Lange is recognized as one of the most influential dance artists of the past decade; a DJ who has remained at the forefront of the scene throughout his career and a producer that continues to push all boundaries. After an exhausting list of achievements, counting among them 20 UK top 40s, featuring on a film soundtrack, and remixing mainstream artists such as The Pet Shop Boys, Lange remains one of the world’s leading EDM producers.
Alongside Lange’s exceptional and successful studio work, he is a prolific international DJ, making appearances for some of the best club brands in the world including Godskitchen, Gatecrasher and Ministry Of Sound as well as performing for prestigious festivals such as such as Global Gathering, Creamfields, Sziget, Sunrise, Tomorrowland and Balaton, marked by his sustained appareance in the influential Top 100 DJ Poll for 8 years and rising to no. 6 in the well supported Tranceaddict Top 250 Poll.
His eclectic, stimulating and driving sets pull influences from across the dance music spectrum from trance, progressive, techno and electro; he is an exciting and lively performer that keeps the crowd buzzing for more.
Lange is one name in trance that has continued to reinvent himself to take on the evolving dance scene and show any aspiring new comer how to be an industry leader through pure talent alone.
2008 saw Lange launch his Intercity radio show; growing quickly in popularity, it has become a staple for trance fans, owing its success to its charismatic host and notoriety for showcasing the most exciting new releases in trance and related genres. The show launched as a podcast in summer 2009 and regularly sits in the iTunes Top 100 music podcasts and also became a continuing, and already highly acclaimed, album compilation series. The 100th episode was marked by a 24 hour broadcast which trended around the world on Twitter for over 13 hours.
His label, Lange Recordings, was set up to showcase his own productions alongside those of other talented established and up and coming artists within the trance scene. The label has gained consistent support from the DJ elite and has gone from strength to strength over the years and become known for its quality and innovation.
With a host of artist and compilation albums under his belt plus relentless chart topping singles and remixes, Lange has repeatedly proven why he is considered one of the most accomplished and highly rated artists in the scene, receiving unreserved support from both fans, DJs and the likes of MTV, with praise coming from around the globe. Live Forever, Out of the Sky, Drifting Away, Follow Me, Happiness Happening and many more continue to be revered as some finest dance classics, while not afraid to experiment, tracks like Another You Another Me and Harmony Will Kick You In The Ass have been some of the defining moments in the evolution of trance.
SUM: Hi mate, glad to have you here with us. How you’ve been doing these days and what were you up to before doing this interview with us?
My pleasure! It’s been busy, I’m currently on tour in N. America. Played Toronto & Seattle last weekend, in DC now and heading to Calgary next! Before this, I was doing some other interviews! Loads of interviews coming in lately!
SUM: You’ve accomplished so much in your career, support worldwide on your music, touring on a regular basis around the world, conquering some hearts along the way, forming part of the elite Dj Mag top 100, two solo albums, eight mixed album compilations, and a record label with great quality music carrying your name. Is there any big goal or dream you are still working on to get it accomplished?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there is ALWAYS more to achieve. I think at the moment the most important thing I want to get in order after quite an epic 2013 is to get the balance right between home life and the career. It’s not been easy being this busy both on tour and in the studio. It’s gotten a little crazy these past few months finishing my new ‘We Are Lucky People’ album and downtime has been scarce.
SUM: Tell us about your new album to be released this November 18th! How many tracks? Is there going to be variety or just Trance music?
It’s a 25 track double-CD and digital release. It’s mainly trance but there are a few twists in there ;). It features vocals by Betsie Larkin, Susana, Shannon Hurley, Stine Grove, and Cate Kanell and is called ‘We Are Lucky People’. Feel free to check the full tracklist here –> http://walp.djlange.com
SUM: Please explain briefly the process of the album making. When was the idea for the album born? Where there any obstacles or challenges? Any exciting or crazy experiences and moments?
It all started a year ago when I made the single, ‘We Are Lucky People’. I decided I’d found the direction I wanted to go in for my 3rd album and was ready to take on the challenge! I decided to try something new though and rather than hide away in the studio for a year, I thought it would be cool to release singles the moment I make them. It allowed me to share the writing of the album as it happened. The idea was to then take all of the music I had made, give tracks a twist and make a flowing album with some more soundtrack-style, deeper elements throughout. That is what I’ve done on the first CD. Basically it’s a kind of ‘concept’ album with themes and melodies running throughout – there’s some chillout mixed in, but much of it is still trance. I’ve also included a bonus disc which is the complete collection of all the original club mixes I’ve made.
We Are Lucky People Review.
We were lucky people here too, we previewed the entire album! 25 exquisite tracks, we got Chill Out, Progressive, Acoustic, Trance as the highlighting music genres, although the club mixes have influences of other types of music. It features some of the most talented vocalists in the planet.
Susana (Netherlands) is featured in “Risk Worth Taking”, her powerful yet harmonious voice gives more life to an already wonderful instrumental composition. I’m a Trance fan but I prefer the Acoustic Mix, some others would beg to differ, but there is nothing more emotional than connecting with the lyrics in the form of a ballad. Cate Kanell in “Fireflies” (USA) what a voice!, Shannon Hurley in “Superstars”, Betsie Larkin in “Insatiable”, Hysteria! in “Unfamiliar Truth” (The Simple Truth Mix sounds and feels like every instrument was recorded live!), Stine Grove in “Crossroads”.
Of course there are the music only mixes, one that stands out the most in my opinion is “Violins Revenge (Light Mix)”, if you are a fan of Ilse Violin (France), you’ll love how Lange featured her in this track. The dark mix is cool too. Then we have the Piano mix of “Destination Anywhere” or “A Different Shade of Crazy” one beautiful, the other brutal… phew! it kind of plays and stimulates my brain, teasing it with a wide array of sounds perfectly put in the mix like no other album I have ever heard.
If you are looking for a 100% Trance album here, you’ll be disappointed, but if you are looking for a very well crafted Lange album, then this is a must get, heck I’m pre-ordering it now at itunes because this is the first album from a Trance artist, that exceeded my expectations. 10/10
SUM: Are there going to be remixes of the full album soon?
There will be remixes of some of the tracks coming, yes. As I was releasing the music as soon as I produced it, there were no remixes. It’s going to be interesting to see what twists some of our favorite artists will give the tracks!
SUM: When it comes to Djing, how do you select the tracks to play? Do you play promo copies of third parties or do you also buy tracks? And do you consider music from new comers or you rather opt to play it safe and only play music from known artists?
I get a lot of promos sent to me. I still go through them looking for new artists – if none of us did, we would never find those hidden gems and new talents. I occasionally buy extra tracks but in all honestly, the few hundred tracks I get a week keeps my ears pretty busy!
SUM: Can you name three artists that you are currently keeping an eye on? Artists that you consider will be the next generation to carry on their shoulders the face of trance music?
Stephen Kirkwood, Lee Osborne, Lele troniq
SUM: What are your feelings towards people that pirate your music? Most of them would claim to be your hardcore fans, what is your message for them?
Thieves will steal, supporters will support. Personally I feel there’s value in being honest, but it’s up to the individual. People say music is too expensive but I beg to differ. You can buy 2 large coffees for the same price as an album some artist has worked hard on for a year of their life. Music is so powerful but perhaps it’s taken for granted now.
SUM: Now let’s talk about Lange as a person. Do you enjoy cooking? If so, what dish you do best? And what is your favorite food?
I don’t often cook anything too epic, but I have to say I do enjoy cooking! When I do get the chance, it’s relaxing! Favourite food would have to be Thai.
SUM: Where is the funniest place you have ever fallen asleep?
Nowhere particularly funny, but it’s always weird when you fall asleep in public. Like on the tube!
SUM: Do you watch TV? What tv show, soup opera, series etc, have you found yourself completely addicted to?
Actually I watch very little TV and there are loads of shows I must catch up on! I love comedy, keeps me sane. I watch the usual shows like Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Family Guy, Peep Show, but also I’m a big fan of some old school UK classics like Blackadder, Red Dwarf – I have a load of DVDs.
SUM: If you didn’t become a successful DJ/Producer? What other career do you think you’d ended up on?
Who knows! I didn’t have a plan B, I just knew music was my passion and I went with it.
SUM: When you are in a club playing, has someone ever asked you “Are you just gonna play Techno all nite?”, if so, what crossed your mind to answer back but you didn’t?
Luckily, that has never happened to me. Hope I don’t have to confront that, but will cross that bridge when I come to it I suppose!
SUM: Besides Trance music, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Chillout and soundtracks, but I often opt for silence. I listen to so much music already.
(If you want a good chillout album recommendation you should check out “Mesmerizing Chillers“, if you love Betsie Larkin (singer featured in Lange’s album) I’m sure you’ll find something that you like there plus 22 other tracks.
SUM: What movie soundtrack would you love to cross over to trance?
Inception. Such a great film.
SUM: Message for your fans?
Thanks for all the support and I hope you enjoy the new album! :)
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