Daniel Sokolovskiy’s Blog: posts tagged Press mentions

Interview for LabelRadar

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:57:47 +0100

I had the privilege of giving a short interview from the label manager’s perspective to LabelRadar, a platform for streamlining demo submissions.

I like this question:

Question: How important is an artist’s image and branding in today’s music industry?

Daniel: I wish it’d be otherwise, but branding is important. Social media are still king, even though it pains me to say that. Establishing a good online presence and building a strong fanbase is equally, if not even more important than making good music in the first place. Modern technologies lowered the entry barriers so everyone can be a music producer or a DJ now, but at the same time it created a lot of “noise” and one has to break through in order to stand out. And sometimes, music alone is not enough for that.

Read the full interview on the LabelRadar’s blog:
blog.labelradar.com/interview-daniel-sokolovskiy-joof-recordings

Beatportal Trance Feature

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:49:27 +0100

Following the launch of the new Trance genre on Beatport, I have written up a behind-the-scenes look into the definition of these Raw, Deep, and Hypnotic trance sub-genres. A massive thanks to the team and artists for their contribution and for making this article happen.

Read the full article at beatportal.com.

“Explore the Progressive Realm with Daniel Lesden” feature at EDM Identity

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0100

EDM Identity’s Editor in Chief, Grant Gilmore, crafted an insightful article highlighting my artistic profile. Take a look at his thoughts below and make sure to check out the exclusive mix I’ve prepared for their platform. I hope you enjoy it!

Craving a deep, progressive soundscape to explore? Russian DJ and producer Daniel Lesden delivers just that with this exclusive fall mix.

Those who have fallen deeply in love with the sounds of progressive house, trance, and techno know how easy it is to blur the lines between these genres to create magical sonic experiences. This concept has been put on display by countless artists in the community, but one who has continually shown mastery is multi-faceted Russian artist Daniel Lesden.

Daniel Lesden has done seemingly everything under the sun since breaking onto the scene over a decade ago. His releases have found a home on renowned imprints ranging from Pharmacy Music and Digital Om to Perfecto Records and Forescape Digital, but his biggest home has been on JOOF Recordings. Not only has he delivered a plethora of innovative tracks on the John 00 Fleming-led label but deepened his roots even further as their A&R Manager and continually helps the scene grow with his educational courses and advice series that cover a wide range of topics in the scene.

Where Daniel Lesden really thrives beyond his production skills are the curation abilities that he puts on display in a number of different ways. His creativity is seen in full force when he jumps behind the decks at nightclubs and festivals, where he reads the crowd’s energy to build each set and take them on a dynamic journey. Additionally, over the past decade, he’s hosted a monthly radio show called Rave Podcast that gives his fans around the world the ability to tune in and explore new sounds.

With the fall months in full swing and the sound of progressive dominating the airwaves, Daniel Lesden is showing off his curation abilities by spinning up a mix for the EDMID Fall Frequencies series. This 30-minute ride is filled to the brim with stunning tracks from the minds of Fuenka, Alan Fitzpatrick, Matt Lange, and Rick Pier O’Neil, among others – and he even included an ID that we can only hope will see receive a full release soon.

Link to the original post
Words — Grant Gilmore

Interview for Shankra Festival

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:12:30 +0100

I spoke with Giulia from Shankra Festival organization about my first festival experience, latest works, features of my tracks, and some aspects of Trance music I dislike.

Give us an overview of your latest works (releases, EP, other projects): is there something you’re particularly excited about?
My release schedule was quite busy lately: I have released a new single on Digital Om Productions a few months back, followed by a very unusual release on Iono Music, and just in a few weeks from now my collaboration with Mechanimal will be out too which I’m really excited about. Also, my radio show hit the 7th year anniversary last month, quite a milestone!

Could you describe to us your first festival experience?
If we are talking about the festivals specifically and not indoor raves, I think my first experience was in 2005 at a festival in the Crimean Mountains. It was something totally different to me comparing to the club parties I used to attend to a lot these days, and I still love that almost a surreal feeling that you are in a parallel reality.

Which would be your advice for young people that would like to start your profession?
I would advise to lower down expectations and research the industry. I’ve seen a lot of young producers expecting to make a living on a debut album release, or start touring worldwide as soon as they get signed to a record label. Sorry, but this is not how things work, success won’t happen overnight. Also, it is your job, as an artist, to work with the audience and to grow your fan base, music alone is just not enough.

Lower down your expectations and research the industry

What are the most characteristic features of your tracks?
I’m a huge fan of cosmic exploration, science fiction, and technologies, and I’m trying to implement these features in my production. You won’t hear a yet another speech sample about LSD in my tracks, but rather a robotic vox, space-themed leads, and Trance atmosphere. I also like to build some storyline behind each track, some deeper meaning.

What aspects of the Trance scene you prefer/dislike?
To me, Psytrance is much more than just music. It’s a culture that unites people despite their age, occupation, skin colour, and faith. I love it.
However, with the growing popularity of the genre, we now hear a lot of ‘copy-paste’ producers who make nothing but cliches, like triplets pattern is being an example. It’s now much harder to filter out that ‘noise’, otherwise you just end up listening to 200 new arrivals on Beatport which sound all the same, sometimes even DJ sets sound the same.
Talking about the scene in general, I like how the production of the events keeps getting better each year, thanks to the festivals like Shankra.

You got a totally free afternoon. What would you do?
I would probably dig some new music or work with my media library to add tags, organise them into playlists etc. I’m kind of a freak when it comes to that!

Organising some music on my way to the airport

Do you have something that you always bring with you during your travels?
As a DJ and producer, I can’t go without the laptop. Whether I have a spare hour on the plane, in the airport, hotel, car, or even at the backstage, I’m always trying to use this opportunity to get some work done: organise music library, listen to demos, reply to emails, write a blog or edit a vlog.

You won’t hear a yet another speech sample about LSD in my tracks, but rather a robotic vox, space-themed leads, and Trance atmosphere

What did you enjoy the most during your time at Shankra Festival?
I have two points of view on that. From the artist’s perspective, I absolutely enjoyed the professionalism of the Shankra team: it was a top-notch organisation which I appreciate and respect a lot. And from the dancefloor perspective, music is certainly what I enjoyed the most because this is my biggest passion and this why I do what I do in the first place.

What do you think about the festival’s location?
Shankra location is breathtaking! I think it contributes to the overall perception of the festival a lot. The music, the deco, the people and nature come together in a mesmerising experience.

The Alps and the landscape are breathtaking

A special message to the Shankra Family!
Thanks for keeping the spirit alive, you’re awesome!

Link to the original post
Text — Giulia Buonarrivo

TranceMag review of 2000 Years Ahead album

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 22:00:00 +0100

TranceMag staff editor Florin has written a review of 2000 Years Ahead album, revealing the hidden meaning of the tracks titles.

If you’ve ever been to an interview, you know sometimes employers ask questions about your future, like where you would see yourself in 5 years to a decade. Daniel Lesden doesn’t mess around with these short time frames, opting to think on an altogether grander scale.

A year’s worth of studio work has now culminated with the release of his future-focused second studio album, 2000 Years Ahead. This tremendous sci-fi inspired 9 track long player draws a timeline for a human race which is at peak technological development, highlighting the possible hidden dangers associated with it.

But enough introductory text, let’s dive right in, starting with:

The End Of The Aquarius Age

Open up the album and you’re confronted with its first track, The End Of The Aquarius Age. In astrological terms, each zodiac sign has a so-called astrological age assigned to it. We are currently in the age of Aquarius, which is associated with technological development, transhumanism and giving more power to the individual. It is therefore no mere coincidence that Daniel selected the following quote from the movie Automata as the center piece of this ominous ambient creation.

The movie explores a future in which robots have taken over, and the struggles of mankind to stop the AI from altering itself. This first production from the LP has a slew of tech sounds infused into it, to further solidify its connection with the film. Antonio Banderas’ (who plays Jacq Vaucan) words fade, signalling the beginning of a menacing crescendo, which wraps things up nicely.

Pangea Proxima

As we shift focus from the skies to the ground, Pangea Proxima zooms into view. The original Pangea (from the Ancient Greek words pan – whole and gaia – land) was a supercontinent which formed 335 million years ago. Taking into account the geological cycles, Pangea Proxima (also called Pangea Ultima) is a possible future supercontinent which may form in the next 250 million years.

The namesake track brings proceedings into more familiar territory, with Daniel’s signature brand of Psy shining through from the get go. Heavy baselines and gated sounds lay the groundwork for the heavily acidized rest of this opus. It’s a demonstration of the masterful control and quality of sound design we’ve come to expect from Daniel.

The Dream Of Electric Sheep

Continuing on the path we set out at the beginning of the post, we get to The Dream Of Electric Sheep, and its subtle reference to humanity’s robotic counterparts. Clues for this are present at beginning (another quote from Automata, “Identify yourself” / “B-2206. Sorry, the city is not safe for any of us.”) as well as in the short breakdown. The Blade Runner quote “It’s a test designed to provoke emotional response” is particularly adept at emphasizing the relative rigidity of the AI in terms of ability to empathize.

Contrast is underlined not only via quotes, but changes in pacing, especially on the baseline front, switching from a full on to a triplet pattern in key parts of the track.

The pedal to the metal approach of The Dream of Electric Sheep accelerates our eventual arrival to a frightening future event.

Technological Singularity

Further down the list is a track which you should know from the production announcement video released about 10 months ago. Technological Singularity highlights a more melodic side of Psy Trance’s overall sound, drawing its inspiration from a future event often called simply “the singularity”. In basic terms, it is the idea that artificial intelligence may enter a cycle of rapid self-improvement, evolving into a kind of artificial superintelligence and leaving humanity in the dust.

Like the issue itself, the production is way more nuanced than it would appear at first glance, employing some lovely modulated acid lines throughout. The build-up is a particular highlight, with its almost Goa-like organic progression. Wonderful stuff.

Arrival

A familiar name greets us at number 5, Arrival, the teaser single which was released in December last year by the same lovely folks at Digital Om Productions.

Taking the issue of ETs arriving on Earth as its main theme, Arrival opens up with a breaks-like layering, only for Daniel Lesden’s beloved blend of Progressive and Psy to replace it shortly after.

With massive energy throughout and an addictive arrangement overall, this is not only my favourite of the 9 productions, but it can serve as an example of what the modern Psy Trance sound should be.

Not only was the subject interesting, but the execution was top notch, as usual. It’s a fantastic package all in all, which comes from an artist whose familiarity with the Psychedelic sound allows him to craft some exquisite tracks. No wonder the album reached #1 CD on Psyshop, it bloody well deserved to.

Structured Chaos

Sitting at number 6 is yet another fantastic Psy Trancer which you were able to hear in the album completion announcement video prior to the promo-blitz preceding the release.

In comparison to the others, the Progressive side stands out a little more and the overall vibe is heavier. Once again, the bubbling acids and the build-up are of particular note here, due to the sheer attention to detail and masterful execution.

Sacred Space (with AudioFire)

Following in the footsteps of the wonderful Prog Psy number above, we find a collaboration with London-based producer AudioFire.

A balance is struck between the two producers’ sounds, yielding a delightfully energetic, and ever-changing piece, which is much lighter in overall vibe than its predecessors. I’d dare say that near the end you could almost mistake it for an Astral Projection track. It really is that good.

Machinery

After a subject as ethereal as the sacred space, Daniel plonks down a mammoth base driven Psychedelic slab called Machinery. Employing plenty of gated sounds and delicious modulated acids, track number 8 also sports one of the most distinctive secondary acid lines of the entire bunch. I’ll only say it’s near the middle, but you’ll definitely recognize it instantly. Terrific stuff.

Middle Mode & Relativ – Divination (Daniel Lesden Remix)

Closing proceedings is Daniel’s take on the 2014 Middle Mode & Relativ collab entitled Divination. Despite using a similar approach to the original in the construction of his rework, Lesden manages to flip the entire atmosphere of the track on its head. What’s more, the end result is a much lighter, more dynamic interpretation than the source material, while still incorporating the quotes from Porcupine Tree’s Voyage 34 Phase IV.

Conclusion

The follow-up to Chronicles of The Universe (Daniel’s first album) shines as both a worthy standalone opus and as a part of the overall story arch. After his exploration of the universe, it made sense for Daniel Lesden to pick mankind’s technological end goal as the main subject for a second album.

Not only was the subject interesting, but the execution was top notch, as usual. Though I personally lean more towards Technological Singularity, Arrival, Structured Chaos and Machinery as the highlights of this LP, there’s no denying the others are equally worthy of your attention. It’s a fantastic package all in all, which comes from an artist whose familiarity with the Psychedelic sound allows him to craft some exquisite tracks. No wonder the album reached #1 CD on Psyshop, it bloody well deserved to.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

How to send a demo on DJ TechTools

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 22:00:00 +0100

It’s great to see that my article “How to send a demo” has been published on Dj TechTools:

Read on Dj TechTools

Music Talk blog review of Surreal

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 22:00:00 +0100

Music Talk is a blog that features exclusive interviews, reviews, and other interesting tidbits from artists who are part of the Electronic Dance Music world. Writer Kostas Voulgaris reviewed Surreal, released earlier this year on JOOF Recordings.

Daniel has been on a mission to infect each and every one of our minds with his unique blend of sounds and ethereal soundscapes. In his latest endeavour on JOOF Recordings, he has presented us with the magnificent Surreal EP.

Torn between a torrent of ideas and vast inspiration he decided that one track to showcase all this was simply not enough. The answer was wide and clear and so he has presented us two different sides of the same coin.

Part 1

Part 1 is spacey, trippy and full of forgotten sounds reimbursed for the 21st Century. A journey through the deepest depths and chasms of unknown planets beyond our solar system. In search of the unknown, like modern-day crusaders, we press on entranced by all we see and hear.

Surreal in every measure, this is truly an EP that every dance music fan should have in his collection.

Part 2

Part 2 retains most of the elements of the previous track, including extra progression to heighten our senses as we delve deeper into the essence and core of the track itself.

Surreal in every measure, this is truly an EP that every dance music fan should have in his collection. Waste no time and grab your copy now!

Link to the original post
Text — Kostas Voulgaris

Zone Magazine review of Enuma Elish

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 22:00:00 +0100

Zone Magazine is an Irish magazine about the underground dance music scene, born in 1994. On February 2016 issue #8, staff journalist Danny Slade reviewed Daniel’s Enuma Elish, recently released on JOOF Recordings.

This Psytrance release is written and produced by Russian artist Daniel Lesden and is an accomplished production to say the least. It starts with a muted kick drum and an ethereal pad and quickly builds with a chanted male vocal sample and an arpeggiated synth riff into a subtle acidic pounder that is full of energy and verve. The bassline keeps up the urgency of the track and the psychedelic elements soar around the soundscape giving it a real edge as it drives you ever forward to the breakdown which is simple yet effective and gives it real panache and sets it on a level that is something to aspire to.

John 00 Flemming has been championing the Psytrance sound for many years now and it is tracks of this quality that make you see why. It is the kind of sound that you could easily lose yourself on the dance floor to or is as equally as good for home listening as although it is fast and driving, it never oversteps the mark and becomes tiresome. I have to admit that I haven’t really kept up with the whole Psy Trance movement of late but if John’s label is putting out tracks of this quality, I better start paying attention as this is a work of art!

Link to the original post
Text — Danny Slade

Music Talk blog review of Enuma Elish

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 22:00:00 +0100

Daniel is back with a vengeance on an iconic label known for it’s harder style and euphoric tendencies.

As is evident from the title this is a track jam-packed with mystical entities. Taking a trip back to the era of the creation as described by the Assyrians and Babylonians in their revered tome.

This is Psytrance at its finest!

The listener begins to feel the tense atmosphere as out of the vast emptiness one finds himself/herself guided by unseen deities serving as our hosts during this miraculous journey. Chants and spiritual cries are heard in the distance while the traveller begins to fall deeper and deeper into the abyss which is being transfigured right in front of our very eyes.

Enuma Elish is mystical, atmospheric and compelling. One listen and it will be on repeat, inspiring you to seize the day and conquer your own personal goals!

This is Psytrance at its finest!

Link to the original post
Text — Kostas Voulgaris

Vand Sunete’s look back: Daniel Lesden — Producer of the Year

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on music recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. By the end of the year, they summed up the year with different nominations, with Daniel Lesden named as “Producer of the Year”.

Getting even closer to the end, we encounter the fourth category in the series, which is Producer of the Year. Though I’ve been impressed by the output of a fair few names this year, one of them did deliver the release which convinced me beyond any shadow of a doubt.

This mysterious name I keep referring to and stubbornly not mentioning is clearly visible up there in the title..thing, but let’s have it appear down here as well, yeah? For 2015, this title goes to Daniel Lesden. Why? I thought you’d never ask.

Collaborating with Mekka on Aurora, Daniel kicked off 2015 on a high note with the Borderline Music single, and being a fan of previous Borderline releases, I immediately took to the combination. The fusion of progressive and psy really appealed to me, which is why I gladly paid close attention to what he had to offer next. Though leaning much more towards the psy end, his Thru The Stars, Life Simulation and Another Earth EPs hit all the right notes as far as I was concerned, resulting in a pretty permanent spot in my playlist for all of them. Then came what was the deciding factor which swayed things in Mr. Lesden’s favour.

His releases hit all the right notes, resulting in a pretty permanent spot in my playlist for all of them.

First teased at the beginning of February, Daniel’s collaboration with Cosmithex (which we later found out was dubbed Genesis) saw the light of day near the middle of August, but it was bar none one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of this year for me. It really did tick all the boxes and managed to offer a modern equivalent of those highly addictive Goa masterpieces from the 90s. The fact that the folks at JOOF Recordings paired it with mixes from You Are My Salvation and Steve Birch surpassed even my wildest expectations of how good a package can be. This irreversibly planted Daniel’s name on the top of this fourth category of ours and it made sure his name stayed there.

Just to be sure I got the message as clear as I could’ve, he traded places with You Are My Salvation later in the year, remixing the Swede’s Research & Development release, As The Horizon Comes Closer. After that, he ended on the uniquely titled Enuma Elish (which is the name of the Babylonian creation myth, for those not familiar) making yet another appearance on the JOOF family of the labels.

If the releases still haven’t convinced you, he’s also doing a weekly knowledge exchange on his site, covering a variety of interesting topics for you aspiring musicians out there, or for those like me who just enjoy reading things regardless of the subject.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Vand Sunete review of Enuma Elish

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed Enuma Elish, a new single that comes from Daniel on JOOF Recordings.

Back in August, Genesis landed with a thud in the JOOF catalogue and showcased the production prowess of Daniel Lesden and Cosmithex on the superb psy-trancer. Four months later, we’re presented with another origin story, this time as a solo effort from Daniel Lesden. Let’s dive right in and see what’s what. :)

In terms of titles, Enuma Elish is as unique as they get, borrowing its name from the Babylonian creation myth. Unlike its namesake, the latest in Daniel’s catalogue doesn’t portray the story in a thousand lines stretched over seven tablets, rather it chooses a more digital approach, contained in a tad over eight and a half minutes.

The driving psy arrangement, with its decidedly heavy base and quite subtle vocal accents, manages to give this production a slight aura of mystery, serving as even more of a catalyst for pushing that replay button. There’s no messing about, just straight to the point psy that is as engaging to listen as one would expect, given the producer’s previous work.

Enuma Elish hits all stores this coming Monday, December 7th.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Music Talk blog review of Genesis

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Daniel is indeed a storyteller. This is evident if you have happened to follow his string of releases. His tracks are loaded with just the right stuff to take us on destinations we would never have had the privilege of arriving at. In this trip, he joins forces with Cosmithex delivering us the massive “Genesis”.

If anything can be said about the masterminds behind the music it would be that the duo is certainly Trance masters of the Cosmos!

The aforementioned trip starts off in a state of awe as the melody is so divine, almost as a sound descending from the heavens. It feels like being taken back to the very beginning when the creator began assembling our planet as he saw fit.

The narrative vocals arriving at the precise moment in the midst of the track add an extra notch to the enhancement of the already epic aural ride we have been on. One feels himself/herself drawn, almost hypnotized to the rhythm and infectious vibe of this one!

If anything can be said about the masterminds behind the music it would be that the duo is certainly Trance masters of the Cosmos!

Link to the original post
Text — Kostas Voulgaris

Vand Sunete review of As The Horizon Comes Closer

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed As The Horizon Comes Closer, a new single from You Are My Salvation that features Daniel’s remix.

The research and development phase of a product takes a fair bit of time, but the end result is all the more polished because of it. Such is the case with the latest offering from the underground labs of Dopping and Ruddick-led imprint Research & Development Records, which welcomes aboard Swedish producer You Are My Salvation. Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside.

Original Mix

At the beginning of the decade, I was transitioning from a generally prog-house leaning playlist to a more trance oriented soundtrack. Although it’s a sentiment that still manifests itself today, nothing can beat those awe-filled moments of discovery that ensued. In many ways, As The Horizon Comes Closer served as a nice reminder of those exact moments.

You could pick out the superb melodic atmosphere in the break and turn that into a very satisfying ambient piece, but YAMS went a little further. Wrapping the melody around a deep progressive arrangement, the Swede managed to extend the experience in a smooth fusion of electronic music styles. Truth be told, this original vision does not require any accompanying words, but I had to convey my appreciation somehow. Plus, it would look weird if I didn’t include any text, now wouldn’t it?

If this isn’t quite your thing, perhaps I might interest you in some remixes?

Will Rees & Alan Ruddick Remix

The first of the reshuffles steps out into the wider electronic music landscape, as Will Rees and label boss Alan Ruddick come together to create a noteworthy slab of melodic techno.

The snare is much more pronounced in the first half, which might make you think a transition into breaks is imminent, however, hold on. Your patience is rewarded as the thumping bass and kick combo not only secures the track’s place in the techno spectrum but gets you off the chair, whether you want it or not. For listeners not so easily convinced, the original melody riding on top should be as good an impulse to get up as any. A distinctively addictive reshuffle, whichever way you slice it.

Daniel Lesden Remix

The second on remix duties is Daniel Lesden, a name that should be familiar. Remember when back in August YAMS remixed Daniel and Cosmithex’s Genesis? Well, this time the roles are reversed.

The mysterious distant sounds in the break serve as mere teasers, prepping the listener for the inherently infectious drive of Daniel’s psy rework. Framed by the precisely placed vocal chops, the tweaked melody makes an eventual entrance, providing all the necessary elements for the oh-so-good goosebumps to occur. A beautiful example of creatively constructed psy that stays true to the original material, while giving off its own unique vibe.

A beautiful example of creatively constructed psy that stays true to the original material, while giving off its own unique vibe.

As The Horizon Comes Closer, so does the release date for the EP, with this triple track offering hitting Beatport this Monday, October 26th. If you prefer other portals, November 9th is the date to mark in your calendar.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Vand Sunete review of Genesis

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed Genesis, the latest Daniel’s collaboration with Cosmithex.

Few releases have made me jump and down with joy quite like the latest one in the JOOF back catalogue, a collaboration between Daniel Lesden and Cosmithex. Why the excitement, you ask? Well, I’m not going to give it all away in the first two sentences, now am I? Let’s put it under the microscope.

Original Mix

A teaser, however short, can make or break the ‘hype’ for any piece of media, be it film, game, music, etc. Suffice to say the video that has been teasing this release since February did its job wonderfully, the end result being me bugging Daniel about more details on a couple of occasions.

Genesis sees Daniel and Cosmithex join forces for what is for me one of the classiest examples of modern psytrance. They haven’t overdone it on the effects or the whole arrangement, instead of focusing on the absolutely epic lead and beautifully executed break and build, plopping in a relevant vocal sample to seal things off.

I write these posts with the tracks blasting in my headphones and Genesis has more than once made me stop mid-sentence just grinning to myself at how great it sounds. I feel like my mouth is going to hurt from all the smiling since this particular EP is a triple serving of sound. Let us move on to the first of the remixes.

Genesis sees Daniel and Cosmithex join forces for what is for me one of the classiest examples of modern psytrance.

Steve Birch Remix

For his rework, Steve Birch bumps up the BPM a couple of notches and rolls the pronounced baseline right out the gate, with the vocal sample joining soon after. As the sample draws to an end, we transition to an offbeat base pattern, dropping not long after back into the rolling groove. The lead gets a nice FX treatment, helping further differentiate Steve’s reimagining and offering a fantastic alternative for those who want their psytrance just a tad faster.

You Are My Salvation Remix

This remix was probably the most surprising to me because I honestly didn’t know what to expect from it. Things start out in what I’d dare call near tribal fashion, with the drums reverberating in an oddly hypnotic fashion. Following a nicely controlled use of the vocal sample, we get treated to a tremendous psy-breaks arrangement, that slowly wraps itself around the melody and guides the listener towards the track’s break. I was damn speechless as the breakdown smoothly got unveiled and by the time the climax had rolled around, I had to pick my jaw up from the floor. Just..wow.

This fantastic 3 piece EP is out now on all digital download stores. If the text hasn’t convinced you, the samples most certainly will.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Vand Sunete review of Another Earth

Thu, 14 May 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed Daniel’s „Another Earth“ EP, forthcoming on Digital Om Productions.

After going for a ride Thru The Stars, Daniel Lesden has circled back and returned to Digital Om Productions for some more space exploration, in the form of the Another Earth EP. I suppose taking a look inside wouldn’t hurt, so let’s do just that.

Another Earth

The opening track presents Daniel’s pretty distinctive approach to psy, as the acids and base take the reins for the energy filled intro. Another Earth then proceeds to highlight the airy, near the serene sounding break, with the chopped vocals nicely guiding the listener towards the build and ultimate climax. The baseline then makes a triumphant return and further highlights the hypnotic quality of this quintessentially psy production. It’s definitely a worthwhile listen, but before you decide on your favourite, let’s also take a look at the companion track.

It’s definitely worthwhile to listen!

Ignition

This one is sure to spark your interest in psy, in part because of what I feel like a more pronounced sound overall and a much quirkier vibe. Beside its heavier sound, it also features an interesting selection of vocal samples and a very enjoyable lead, with the build-up being a particularly fantastic bit to hear. Even beyond all that, the FX really add that last layer of depth, transforming this into my undisputed favourite off this extended play. A real pedal to the metal track, I can’t recommend this enough.

Daniel Lesden‘s Another Earth EP is headed for a May 18th Beatport exclusive, with a general release on June 1st. Until then, enjoy these two samples. I know I will.

Link to the original post
Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Generate Project review of Life Simulation

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Generate Project is on-demand radio, music portal and blog. Stuff writer Kostas Voulgaris reviewed Life Simulation EP, Daniel’s latest release on JOOF Recordings.

Daniel demonstrates the diversity he has as an artist in the fullest measure. A testament to the above statement is his new EP which completely redefines him as it happens to be a trip towards him more progressive side.

A. Life Simulation

The EP’s signature title track is an instant gem, starting off in a slow manner progressing inch by inch ever while enthralling the listener arousing his curiosity of what will be coming around the corner. The magnitude of the track is indeed its progression. When the break in the track arrives we are compelled into a futuristic world, lush with spacey aural water droplets and sci-fi dialogue preparing us for the defining moment that follows with the peak of the track.

B. One Way Journey

This one delivers exactly what it promises. A moody, throbbing bassline welcomes us aboard our aural travelling experience followed by the perfect amount of techy tension combining sweet melody snippets and haunting choir chants thus enhancing the epic atmosphere of the track. Retaining elements from classic trance anthems such as Bullet In The Gun by Planet Perfecto, this is a one-way journey I’d gladly pack my bags and embark on.

It is evident that the choice of either of the tracks aparting this EP when played would instantly set the mood for a memorable dance music event.

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Text — Kostas Voulgaris

Generate Project review of Thru The Stars

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Generate Project is an on-demand radio, music portal and blog. Stuff writer Kostas Voulgaris reviewed Daniel Lesden’s Thru The Stars EP, recently released on Digital Om Productions.

If you are one seeking tracks that take you on a mental and musical journey, look no further. Daniel demonstrates his vast interest in our cosmos with this EP which as can be seen is truly out of this world.

Mysteries of Time starts off in a somewhat mystical vibe as we find ourselves quickly leaving the known world behind us just by pressing play. There is an evident and unique breadth of“space air” within. Daniel introduces us to a trippy atmosphere reminiscent of the golden Goa trance period. He achieves this purpose by borrowing elements from old school trance as well as cleverly using some dubstepy effects to gain even more throttle. This one certainly is the most journey like of the two and will get you to ponder the mysteries of space as well as get your feet moving.

This EP is undoubtedly an epic space journey for your mind and feet.

Thru The Stars On Autopilot follows the general concept of the previous track with one major difference. This one really goes the extra mile as the track progresses. It certainly hits hard and is loaded with tons of energy preparing to be unleashed. This trip through the stars attains the speed of light as the listener is uplifted both mentally and physically. The genius use of robotic style vocals within enhances the whole space and sci-fi theme brilliantly.It is guaranteed to do major damage on any dance floor whether it is located in our world or another one far far away.

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Text — Kostas Voulgaris

Vand Sunete review of Life Simulation

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed Daniel’s upcoming Life Simulation EP.

We continue our travels through the underground side of trance, this time courtesy of the latest release from JOOF Recordings. If a fortnight ago we saw Daniel Lesden make his debut on Digital Om, it’s now time to change labels as he returns to JOOF with the brand new Life Simulation EP. Let’s take a closer look at this double track material.

Life Simulation

Starting things off, the title track boasts a distinctively prominent base, which gives the entire ensemble a much heavier feel. The heaviness lifts as the break near closer, with FX and melody teases aplenty, and a fitting vocal sample to boot. Centring around the concept of intelligence and how it influences one’s ability to perceive the future, the sample acts as a nice transition into and from the breakdown. The break is expansive, with a near-surreal feel to it, and a goose-bump — inducing the return of the lead synth.

Seeing as trance is predominantly about the ratio between tension and release, Life Simulation has sufficient crescendos and releases to satisfy even the pickiest of fans. If you are to look at life as a series of ups and downs, the choice of title becomes entirely justified.

It took me a couple of listen — throughs to connect with this one, but once I did, it was tremendously enjoyable to listen to.

One Way Journey

As opposed to its companion track, One Way Journey puts a slightly stronger accent on the atmosphere, with a haunting pad-laden and melodically accented journey towards the break. With a slightly shorter ‘breather’ period than the lead track, this one also does away with the vocal sample, instead of letting its FX-rich psy influences shine through. The final surprise is that sneaky gated synth which makes an appearance in the track’s second half. It’s probably my favourite part of One Way Journey and the reason why I slightly prefer this one over the other.

Preference aside, they’re both very well constructed, with elements that should please the underground crowd. No matter which of the two has gotten your attention more, you’ll be able to add it to your collection starting February 23rd, from Beatport. A couple of weeks later, it’ll come to the other digital stores, in case you’re a bigger fan of those.

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Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Vand Sunete review of Thru The Stars

Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics. This time he reviewed Daniel’s latest EP, Thru The Stars.

With releases on JOOF Recordings, Borderline Music and Perfecto Fluoro, Daniel Lesden has certainly had productions featured on some high profile imprints in the trance world. February 9th sees him debut on India’s Digital Om Productions with a double track offering in the form of the Thru The Stars EP. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Thru The Stars On Autopilot

Psytrance is many things to many people, and everyone perceives it differently because they choose to focus on a certain aspect of the arrangement. For me, it’s about the atmosphere, and in particular, the quick changes that take place as the track is unfolding, so to speak.

I’m happy to report that Thru The Stars On Autopilot is a great example of psytrance done right, with great emphasis on the atmosphere, and lots of teasing that go on throughout. From its strategically placed, slightly sci-fi sounding vocal samples, to the little melodic snippets and FX sweeps, it manages to easily reel in the listener. I often approach these things like stories and have made the point in the past that for a track to be truly great, it has to capture your attention like a great story. Let’s just say there’s been a lot of attention capturing, somewhere around a dozen replays worth of it.

I wouldn’t want the other track to feeling neglected, so let’s move on, yeah?

Thru The Stars is a great example of Psytrance done right, with great emphasis on the atmosphere, and lots of teasing that goes on throughout.

Mysteries Of Time

The companion track takes the BPM down a couple of notches, giving the entire ensemble a slightly more mysterious feel. Atypical in the way it builds, it made for quite a fun listening session and a nicely laid-back alternative to the production above. There’s a little more emphasis on the progressive side of things, which I did enjoy a lot. It has a rather more pronounced, darker tone, making the choice of the title entirely justified.

There’s still time to pick a favourite, as the EP is headed for release on February 9th. Listen to the samples and see which one you like more.

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Text — Florin Bodnărescu

Vand Sunete review of Aurora

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 22:00:00 +0100

Vând Sunete focuses on track recommendations and features everything from new releases to genre classics, reviewed Daniel’s latest collaboration, Aurora.

Borderline Music had a great 2014, and to show my appreciation, I picked it as my label of the year. From the looks of it, this year looks set to be as great, if not greater than the previous. Why, you ask? Just look at what’s coming next.

Landing in at spot number 49 in the back catalogue is a tremendous collaboration between Daniel Lesden and Mekka that’s sure to please fans of the deeper, more progressive end of the trance spectrum. Aurora, as it’s been dubbed, brings together bits from progressive, influences from psy, built around a great melody and introduced as part of a rather non-standard build, to create a really unique sound. The atmosphere is great, the progression is very enjoyable and the end result is something I’m definitely going to keep in my playlists for the foreseeable future. Congratulations to Jake and Daniel. You nailed it with this one, guys!

Aurora brings together bits from Progressive, influences from Psy, built around a great melody and introduced as part of a rather non-standard build, to create a really unique sound.

I know taste is subjective, but the quality is not. This here, is absolutely quality, something that’s become a regular thing over at Borderline HQ. Don’t take my word, have a listen to the sample below and hear for yourself.

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Text — Florin Bodnărescu