Lange: Making the Music We’ll Always Remember (Artist Exploration)

So often we hear of artists either constantly reinventing themselves or stubbornly sticking within their comfort zone. Don’t get us wrong, they’re legitimate musical strategies; one allows fans the chance to always experience something new while the other is guaranteed to always give people something familiar. But sometimes it’s nice to see an artist who can both change with the times and stay true to their roots. With British trance warrior Stuart Langelaan (better known as Lange), we see that perfect balance.

When it comes to live trance, Lange has few equals.

In the last couple years, trance has gotten away from its darker roots and ventured forth into big room, thanks in large part to the rising popularity of vocals and understated instrumental breaks. No longer is hard trance gracing the speakers of warehouse parties, as it’s evolved into an arena-filling sing-along genre. But that’s not a problem so much as it is the production values that go into newer releases. With the breakneck pace music is created, consumed, and spit out, it’s become harder and harder to concentrate on craft over speed.

[quote style=”1″ author=”Lange”]The most frustrating part about it all is the sheer volume of generic sounding music there is knocking around at the moment. I get sent loads! That’s largely down to the pace tracks are now consumed…gone are the days of months and months of promo build up. Most genres of music have been affected by this fast-food style consumption and I do wonder whether tracks are given the chance to become true classics at this rate![/quote]

The run into prettier trance hasn’t missed Lange, as he too has let his focus move in an “ethereal and melodic” direction. As an artist who’s more than paid his dues, it only seems natural that his musical progression is a microcosm of the way the genre has progressed as a whole. When it comes to truly connecting with an audience, nothing gets the job done more effectively than thousands of people singing in unison about love, acceptance, and their passion for dance music.

Trance is a genre rooted in this love, and that’s abundantly clear in Lange’s newest album, “We Are Lucky People.” It’s a collection that bridges the gap between darker old school trance beats and angelic piano and vocal breaks that come together to please both sides of the aisle.

[quote style=”1″ author=”Lange”]I think the new album has more of an underlying theme to it, it gels much better than my previous 2 albums. That’s partly down to the time period I’ve written the tracks in – it’s been shorter this time. But I also set out with more of a mission of what I wanted to achieve with this one. This is definitely my favourite of the 3 and I wanted to create something that must be listened to from track 1 to 13 as opposed to a compilation of tracks.[/quote]

What will you remember about the music of today?

From front to back, Lange managed to create an album that consummately embodies what modern trance is all about. While mainstream EDM has become frighteningly commercialized, much of trance has remained in a creative bubble that, while still appealing to the masses, still remains true to itself. Our favorite artists are diving headfirst into big room, as the “trance scene is more passionate than ever about the music, and they’ve become very protective of it.” But worry not trance family, there’s lots to be hopeful for.

In the end people will always remember the tracks that connected with them on a higher plane, and there’s a good chance it won’t be that song they hear 100 times on the radio every day. Rather, it’s the music created with care and devotion that will always be available if you’re looking in the right place.

[quote style=”1″ author=”Lange”]They need not fear….No doubt some are moving to grab the opportunities offered by chasing the big room sounds, but there are plenty who are simply enjoying doing something different. Who cares? Whatever the case, there will always be those who want to write Trance melodies that touch people – and they are the tracks that people remember.[/quote]

Years from now when your children and grandchildren are asking you about the music you listened to growing up, what will you tell them? Will you describe the music that made the Beatport Top 10, or will it be that song you can’t help but tear up for every time it comes on? When it comes to creating lasting memories to pass down through the generations, it’s safe to say that Lange is leading the charge.

“We Are Lucky People” releases November 18th. In the meantime, you can purchase the single “Fireflies” on iTunes, Beatport, and Amazon right now!  You can catch Lange in Seattle this Saturday (Nov. 2nd) at Foundation Nightclub, so get your tickets here and don’t miss out. 

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