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First State “Changing Lanes” Magik Muzik
On Friday 25 June 2010 10:43 CEST by Michel de Winter
Official Press Release
25 June 2010
Artist: First State Album: Changing Lanes Releasing Label: Black Hole Recordings (Magik Muzik) Release Date: 21 June 2010 Country of Origin: Netherlands Artist Website: www.firststatemusic.com
Track Llist:
1. My Sanctuary
2. Exeo
3. Surrounds Me (Featuring Elliot Johns)
4. Cape Point
5. Cross The Line (Featuring Relyk)
6. Mojave
7. Reverie (Featuring Sarah Howells)
8. Butterfly Effect
9. Breathe On Me (Featuring Elliot Johns)
10. Brave (Featuring Sarah Howells)
11. Primate
12. As You Were
About First State and Changing Lanes…
In 2005 a fresh and exciting new duo were introduced to the Electronic Dance Music scene. With tracks like “Sacred”, “Falling”, “Your Own Way” and “Evergreen”, this new duo were rapidly expanding their legion of fans around the world. In 2007, Black Hole recordings released their debut album, Time Frame, which was a phenomenal success, and saw the duo touring to all corners of the globe.
It seemed that nothing could stop this Dutch force, but as the old saying goes, “All good things must come to an end”, and in June 2009 the duo split, leaving Sander van Dien the sole force behind FIRST STATE.
Although the departure of Ralphie B was an unwelcomed one, the sudden change didn’t have much of an adverse affect, as Sander was the driving force behind the FIRST STATE name as it were. By late 2009, Sander had begun work on what would be his debut SOLO album although still retaining the FIRST STATE alias.
The first taste of this new solo act, was a track that took the world by storm. First State featuring Sarah Howells “Brave” was an instant hit across the globe. This new and improved FIRST STATE sound was ready to destroy dancefloors worldwide.
Between the manic touring schedule, and committing to what seemed like a tidal wave of remix requests, Sander found time to create somewhat of a masterpiece in his latest offering, CHANGING LANES.
Early tests of tracks during FIRST STATE dj sets seemed very promising, as single releases such as “Cape Point” and “My Sanctuary” proved that Sander was indeed on to something very special with this album. “Cape Point” was originally produced with the sole purpose of being an exclusive track for the Cosmic Gate “Back 2 Back” compilation. The track received tremendous support from masses of fellow djs and fans alike, prompting the single release in February.
“My Sanctuary”, produced as the intro to CHANGING LANES, was selected as the opening track for the eighth installment of the “In Search Of Sunrise” dj mix compilations (made famous by none other than the superstar, DJ Tiesto). That was only the beginning for this work of art. “My Sanctuary” reached #1 on the Trance charts, while enjoying a placement in the Top 100 downloads on Beatport. The track, is currently standing firm for a fourth consecutive week in the Beatport top 10
Another track release from the album, that was entirely experimental, was Tech-Trance banger, “As You Were”, released in April. This too, had received some big support from all over, and has been on the Audiojelly top 10 downloads chart for close on 4 weeks.
While the sounds of the Psychadelic basslines of “As You Were”, the serene strings of “Cape Point” or the angelic whispers of “My Sanctuary”, may be just what the doctor ordered for many a Dance Music lover, Sander proves to us yet again, that he is well capable of breaking boundaries in an impressive fashion, and he does so with much authority in CHANGING LANES.
FIRST STATE has managed to carve a unique fusion of Electronic Dance, Rock and Pop, whilst managing to maintain a “NO CHEESE” approach. While the afore mentioned tracks do the necessary justice, they barely scratch the surface of what CHANGING LANES really offers: a unique blend of quality dance music, with the intelligent fusion of Indie Rock & Pop vocals and elements which simply brings FIRST STATE’S “CHANGING LANES” to life.
Fans for the gentler, uplifting and almost “pop-like” vibe, will be drawn into the amazing “Cross The Line” which features the vocals of Relyk (the new alias of Kyler England). For those who opt for a slightly darker undertone, with a more “edgy” feel, there’s the pleasantly haunting voice of Elliot Johns, with a double header in, “Surrounds Me” and the ground breaking “Breathe on Me”.
Still not convinced? Well, the ever popular and much loved voice of Miss Sarah Howells will surely do the trick then. Not only does the album include the globally renown , almost anthem-like, smash hit, “Brave”, but the pair of FIRST STATE and Sarah collaborated a second time and the results were an equally, if not even more impressive number entitled “Reverie” .
If there was a mould as to which Electronic Dance Music is supposed to be written, FIRST STATE has just smashed it to pieces , with an album that’s as impressive as the extent of the travels that his music has taken him on. CHANGING LANES may well be the bench-mark to which budding producers look to bridge the gap between the Electronic Dance and Pop/Rock cultures, while maintaining the all important “No Cheese, Please” approach that can so easily be overlooked.
FIRST STATE’S “CHANGING LANES” is set for release on June 21st, 2010 on Black Hole Recordings
For interview requests and general information:
Shane Halcon (Artist Manager)
First State Music
shane@firststatemusic.com
+31 (0) 627.256.299
For licensing enquiries:
Arny Bink Black Hole Recordings
arny@blackholerecordigns.com
+31 (0) 765.209.805
For FIRST STATE DJ bookings:
Ben Greenwood Most Wanted Global
ben@mostwantedglobal.com
+44 (0) 7927.145.455
Essential Links and First State Social Networking:
www.firststatemusic.com (Official Website)
www.facebook.com/firststatemusic (Official Facebook Profile)
www.twitter.com/firststatemusic (Official Twitter Page)
www.myspace.com/firststatemusic (Official Myspace Profile)
www.reverbnation.com/firststate (Official Reverb Nation profile)
www.blackholerecordings.com (Official Website)
www.youtube.com/firststatemusic (Official YouTube Channel)
FIRST STATE “CHANGING LANES” will be available on these portals (amongst others):
www.itunes.com
www.beatport.com
www.audiojelly.com
www.amazon.com
www.trackitdown.net
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