As part of Anjunabeats, Ilan Bluestone’s early ‘Anthem Test’ Instagram previews of his late-night writing sessions apparently forged a 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 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 ‘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.
Ilan Bluestone: “Touring ‘Impulse’ after the pandemic was amazing. 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.”
The album is his 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.
Ilan Bluestone: “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.”
His 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 a blend of hypnotic melodies, vocals, and drops. It partners him 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 his story.
The album arrives on Anjunabeats this August and is available to pre-order now on vinyl via the Anjuna Music Store. The title track, featuring Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca, is out now.
© justaweemusicblog.com
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