Etikettarkiv: Bejbi.se

Classic FTW: Svenson & Gielen – Beachbreeze

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quyWQ5zzICs&w=680&h=510]

This weekend’s classic comes from a dynamic duo who´s been active since 1994 under different aliases, for instance Body Heat, DJ Don & Svenson, T-Phobia, Boccacio Life. The aliases that this article will focus on are Airscape and Svenson & Gielen and this week’s featured track is Svenson & Gielen featuring Jan Johnston – Beachbreeze (Remember The Summer). (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics:

You smiled
It helped me capture
Was no ordinary feeling
Sweet, ultimate, endless
You changed me forever
Awaken my passion

Theres no dark clouds in my world now
Theres no dark clouds only sunshine
Theres no dark clouds in my world now
Theres no dark clouds only sunshine

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me
In the water
Water
Water.

The ocean
Serenading us
Being grown ups in the sand
Sweet, ultimate, rapture
an aura of our moments
You aroused
My, passion

There’s no dark clouds in my world now
There’s no dark clouds only sunshine
There’s no dark clouds in my world now
There’s no dark clouds only sunshine

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me
In the water
Water
Water.

I’ll remember
Always
Always.

Ohh I’ll remember
Always
Always.

I’ll remember
I’ll remember
I’ll remember
Forever

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me

I’ll remember the summer forever
You took my lips
You took my hands
Took me to the ocean
Made love to me

I’ll remember the summer forever and ever
Always

Belgian born Johan Willy Maria Gielen and Sven Frans Yvonne Maes met in 1996 after being introduced to eachother by Oliver Adams who worked with Gielen on Body Heat. Oliver Adams quit the project in 1996 and Svenson joined instead.

Gielen was already using the Airscape-moniker together with Jos Borremans from 1992. After having some success with the Body Heat-project, Gielen asked Svenson to join the Airscape-project in 1997. The first 2 years (1997-1998), Jos Borremans was in the project and later left Airscape to pursue his own career.

The first single for Svenson as Airscape, Pacific Melody was a chart-success and peaked at no 27 in the UK chart. I really like the warm sound that they managed on that track.

The followup, Amazon Chant feels almost like something out of a fairytale, especially in the breakdown with it’s birdsounds, those warm strings and that chant. It was another chart-success and peaked at no 46 in the UK chart.

The first track I heard from Airscape was L’Esperanza. The track, released in 1999 peaked at no 33 in the UK Chart and was the first track without Jos Borremans and has that signature sound that most Airscape-tracks and remixes after 1999 has.

Airscape was also busy remixing other artists and of the earlier remixes i’d recommend you to take a look at Praga Khan – Breakfast In Vegas, Vengaboys – Kiss and Delerium – Silence.

Between 2000-2003, they put the Airscape-project on the shelf and started focusing their effort on the Svenson & Gielen-project instead. They still produced some remixes as Airscape but no original productions.

Their first release, Beauty Of Silence (with singer Christel Ferket) kept that signature-sound from Airscape and became another success. This was also the first year that Svenson & Gielen had their track become the official anthem for Trance Energy.

The same year also saw some major remixes from Airscape, including Chicane – Halcyon, Scooter – I´m Your Pusher, Alice Deejay – The Lonley One & Sylver – Turn The Tide. They also did a Svenson & Gielen-remix of Push – The Legacy

The 2001-single, Twisted (with singer Paul Mendez) is another legendary track. I especially love that hook after the break. Simply amazing! It was also the official Trance Energy-anthem for 2001.
The remix-work this year included Safri Duo – Played-a-live (as Airscape), Ultra – Free, Ayumi Hamasaki – Depend On You & Tiesto – Lethal Industry (as Svenson & Gielen)

2002 saw the release of We Know What You Did and Answer The Question. Both tracks were official Trance Energy-anthems. Of the two tracks, I prefer We Know What You Did, especially the part with the strings in the breakdown. Svenson & Gielen-remixes worth mentioning include ATB – Hold You, The Thrillseekers – Dreaming Of You & Lexicon 4 – Reach Me.

The last release as Svenson & Gielen, Beachbreeze (with singer Jan Johnston) was another legendary track. Though never released in England, only as an import from the legendary ID&T-label, it still reached no 163 in the UK chart. The working-name for the track was Ocean, but later renamed to Beachbreeze (Remember The Summer).

In 2003, Svenson announced that they were splitting and going solo. The last track they ever released was an Airscape-single, Sosei which were released the year after.

In 2009, Gielen revived the Airscape-moniker as a solo-project and released a new single, My Love (with singer Jes Breiden). The single is more pop-ish than previous tracks. Even the Johan Gielen-remix has lost the original Airscape-sound. He also re-released L’Esperanza with a new Svenson & Gielen 2009-remix. The 2009-mix is also slower than previous and alot more commercial than the original sound.

2010 also saw the release of the long-awaited debut album from Airscape, Now And Then which contains new collaborations with Josh Millstone, Cor Fijneman, Daniel Wanrooy, Mark Green & Ben Jujbregts, all under the Airscape-moniker.

When I look back to the results of what the dream team of Johan Gielen and Sven Maas accomplished under those active years I see true classics. Classics that will live on forever, both in their original material and also their remixes.

Back in the days when I started listening to trance I knew that if the sleeve mentioned either Airscape and/or Svenson & Gielen, there was some really good tracks inside. I still play loads of their stuff on my stereo and they always gives me goosebumps, and sometimes even tears of joy.
Their music will live on in my memory forever.

Classic FTW: Agnelli & Nelson feat. Audrey Gallagher – Holding Onto Nothing

1 svar

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iABDOTT4Q0Q&w=680&h=383]

This weekends classic is one of those that most people have some memories to. It came out in 2003 and came out with a bang! A fun thing is that the remix is called Paul Van Dyk Edit and the track is 10 mins and 31 seconds long. Usually, an edit is a shorter version of a song so wonder how long the Paul Van Dyk Remix is? 20 minutes?

The track i’m thinking of is Agnelli & Nelson – Holding Onto Nothing (Paul Van Dyk Edit). (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics:

When we touch..
I feel something happen
When we breathe..
All the world is undone

Stay with me..
As my heart surrenders
Comfort me..
As I fall I cry..

ohh.. ohh

When we sleep..
Darkness brings us release
All you need..
You can find it in me

Stay with me..
As my heart surrenders
Comfort me..
As I fall I cry

[Chorus x5]
Standin’ in the rain
Twisted and insane
We, are, holdin’ onto nothing

Feelin’ every breath
Holdin’ no regrets
We’re, still, lookin’ out for something

Goosebump-points:

00:54 when the main drums kick in.
02:03 when the main vocals start.
03:53 when the second verse start.
04:48 when the first chorus start
05:43 when the main music starts to fade in the chorus.
06:10 when the music starts to fade up slowly.
07:33 when the main chorus start after the breakdown

Irish-born Christoper James Agnew and Robert Frederick Nelson started producing music in 1997 and was early on signed to Alex Gold’s label Xtravaganza Recordings in 1998. They had 2 previous hits on RGB Music, Angels Fly / Bolivian Angel and Angels. Agnelli & Nelson also had a few other projects like Afterburn, Cortez, Green Atlas, Quincey & Sonance over the years but this article focus on their work as Agnelli & Nelson and A&N Project.

Their first release on Xtravaganza, El Niño (with singer Marcella Woods) became a huge hit and created a new era of dancemusic, especially in ibiza with its spanish lyrics. The track peaked at 21 in the UK Singles Chart.

Their second release, Everyday (with singer Laura Campbell) came with a boom and made a big impact on the trance-scene, especially with the Lange remix. Everyday peaked at no 17 in the UK Singles chart.

The followup-single, Embrace was an instrumental track and followed the same sound as the previous singles and eventually peaked at no 35 in the UK Singles chart.

Hudson Street, released in 2000 was another epic instrumental. I especially love the Dark Now Remix. Hudson Street was another chart-success and peaked at no 29 in the UK Singles chart

2001 saw the release of Vegas, another epic instrumental track and peaked at no 49 in the UK Singles chart.

The 2003-release, Holdning Onto Nothing (with singer Audrey Gallagher) became a huge success in the trance scene, especially the Paul Van Dyk Edit (which is over 10 minutes long). I just love that thomping bassline, the simple, but yet addictive drumline and those breaks. It’s one of those tracks that many Djs still play because of its quality. It peaked at no 41 in the UK Single chart.

The last single from Agnelli & Nelson, Shivver (with singer The Burn), came out in 2005. Shivver is a really banging instrumental and later came with a beautiful John O’Callaghan-remix

After 2005, Agnelli & Nelson worked as A&N Project and released 3 beautful singles, this time under the Deepblue Records-label, except for Sleeping In Airports, which was signed to Markus Schulz’s label, Coldharbour Recordings

The first single, Wear That Dress was another vocal track. The lyrics isn’t the best but the track is pretty awesome, especially the John O’Callaghan-remix.

Just When I Think There’s An Answer from 2008 was another banger with remixes by Ben Gold, Genix & Tom Colontonio just to name a few.

The last release, Sleeping In Airports came with a banging Element One-remix.
This was the last project Agnelli & Nelson worked together on.

Robbie Nelson released some own material in 2009 and 2010 with the release of Aviator, Shangri-La on Solarstone’s new label, Crashing Waves. Up In Smoke from 2010 was released on John O’Callaghan’s label, Subculture.

They guys also did some major remix-works over the years. How about

Liquid – ”Orlando Dawn” [Xtravaganza]
Lange – ”Follow Me” [Positiva]
Solar Stone vs. Scott Bond – ”3rd Earth” [Made In England]
Chicane ft. Bryan Adams – ”Don”t Give Up 2004” [Xtravaganza]
Ferry Corsten – ”Its Time” [Tsunami + Positiva]
Armin Van Buuren – ”Blue Fear 2004” [Nebula & Armada]
Li Kwan (Matt Darey) – ”Point Zero 2004” [Darey Products LTD]
Alex Gold – ”Stranded In Paradise” [Xtravaganza]
Alex Gold – ”Back From A Break (Better Dayz)” [Xtravaganza]
John O”Callaghan ft. Audrey Gallagher – ”Big Sky” [Armind]
Markus Schulz ft. Dauby – ”Perfect” [Coldharbour Recordings]
Solarstone – ”Rain Stars Eternal” [Solaris Recordings]

Their biggest remix-success came with John O’Callaghan featuring Audrey Gallagher – Big Sky and was the remix that most major DJ’s played. Big Sky was a major anthem for most clubgoers and I love how most people usually sing the chorus at the clubs. Major goosebump moment!

Agnelli & Nelson has done some really good tracks over the years and have alot of classic in their baggage that they can be proud of. They also succeeded in bringing some light on the Irish trancemusic-scene and made way for many big artists like John O’Callaghan. It seems like the days of the duo is over and Robbie Nelsons solo career just started and I hope that we will hear more material from Robbie in the future.

Classic FTW: Above & Beyond – Far From In Love

1 svar

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3y58Fn2_vc&w=680&h=383]

Last weeks article was mainly about Justine Suissa and her collaboration with the Above & Beyond-guys Tony, Paavo & Jono with Oceanlab. So I thought ”why not do a piece on the guys for this weekends article?”. After all, Above & Beyond has done some really classic tracks over the years.

My pick for the weekend is Above & Beyond featuring Kate Cameron – Far From In Love (Above & Beyond San Fransisco Mix).

Lyrics:

Sailing away from me like melting snow in my hair
I miss your touch,
Trying to sew up a love that was built on the sun
I miss you so much
Like a fire burns to embers
I know this is where it ends
In the ashes we are dying
almost strangers only friends

Far from in love x4

Far from in love (So far from love)
Far from in love
Far from in love (So away from love yeah yeah..)
Far from in love (From all the loving that I knew)

I can see behind your eyes that you’re afraid of who you are
Only silence now between us
I’m amazed we’ve come this far

Far from in love x4

Far from in love (So far from love)
Far from in love
Far from in love (So away from love yeah yeah..)
Far from in love (From all the loving that I knew)

The Above & Beyond-story started in 1999 when Jono Grant & Paavo Siljamäki studied electronic engineering at the University of Westminister where they discovered a mutual interest in electronic music. After working together writing music, Paavo suggested that they should start their own record label, and Anjunabeats was started, mainly to release their own material and later became one of the most influentual trancemusic-labels in the world.

For their first release on Anjunabeats, Anjunabeats – Volume One, they made an Original Mix and a Tease Dub Mix. The latter got lots of support by major dj’s like Pete Tong, Oakenfold, Judge Jules & Paul Van Dyk. From this moment on, they also recorded and remixed as Dirt Devils & Free State.

Tony McGuinness was at the time marketing director & manager of the Warner Music Group and had been commissioned to remix a new single from Chakra called Home and needed help. Tony asked his brother Liam for help and he pointed him in the direction of Jono & Paavo who eventually helped him finish the remix.

The inspiration for the name Above & Beyond came from a website for an american motvation trainer, who’s name coincidentally also was Jono Grant and used the name Above & Beyond as a slogan and it eventually stuck. The remix was eventually picked over the more established names as Rob Searle & Tilt to be the a-side and later peaked at no 1 in the UK club charts and got loads of support by the major dj’s.

After the success of the Chakra-single, the guys started to get more remix-requests which eventually ended in remixes for Aurora – Ordinary World, Fragma – Everytime You Need Me and Perpetous Dreamer – The Sound Of Goodbye just to name a few.

Their biggest commercial success came with the remix of Madonna – What It Feels Like For A Girl. Madonna was so impressed with the track that Above & Beyonds version was used in the official video over Madonnas album-version. The video, directed by Guy Ritchie was pretty violent so MTV couldn’t play it before 9pm. The track had good chart-success all over the world except in the US where it only reached no 23 in the Billboard Hot 100.

Their first own success came in 2002 with the release of their first single, Far From In Love (with singer Kate Cameron who also sang on the Chakra-singles). I’d recommend the epic San Fransisco Mix before the original mix which is one of those feel good-tracks although the track is about a breakup. I believe it has to do with the amazing, almost angelic vocals by Kate Cameron.

This was followed by some remix-duties for Tomcraft, Motorcycle, Rusch & Murray, Madonna & Chakra, Dido & Delerium just to name a few, before the release of their second single, No One On Earth (with singer Zoe Johnston).

No One On Earth came with an amazing remix by Gabriel & Dresden and eventually became the Tune of the year 2004 on Armin Van Buurens radioshow, A State Of Trance.

Their next single, Air For Life (with singer Carrie Skipper) was a collaboration with Andy Moor and another success. I especially love the Airwave Remix which is more progressive than the banging Original Mix. It was voted Best Underground Dance Track at the 2006 Miami Winter Music Conference and also voted Tune Of The Year 2005 on Armin Van Buuren’s radiosho, A State Of Trance

Above & Beyonds debut album, Tri-State was released in early 2006 and got good reviews and contained loads of new tracks like Alone Tonight, Can’t Sleep, Good For Me & Home. I higly recommend everyone to take a listen to the album, a true masterpiece.

Alone Tonight (with singer Richard Bedford) became another hit and was nominated for best progressive house/trance track at the 22nd International Dance Music Awards at WMC in Miami 2007. It did fairly well in the charts, peaking at no 5 in the UK Dance Chart and no 4 in the Finnish national singles chart.

Can’t Sleep (with singer Ashley Tomberlin) came with a huge remix-package although i prefer the Original Mix. The listeners to A State Of Trance voted Can´t Sleep no 3 of the best 20 tracks of 2006.

Good For Me (with singer Zoe Johnston) was another success and later voted Tune Of The Year 2006 on A State Of Trance. The album version is a really slow track and I prefer the Above & Beyond Club Mix before the other remixes

The last single from the Tri-State album was Home (with singer Hannah Thomas). The album version is a really sweet slow track whereas the club mix gets the partygoers jumping. The track eventually was voted no 3 by the listeners to A State Of Trance in 2007.

Above & Beyond also released a remix-album called Tri-State Remixed in 2008 with remixes from Robert Nickson, Maor Levi, Airwave, Ian Carey & Matthew Dekay just to name a few.

In 2009 the guys released Anjunabeach, another quality track. It also came with remixes from Nitrous Oxide and Jerome Isma-Ae.

The second album, Group Therapy came out in June 2011 which resulted in 10 of the 15 tracks released as singles. I will just mention the ones that I think is worth listening to.

The first single from the album, Anphonic was a collaboration with Kyau & Albert and was released in July 2010 and came with a nice remix from Arty.

Released in March 2011, Sun & Moon (with singer Richard Bedford) was a typical ”sing along with the chorus”-track. I prefer the original to the remixes.

In June 2011, Thing Called Love (with Richard Bedford) was released and was another ”sing along with the chorus”-tracks. The club mix is more trancy while the extended club mix is more techy.

Formula Rossa came with an amazing Nitrous Oxide remix which is more uplifting than the original.

Every Little Beat (with singer Richard Bedford) came with a techy Myon & Shane 54-remix.

I really love Above & Beyonds original and remixes up to 2006 and the Tri-state album. Back then you knew that everything connected to the Above & Beyond-brand was pure trance and had lots of feeling to it. The last years they (as most other major DJs) has been shifting style, usually for the more ”housy”-stuff while Above & Beyond has gone for the more techy style of trance which still is good. But what I miss is those warm strings, those almost angelic vocals and overall older sound that they did pre 2006.

I’d still love to see them live as it was some 4 years since I saw them last. I hope they will be on tour in my neck of the woods soon so I can fall in love with their sound once again.

Classic FTW: Armin Van Buuren feat. Justine Suissa – Burned With Desire

2 svar

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PLX3UhhvsM&w=680&h=510]

This weeks article is not about a group/act or a DJ. It´s about a singer. Who can say that they’ve sung for Chicane, Oceanlab, Markus Schulz & Armin Van Buuren. Ladies and gentlemen. Let me present to you, the queen of vocal trance: Justine Suissa!

She has done so many quality tracks over the years but the one who’s closest to my heart is Armin Van Buuren featuring Justine Suissa – Burned With Desire (Rising Star Remix). (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics:

For each forgotten kiss
For all the memories
For all the times alone
Said all we had to say

You played your part so well
A modern Romeo
You came on Cupid’s wings
And then you flew away

When you touched my face
When you call my name
I’m burned with desire

When you touched my face
When you call my name
I’m burned with desire
But you left me in the rain

For every sleepless night
Forever in your arms
For every hour spent
Lost in the revelry

You broke your promises
No shame and no regrets
You burned the bridges too
An endless mystery

When you touched my face
So beautiful
When you call my name
My name..
I’m burned with desire

When you touched my face
So beautiful
When you call my name
My name..
I’m burned with desire
But you left me in the rain

Goosebump points:

1:09 when the main synth starts.
1:37 when the piano comes in.
2:19 when the first break comes in.
2:33 when the main vocals start.
3:01 when the chorus start.
3:26 ”… but you left me in the rain” and the main melody starts up again.
4:51 when the music fades just before the second chorus
5:20 when the second chorus comes in.
5:45 ”…but you left me in the rain”

Justines career started in 1999 when she did some singing for a track by Chicane called Autumn Tactics. The track did very well so Justine went on tour with Chicane on their Behind The Sun album-tour and performed at various venues/festivals all over the globe.

If you haven’t listened to that album, do it now! One of the best albums ever made IMHO with track like No Ordinary Morning, Autumn Tactics, Saltwater, Halcyon and Don’t Give Up. Also, listen to The Thrillseekers Remix of Autumn Tactics, absolutely magnificent.

After the touring with Chicane, Justine started working with the Above & Beyond-guys Jono, Tony & Paavo on their side-project Oceanlab. The combination of Justines voice and Oceanlabs great melodies was an instant success. What I understand, the name Oceanlab came from the waterish theme of the first single and the name of the software they used, Wavelab.

The first Oceanlab-single was the 2001-single Clear Blue Water which came with an impressive Ferry Corsten Remix. The single peaked at 48 in the UK Singles Chart.

The followup-single, Sky Falls Down was another dancefloor monster, especially the Armin Van Buuren-remix. 10 minutes and 24 seconds of pure orgazm.

The third Oceanlab-single, Beautiful Together came with a stomping Signum Remix although I prefer the smoother original.

The same year, Justine also sung on Masters & Nickson’s wonderful track, Out There (5th Dimension). The track had already been released as an instrumental called 5th Dimension but Justines vocals takes this track to anoother dimension! The track was later re-released in 2008 with a banging Daniel Kandi Remix.

Their biggest Oceanlab-success came with the 2004 single Satellite. It’s one of those pure classics that most trancelisteners has sung/screamed the lyrics to when played at a club: It still gives me shivers when hearing it. What I understand, the inspiration for the track came when Paavo’s girlfriend was on a trip to Japan and they were missing eachother. The track peaked at no 19 in the UK Singles Chart. Justine’s angelic voice together with Oceanlabs great music makes this one of the best vocal tracks ever!

The same year, another big trance anthem was released. Armin Van Buuren featuring Justine Suissa – Burned With Desire. It is another one of those tracks that always gives me chills all over the body. The smooth melody together with Justines amazing voice makes this another must-have. The track is IMHO in the same league as Oceanlab’s Satellite when it comes to classic-status.

Speaking of instrumentals turned into vocal tracks, the next one is just one of those. Markus Schulz presents Elevation – Clear Blue did get a vocal-treatment called Somewhere (Clear Blue). The original instrumental is another all-time favourite and the vocals just makes it better!

The 2005 Armin Van Buuren-single Wall Of Sound was another hit, especially the Airbase Remix.

In 2008, Oceanlab released their first album, Sirens Of The Sea and also the single with the same name. The album also contained Breaking Ties, Lonely Girl and On A Good Day, all three major hits.

A cool fact is that Oceanlab asked their fans to do a video for On A Good Day. The one that got most attention was the video by Ashleigh Tritton who won the competition. The main video contains clips from various contributors but you can also find Ashleighs whole video on youtube

The album was later re-released as Sirens Of The Sea Remixed with remixes by Gareth Emery, Lange, Oliver Smith, Michael Cassette, Ronski Speed, Martin Roth and Cosmic Gate just to name a few.

In 2010, Markus Schulz did a interpretation of Cass & Slide’s old progressive hit, Perception which first was instrumental but later got vocals by Justine. Even if Markus version is really good, I still prefer the original.

The same year, Myon & Shane 54 released their mashup between Oceanlab – On A Good Day & Gareth Emery – Metropolis. The mashup became a huge hit and was played by all major djs.

The last we heard from Justine was the collaboration with Boom Jinx on the smash hit Phenix From The Flame.

Justine has brought us pure quality from day one and her voice still amazes me. The last productions till gives me shivers so I’d say that Justine Suissa will be an artist that will keep on doing her thing for many more years.

Some of the other trance-singers out there have released their own albums, like Jes – High Glow, Susana – Closer & Brave and I hope that Justine Suissa will do her own thing too. She has got some real quality tunes in her baggage and I guess that there is much more to come.

Classic FTW: The Thrillseekers – Dreaming Of You

1 svar

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pxbGQhiMwc&w=680&h=383]

This wekends featured artist need no introduction. With projects like En-Motion, Hydra, The Thrillseekers, Insigma (with Pulser) and Rapid Eye (with Tim Stark) just to name a few, Steve Helstrip is a household name in the trance-scene.

Steve has produced so many quality tracks over the years so it was pretty hard to choose. I wouldn’t wanna go with the most common choice so I chose The Thrillseekers – Dreaming Of You (with singer Alexis Strum). (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics:

Dreaming Of You

Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you
Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you

I wish that, I could be
The one thing, that you really need
I’m broken, and bitter
You left me, with nothing underneath
I drove you, too far
I see that, but I can’t find my peace
And I’d fake it, if I thought it
Would make it, easier to breath

I tell you baby all my dreams come true
When I’m laying next to you
Is that so wrong
I tell you baby all my dreams come true
Wanna be the way you are
So why hold on

Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you
Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you

Didn’t know what just to do
When you said we could be friends
I lied to you
Could it be the last goodbye
When this feeling never ends
You need me too

I tell you baby all my dreams come true
When I’m laying next to you
Is that so wrong
I tell you baby all my dreams come true
Wanna be the way you are
So why hold on

Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you
Dreaming of you, yeah
Dreaming of you
Dreaming of you, you’re my dream come true

I’ll hold on to you
I’ll never let you go
I’ll never let you go
Dreaming

English-born Steven Robin Helstrip music career started around 1998, but the big breakthrough came in 1999 with the release of Synaesthesia on Neo Records. Although the track had been produced on a pretty simple home recording studio, the track eventually peaked at no 28 in the UK Singles Chart and sold more than 12.000 copies on its initial UK release.

The track became huge in the club scene and was hammered by most major dj’s like Oakenfold and Paul Van Dyk.

The track was eventually re-released in 2000, now with vocals by Sheryl Deane under the name Synaesthesia (Fly Away). Being featured on the 2001 hit movie, 51st State in a rave-scene got even more people into Steve’s productions and the trance-scene.

The next vocal track, Dreaming Of You (with singer Alexis Strum) was released in 2002. The difference between Synaethesia and Dreaming Of You is that the latter was written with vocals from the beginning so IMHO the vocals fit way better and the track feels more genuine.
Dreaming Of You came with 2 nice remixes by Svenson & Gielen and Fluhlicht but I prefer the original mix.

In 2004, Steve set up his own label, Adjusted Music. The first track released on the label was NewLife, a non-vocal monster. I like the drive in the track, reminds me of early Push/Airwave-stuff which has small changes throughout the track.

It was followed by a re-release of his 2003 Affinity-track under the Hydra-moniker, now named The Thrillseekers presents Hydra – Ultimate Affinity (with singer Tiff Lacey). I really love the warm pads in the track. Affinity cames with a huge remix-pack by Progresia, Menno De Jong, Roger Shah & Pedro Del Mar just to name a few.

The next big vocal track was the 2006 smash, By Your Side (with singer Gina Dotson). The track is another smooth trance-hit, espelcially with the guitar in the breakdown (played by Bryan Josh). By Your Side was also the opening track on Steve’s 2005-compilation, Nightmusic Volume 1.

2007 saw the release of Nightmusic Volume 2 which was opened by the next track, Waiting Here For You (with singer Aruna). The track is more Pop-ish than the previous tracks and Aruna’s singing is really amazing.

Speaking of amazing, the next release was more than that. The Last Time (with singer Fisher) is an all-time favourite (which can be said of most of Steve’s releases). The stunning vocals by Kathy Fisher together with the smooth track by Steve is pure quality. The track gets even more depth when you find out that Kathy Fisher is singing about God. The track was later re-released in late 2011 after a remix-competition where fans could send in their own remix, which eventually was won by Johan Malmgren.

The Last Time was also the opening track of the 2008 compilation album, Nightmusic Volume 3.

The followup-track, City Of Angels from 2008 is another smooth non-vocal track. I just love the pads that Steve use in all his tracks, so warm and fluffy.

2010 saw the release of Savanna, another instrumental monster. I just love the sound in this one, especially the guitar-play after the breakdown which gives it abit of balearic summerfeeling to it.

The same year also saw the release of the collaboration between Steve and Mike Dierckx on The Thrillseekers vs M.I.K.E. – Effectual. I just love M.I.K.E.’s older stuff under the Push-moniker but this one is not giving me the feeling I wish i’d feel, I’d have to say that it’s one of my least favourite tracks from both Thrillseekers and M.I.K.E.

The followup release, Song For Sendai has a special story to it. Steve was on a tour in Japan one week before the 2011 earthquake and tsunami-disaster struck Japan and left more than 15.000 dead and 6000 injured. The track was released less than a month after the disaster and all the proceedings were donated to the Japanese Red Cross. The track is just awesome, especially that piano in the breakdown which just gives you chills.

2012 has so far seen the newest single, Angel (with singer Fisher), another smash with that smooth & warm sound I just love.

Since 2010, Steve has toured around the world with his new Thrillseekers Live Xtreme-concept which is basicly Steve doing a Live-gig on his own with live synths, drumpads and other technical equipment for the best live performance. He has also reworked some tracks, like the 2010-version of Synaesthesia called Live Xtreme Mix. If you have the opportunity to see one of his Live Xtreme-shows, go for it.

I also know that Steve’s working on his debut album, pretty funny to call it a debut as Steve’s been active for nearly 14 year. What we know so far about the album that he’s ben using Stine Grove on vocal for a few tracks and hopefully the album will be released in the end of the summer.

Steve has also made a huge bunch of remixes thoughout the years. Just to mention a few:

1999 Chicane – ”Saltwater (Ambient Mix)” [Xtravaganza]
2000 Rhythm of Life – ”You Put Me In Heaven With Your Touch” [Xtravaganza]
2000 Ascension – ”Someone” [Code Blue]
2000 Chicane – ”Autumn Tactics” [Xtravaganza]
2000 Tiesto & Armin van Buuren pres. Alibi – ”Eternity” [Vandit/Armind]
2002 Chicane – ”Saltwater 2002 (House Mix)” [Xtravaganza]
2003 Jan Johnston – ”Calling Your Name” [Platipus]
2004 Ferry Corsten – ”Sweet Sorrow” [Tsunami]
2004 Reflekt feat Delline Bass – ”Need To Feel Loved” [Positiva]
2005 Pulser – ”Square One” [ATCR]
2005 Lange ft. Kirsty Hawkshaw – ”Sincere for You” (re-released 2008) [Adjusted]
2005 Ferry Corsten vs. The Thrillseekers – ”Sublime” [Tsunami]
2009 Solarstone ft. Elizabeth Fields – ”Part of Me” [Solaris]
2009 Chicane – ”Poppiholla” [Armada]
2011 John O’Callaghan ft. Audrey Gallagher – ”Bring Back The Sun” [Subculture]
2011 Armin van Buuren – ”I Don’t Own You” [Armada]

I think The Thrillseekers sound still sounds really fresh and I hope that Steve’s gonna continue producing and remix with his signature sound. I am really looking forward to the debut album and most of all hearing him perform a classic set this sunday. For when it comes to classics, Steve sure has got them!

Pictures: Podgressive & bejbi.se pres. SummerJam

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Patrics pictures from our legendary party! If you missed it there will be a chance to hear every set in a cutdown version in the next episode of #podgressive.
Thanks for everyone that showed up! :D
Lineup: Amar S & Kambiz b2b, Tatsumi Suzuki, Technophobia and Emrah Celik

Podgressive & bejbi.se pres. SummerJam, Slakthuset, Stockholm, Sweden, 20120609
Pictures: 44

Classic FTW: Lustral – Broken (Way Out West Remix)

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyS6dVSUMF8&w=680&h=383]

This weekends track is abit different from the previous tracks as this isn´t your ordinary trance-track. I´d call it progressive breaks from one of the worlds best duos in that style, namely Way Out West. They have done so many great tracks over the years and this remix is IMHO one of their finest productions. I´m talking about Lustral – Broken (Way Out West Remix). (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics

In every heart there is regret
But they soon repair and don’t forget
The deepest songs that life then fears
Through the pain, through the years.

These are the thoughts that I conceal
Though my eyes can’t hide the way I feel.
There are no angels at my side,
I am weak, I am tired.

Because I miss you,
You know it’s true.
I am broken,
Do you miss me too?

Can we recapture
The life we knew?
I am broken,
I am missing you.

I am afraid of what I see
When my world is safe, what I dream.
I do not shed a single tear
When I sleep, you are here.

Because I miss you,
You know it’s true.
I am broken,
Do you miss me too?

Can we recapture
The life we knew?
I am broken,
I am missing you.

Goosebump points:

0:31 when the drums come in
1:02 when the soothing vocals comes in
1:30 when the bassline comes in
2:00 when the chorus and that awesome piano comes in
3:27 when the vocals start again
3:56 when the second breakdown starts

English-born Nicholas John Warren & Joseph Wisternoff formed Way Out West back in 1993.

The first 2 releases, Montana and Shoot was released on the label Terra Firma in 1994 and after those, they signed up with the label Deconstruction for the third single, Ajare which became a chart-success.

The track is rumored to use a Hindi-sample from ”Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja” (en: ”Come, Come O My Beloved Come”) from the Bollywood film ”Noorie” (1971) .
Ajare peaked at no 52 in the UK Chart and showed that Way Out West was on their way to bigger success.

The 1996 followup-single, Domination peaked at no 36 in the charts and was a protest to the ongoing nuclear testing at the Mururoa-atoll in the pacific ocean. The sample ”Madness, Power, Domination” was influented by a speech given by John. F. Kennedy. The track is IMHO one of their best original productions and I love the complexity in it. The driving synths, the camera-sample & the awesome breakdowns makes this one of those tracks that every DJ should own.

Their third chart-success came with The Gift (with singer Johanna Law) which peaked at no 15 in the UK charts. The track uses a vocal-sample by Johanna which is a cover of an old Roberta Flack-song called The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. The Gift was later re-released in 2010 with new mixes.

Way Out West´s debut album, Way Out West came out in 1997 was an epic album with all the singles so far plus the new single, Blue.

Blue was inspired by the theme to the movie Withnail and I (which was produced by Handmade Films, a company formed by ex-Beatle George Harrison) and is another masterpiece. Just listen to it and you´ll understand. I love the complexity in the track with the drums, the bassline and the lovely piano. This was the first Way Out West-single I bought and soon after that I bought the album which I played alot back in the days.

The next big track, The Fall came out in 2000. The vocal sample ”And I Miss You Most Of All, My Darling. When The Autumn Leaves, Starts To Fall” was sampled Janis Alexander of Coldcut on their track Autumn Leaves from 1993. The track peaked at no 61 in the UK Charts. There was also an amazing remix by Richard Durand on the 2009 re-release which IMHO is well worth a listening. I just love what Richard did with the track, so intense and driving.

The Fall was followed by the EP UB Devoid which contained the tracks UB Devoid, Activity & Redemption plus a remix on UB Devoid called The Computer Hell Cabin Soundtrack Remix.

The second album, Intensify came out in 2001 after a move to the label Distinct’ive Breaks and also contained the single Intensify (with singer Ally Kennen). The track peaked at no 46 in the UK Chart while the album peaked at no 61 in the UK Chart.

The album also contained the 2002 release, Mindcircus (with singer Tricia Lee Keishall). Mindcircus came with a mindblowing Gabriel & Dresden-remix with an amazing bassline and uses that wicked piano that made the original version so good. The track reached 39th place in the UK Chart.

Stealth (with Kirsty Hawkshaw) was the followup to Mindcircus and is a track that reminds me of Blue but IMHO the vocals spoils it.

The 2003 single, Muthafucka is a really funky and driving track with that massive bassline, the cool vocal sample and that guitar-riff (played by Marcus Dahl) makes this a really intense track.

Anything But You (with singer Omi) also uses guitar (played by Marcus Dahl). The track is pretty decent, especially the warm vocals together with the breakbeat-drums.
It was also the first release from the 2004 album, Don’t Look Now.

The album also contained the track Killa, which came with an amazing Orkidea Remix. The track is another all-time favourite

The next vocal track, the beautiful Don’t Forget Me (with singer Omi) became another huge success though it’s a ballad. The track was even featured on the tv-series Grey’s Anatomy. The track also comes with an amazing Riley & Durrant Remix for the dancefloor.

The 2008 release, Spaceman is an instrumental breakbeat-track with an amazing piano. The release also contains the track The Warning which uses the same sample as the 1996 track, Domination.

In 2009, Way Out West released their fourth album, We Love Machine. The album contained loads of tracks, including Only Love (with singer Jonathan Mendelsohn) which was the first time that they used a male vocalist. Only Love uses a drumsample from M.A.R.R.S. – Pump Up The Volume.

The album also spawned the single Future Perfect which uses the same funkiness as Only Love had.

The last release, the 2010 sngle Surrender follows in the footsteps of previous singles from the We Love Machine-album

There is a rumour that Nick & Jody are working on a new album and I hope that it will be released soon. Although I prefer the old Way Out West, their new funky and 4/4-driven tracks aint bad at all.
I read that they had a gig in end of March this year and I hope that they´ll be touring near me soon, as Way Out West is one act that i’d really love to mark off my bucket list.

Pictures: Podgressive & bejbi.se SummerJam

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The first Podgressive & bejbi.se collaboration party was a great success!
Lineup: Amar S & Kambiz b2b, Tatsumi Suzuki, Technophobia and Emrah Celik

Podgressive & bejbi.se pres. SummerJam, Slakthuset, Stockholm, Sweden, 20120609
Pictures: 88

Classic FTW: Markus Schulz & Anita Kelsey – First Time

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ-0T55WxPM&w=680&h=510]

This weeks article is focused on one of the true pioneers when it comes to trance and progressive. With his weekly radioshow, Global DJ Broadcast, his label, Coldharbour Recordings and worldwide residecies, he’s one really busy DJ/Producer. I’m ofcourse talking about the one and only Markus Schulz. The track featured in this article is the legendary track First Time with vocalist Anita Kelsey and was co-produced by Austin Leeds. (Buy on Itunes)

Lyrics:

It was a brief encounter
you passed among us
a strange sensation
you left behind
countless stories
a new beginning
the journey started
from here

It was a stolen moment
my senses taken
no misunderstanding
could be declared
countless stories
a new beginning
the journey started
from here

it was my first time
first time
it was my first time
from here

Goosebump-points:

01:00 when the music fades
02:01 when the vocals start
03:15 when the chorus starts
04:29 when the chorus starts and the music fades
05:00 when the slo-mo-drums starts while wailing

German-born Markus Schulz emigrated to the US with his family at an early age and started making music in the beginning of the 90’s. His first release, Plastik Traxx Vol.01 (together with CL. McSpadden) was relesaed in 1994 but it wasn’t until 1998 and the release of You Won’t See Me Cry that got international response. The release, first released in 1998 on Plastik Records and later in 2000 licensed to UK label Eve Records.

While releasing tracks under his real name, Markus also released some really awesome material under the names Dakota, Himmel, Mikulas, Clinch & Dino. This article will be focused mostly on releases under his own name aswell as his darker, more progressive side, Dakota.

Under the early years, Markus released 3 Dakota-singles, Swirl (1999), Lost In Brixton (2002) and Frozen Time (2002) but the main focus on Dakota came in 2009 with the album Thought Become Things which spawned 7 singles. But we´ll get to that abit later.

After the success of You Won’t See Me Cry came a break where he focused on Dakota and it wasn’t until 2005 that the second single, First Time (with singer Anita Kelsey) came out.

Under 2003 and 2004 Markus Schulz co-produced 3 tracks under Markus Schulz presents Elevation. The first one, Clear Blue is one of my alltime-classics, especially the Intro Mix.
The progressive monster made a huge impact on me and most of the world. It was also remade with vocals by Justine Suissa under the name Somewhere (Clear Blue).

The second single, Largo is another progressive monster which uses most of the elements that made Clear Blue great.

The third track was Somewhere (Clear Blue) with Justine Suissa on vocals. I love the track but prefer the non-vocal version.

In 2004 Somewhere/Clear Blue got signed to A State Of Trance, a label owned by Armin Van Buuren which Markus met after being signed to the same agency, David Lewis productions agency.

Armin asked Markus to start a record-series with progressive tracks so Markus started on his compliation series, Coldharbour Selections. It was first after releasing volume 1-3 on Electronic Elements that Markus set up his own label, Coldharbour Recordings which is a sister-label to Armin Van Buuren’s Armada Music.

The name Coldharbour comes from his old production-base in London’s Coldharbour Lane.

The new label made a huge impact on the progressive scene, especially with signed artists like Santiago Nino, Rex Mundi, Mark Otten & Niklas Harding just to name a few.

The single, First Time with singer Anita Kelsey from 2005 was the first of his own tracks to be signed to the label. The same year also saw Markus first album, Without You Near which was followed by the track with the same name. The track was a collaboration between Markus, Departure and Gabriel & Dresden.

The 2006 single, Never Be The Same Again (with singer Carrie Skipper) was the next own release which was followed by the non-vocal tracks Fly To Colors in 2007 and The New World in 2008. The New World is a really pumping track which I really love. All tracks was featured on the second album, Progression from 2007.

It was also in 2007 that Markus started his weekly radio show, Global DJ Broadcast.

2008 also saw the release of Perfect (with singer Dauby) aswell as the fabulous collaboration with Andy Moor with Daydream. I really love the track, especially the Benya remix.

The next collaboration with Departure came the same year with Cause You Know which had an amazing Nic Chagall remix.

2009 only saw the single, Do You Dream as all focus was on Markus’s alter ego, Dakota.
The Dakota-album, Thought Become Things held 7 singles. What do you say about Johnny The Fox, Chinook, Sin City, Mr Cappuccino, Steel Libido, Koolhaus & Roxy’84. All major tracks on the darker, deeper progressive side of Markus. Dakota is like Markus dark and sinister twin!

The 2010 album, Do You Dream focused on the lighter side of Markus again. With some major singles as Dark Heart Waiting (with singer Khaz), the remake of Cass & Slide’s old track, Perception (with vocals by Justine Suissa) and Not The Same (with Jennifer Rene).

With the original to Perception being an all-time favourite, the new remake ain’t half bad. I remember hearing Markus playing his version at a club and I got major goosebumps. The version he played was the non vocal version. I really love Justine Suissa’s voice but it’s nothing compared to the original vocal version by Cass & Slide and singer Naimee Coleman.

In 2011, Markus released the second Dakota-album, Thoughts Become Things II which so far has spawned the singles Sinners, Saints/In A Green Valley, Katowice and Sleepwalkers.

2012 has some major tracks stored up for us. Both Markus Schulz and Dennis Shepherd – Go and Markus Schulz & Ferry Corsten – Loops & Things will be released later this summer.
Loops & Things is a remake of Jens’s old track from 1994 which I really love. The new remake is slower, more to the progressive side of trance and will be a huge hit!

There has also been some huge remixes over the years and here is a selection of some of the more memorable ones:

2003 Motorcycle – As The Rush Comes
2003 Jewel – Stand
2004 Filterheadz – Yimanya
2004 Airwave – Ladyblue
2004 Deepsky – Talk Like a Stranger
2004 Space Manoeuvres – Stage One
2005 Departure – She Turns
2005 Ridgewalkers – Find
2006 Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine?
2007 Joop – The Future
2008 Sia – Buttons
2008 Mike Foyle – Bittersweet Nightshade
2009 Cosmic Gate – Sign of the Times
2009 Ferry Corsten – Brain Box

As a DJ, Markus has gained major crowds and played at Ultra Music Festival, Amsterdam Dance Event, Nature One, Dance Valley, Love Parade, Global Gathering & Trance Energy just to name a few. He’s been holding a top 10-position on the established DJ Mag top 100 the last few years which itself is a sign that people love what he do.

Markus has been active in the music business since 2004 and spawned some major tracks/remixes over the years. Since 2004 and onwards his name has been synonymous with quality releases and remixes. My guess is that Markus and his label, Coldharbour will continue releasing quality tracks for many years to come, just listen to the new collaboration with Ferry Corsten for Loops & Things.
Markus future looks bright and sounds really awesome!

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Classic FTW: Above & Beyond – Far From In Love

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Classic FTW: The Thrillseekers – Dreaming Of You

Pictures: Podgressive & bejbi.se pres. SummerJam

Classic FTW: Lustral – Broken (Way Out West Remix)

Pictures: Podgressive & bejbi.se SummerJam

Classic FTW: Markus Schulz & Anita Kelsey – First Time