools Holland at the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival in Groningen, Netherlands, on 17 January 2018. The ceremony will feature performances by the winning acts. 



Public Choice Award
All EBBA winners are also in the running to win the Public Choice Award. Fans from all over the world can vote online from the end of November to Christmas for their favourite emerging artist. The winner of the Public Choice Award will be announced during the EBBA ceremony at the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival in Groningen. Up to ten voters, chosen at random from different countries, will be invited to the award ceremony. Each will be able to bring a friend and the flight and hotel costs will be taken care of.

The EBBA
The EBBA celebrate new and border-breaking artists who create today and tomorrow's music. From Adele (United Kingdom) to Christine & the Queens (France), the EBBA winners represent some of the standout European sounds of recent years. Other previous winners include Dua Lipa, Stromae, Gabriel Rios, Hozier, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Aurora, Disclosure, John Newman, C2C, Tokio Hotel, The Script, Years and Years, Robin Schulz, Carnival Youth, MØ and Selah Sue.

From the group of enthusiastic gig-goers out on the weekend to the industry dedicated to making the music you love, Music Moves Europe. The EBBA are one of the EU's ways of celebrating European popular and contemporary music, by bringing the artists, the industry and the fans together to celebrate European music.

15th edition of EBBA
Every year, 10 European artists receive an EBBA to recognise their success in countries other than their own. This success is measured by: airplay, sales, live performances in Europe, position in the European Border Breakers Charts 

To be eligible for the 2018 awards, the artists must have achieved border-breaking success with their first international release in Europe between 1 August 2015 and 31 July 2016 and come from a country participating in the EU's Creative Europe programme.

The EBBA, now in their 15th year, is an EU Prize, organised by Eurosonic Noorderslag in partnership with the European Commission (Creative Europe) and the European Broadcasting Union, with support from Buma Cultuur, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of Groningen, the City of Groningen and Music Week. 

Additional info:
Facebook: http://smarturl.it/SkottFB
Instagram: http://smarturl.it/SkottIG
Twitter: http://smarturl.it/SkottTW
Spotify: http://smarturl.it/SkottSpotify
Playlist: http://smarturl.it/Skottify
On Creative Europe: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/about_en
EBBA website: https://www.europeanborderbreakersawards.eu/en/

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19:06:00


Music For Dreams returns to prominence with the eponymously titled album from Nordsø and Theill on Friday 29th September 2017 available on digital and vinyl.   

The Music For Dreams label continues to be the flag bearer of Balearic, chill, space disco and the ambient revival with its output consisting of a slew of releases from artists such as Jan Schulte, Ruf Dug, Copenema, Apiento, Jose Manuel, The Swan & The Lake, Ambala, Oscar Bandersen, DJ Pippi, Visti & Meyland, and label boss Kenneth Bager’s own vinyl output.  
Patrick from Piccadilly Records, Manchester, said ‘The pick of this week’s bunch. Nordsø and Theill is frankly sublime. A gorgeous fusion of jazz musicianship, Asiatic melodies and esoteric instrumentation, this LP rightly has Moonboots in a spin. A Balearic masterpiece and certain future classic!’
This album is a classic in the making - and is already getting strong support by Chris Coco, Phil Mison, One Million Sunsets, Pete Gooding, Balearic Mike and Manchester’s Moonboots - the former calling it ‘The Best record I have heard in the last 10 Years.’ 

 Mikkel Nordsø and Ole Theill are no newcomers. They have both been influential key players in Copenhagen’s jazz scene as well as in international circuits, recording and performing with such greats as Santana, L. Subramaniam, Jan Akkerman and George Duke to name a few.   

They have also played together on many different local projects through the years, including the much-revered Bombay Hotel trio featuring Kenneth Knudsen. On their first record in 1989, they bridged the gaps between jazz fusion, new age and traditional Asian folk music, crafting the sounds into ethereal expressions that still stand out.    

On their new album for Music For Dreams, the duo delves further into that soundscape with an even deeper knowledge of their instruments. With Nordsø on the flute and guitar and Theill on various percussion instruments, they form a musical language together that reaches almost spiritual levels. While carefully blending electronic instrumentation to complete the experience, this album is both an update to their formula as well as a showcase for their talent & songwriting experience.  

Guest vocalist Caroline Francesca steps in on the opener ‘Good Morning’ and the closer ‘Sun Fo Ni’ - the first being a sun-drowsy Brazilian-inspired jam, while ‘Sun Fo Ni’ leans further towards crisp English folk roots. The inclusion of Francesca comes so naturally, as she is the daughter of percussionist and long-time collaborator Jacob Andersen  - who also releases on Music For Dreams as Bongo Entp. - making this quite a family affair.   

Named after a harbour town in Morocco, the track ‘Essaouira’ weaves field recordings of children playing in the sun together with brooding oriental folk and a discrete drum machine beat.  

For ‘Japtal’ the flute takes centre stage, leading us on a serene journey that unfolds into improvised passages along a chugging heavy groove, escalating and releasing in tempo much like the breathing techniques of yoga.   

‘Velvet Sky sees the duo at their most relaxed, letting it ride on feather light ambient chords and noodling out into a wigged out prog rock ballad. ‘B Phrygian’ takes us into ancient Anatolian territory, again showcasing the duos vibrant live instrumentation with Theill hurling an army's worth of percussion layers onto the dust beaten path laid out by Nordsø's stone-faced psychedelic assaults.

Music For Dreams is releasing Nordsø & Theill on Friday 29th September 2017 on digital and stream. A vinyl album release is also available. 



Tracklist:
1. Nordsø & Theill - Good Morning (feat. Caroline Franceska)
2. Nordsø & Theill – Essaoira
3. Nordsø & Theill – Japtal
4. Nordsø & Theill - Sun Fo Ni (feat. Caroline Franceska)
5. Nordsø & Theill - Velvet Sky
6. Nordsø & Theill - B Frygian

Digital buy link: click here
Vinyl link: click here

Additional info:
http://www.kennethbager.dk

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01:28:00

Music For Dreams is releasing ‘Clouds Over Østerbro’, the mesmerising new single from The Swan And The Lake on Friday 26th May, ahead of his forthcoming album release ‘Clouds’.

Following the success of his seasonal epic ‘Moments’ album, released last December, The Swan And The Lake aka Emil Svane Breum continues his journey through the beautifully hypnotic world of ambient music and chilled electronica with a little help from his sequencer and keyboards.

Already established within the chill scene, The Swan And The Lake produces timeless music that goes way beyond soundtracking a poolside session or beach bar. This is because Emil is a revered classical pianist and composer from Denmark, whose works capture the same spirit as the new age-minded artists of the Berlin School such as Klaus Schulze, Manuel Göttsching, and Vangelis, as well as new contemporary classical composers Michael Nyman, Constance Demby, Craig Armstrong, Arvo Pärt, Thomas Newman, Philip Glass, and Nils Frahm.

check it here
“Apart from being a spiritual movement, new age also spawned a musical ideology that lives on past the clutches of cults and communes: purity in sound, and a longing for music to reflect the sounds of nature. The music of appears to suspend time and prolong a sense of clarity, like staring out over a beautiful landscape at sunset.” Emil Svane Breum.
Additional info:
Connect with Kenneth Bager
FB : www.facebook.com/kennethbager
SC : www.soundcloud.com/kennethbagerofficial
Twit : twitter.com/Kenneth_Bager
Insta : instagram.com/kennethbagerofficial/
Home : www.musicfordreams.dk

Connect with Music For Dreams
FB : www.facebook.com/musicfordreams
SC : www.soundcloud.com/music-for-dreams
Twit : twitter.com/musicfordreams
Insta : www.instagram.com/musicfordreams.dk
Home : www.musicfordreams.dk

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17:26:00

Copenhagen based Music For Dreams is proud to unleash ‘Arbete/Fritid’, the debut album of Sweden’s Prins Emanuel, on Friday 2nd September 2016.

The first full-length solo album from Prins Emanuel is a concept album revolving around the medium of the vinyl record itself. With a functionalist’s attitude, its two sides can serve two different purposes. Translated from Swedish, the album title reads ‘Work/Leisure Time’: which are the moods the two discs/sides reflect. As Prins explains, ‘so early on a Friday evening, you might tell your girl or boy to put on the A/B -side, as you're getting ready to throw some shapes that night. And on Sunday evening, you tell him/her to put on the C/D-side as you're tapping up a bath’. 



Although this is a multi-instrumentalist’s vision, the fact that the Prins is mainly a drummer is evident in the masterfully hypnotic grooves that form the foundations on which the whole album stands on. And while elements of dub, boogie, afro, house and new age flicker by as we ride along on these driving rhythms, the balance between warmth and repetition is always a tickling tension. For fans of the young Swede’s former output with the Fasaan/Chalice label (especially his collaborations with label mate Golden Ivy), this will surely not disappoint.

Prins Emanuel 
When Malmö resident Prins Emanuel is not DJing or helping run the online record store Wildlife Records, he’s in the studio making music or co-running the labels Fasaan Recordings and Chalice. As an offshoot of Wildlife Records he started Wildlife Radio, an online platform for mixes that are categorized under two headers, Globetrotters for guest mixes by an eclectic range of international music aficionado’s and Locals Only which showcases the creativity of local record collectors and DJs.



Album tracklist:
1. Prins Emanuel - Globen
2. Prins Emanuel - Wirklicheit
3. Prins Emanuel - Exkursion
4. Prins Emanuel - Bike Chase
5. Prins Emanuel - Lands Of Joy
6. Prins Emanuel - Su Su
7. Prins Emanuel - Oran
8. Prins Emanuel - Aquarius
9. Prins Emanuel - Lejonkulan
10. Prins Emanuel - Seaside View

Prins Emanuel ‘Arbete/Fritid’ is released by Music For Dreams on vinyl, digital and stream on Friday 2nd September 2016.

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