Lange Interview: those crazy days when trance took Europe by storm

Image: Luke Davids

Saturday 19th October sees a turbine of trance hit the South West. Lifeline have brought together a bill combining three superstars of the genre in Swindon's rejuvenated rave den Brunel Rooms, with Andy Moor, John Askew and the mighty Lange all combining for an event which cranks the euphoria levels to scintillating levels. 

Ahead of the show we caught up with the latter to dissect what was happening in Lange land at present, including his reverence for Judge Jules, his new album and what it would of been like dropping his early classic remixes right at the pinnacl of trance's reach.

You’ve got an upcoming appearance at Brunel Rooms on 19th October. Are you looking forward to it? Will this be your first appearance in Swindon?

Yeah, always love playing UK gigs. And yes I think it is my first time playing in Swindon!

You’ve been particularly busy in the studio over the last few years. Have you had anything out recently that you’re particularly proud of?

Yes, I've really pushed myself, especially in the past 12 months to do more in the studio - it's actually been a really tough year working pretty much everyday, but I was on a mission to complete my new album and I can say (with much relief) that I finally finished it two weeks ago.  

I'm very proud of the final album, even more so than I expected. Some of the singles from the album that I'm most proud of are 'Destination Anywhere', 'Our Brief Time In The Sun' and also my remake of QT Quartet's 'Hold That Sucker Down' (watch below) has really worked well all year in my sets!

Can we look forward to more productions from you in the coming months?

Definitely, my new single 'Fireflies' with Cate Kanell has just been released and there will further singles from the album including a track featuring a violinist called Ilseviolin. That one's called 'Violin's Revenge' and will be the next single. I'm also looking forward to sharing all the new album versions of tracks.  

I had the concept of giving many of the tracks already heard a new twist and making the whole album flow from start to finish, so for xample there's a more chilled out acoustic version of my 'Risk Worth Taking' single with Susana.

How has your summer season been? Where have you enjoyed playing?

It's been an epic summer! Highlights included Tomorrowland, South West Four, and Global Gathering festivals.  Celebrating 15 years of being in the industry in Ibiza, as well as ending my summer with a tour of Australia.

Your label has seriously stepped up its number of releases over the last few years. How do you find running a label and what’s the secret to its long standing success?

Yeah, the labels really grown up over the past few years, especially since we've paired up with Enhanced Music who manage the back end and distribution. I'm still A&Ring the label, alongside Stephen Kirkwood.  

I like to think I've got a good ear for spotting special tracks, and I've never managed to let go of deciding the label's output, even though I probably should have as there's so much for me to do already!

What else lies in the future for Lange?

I plan projects quite far ahead now, and already have ideas for next year, but can't reveal those just yet... there's still a lot to come this year. My Intercity Radio Show celebrates it's 150th episode next month and we're busy finalising plans for that.  Also as well as a stream of new tracks waiting for release I have a remix in the pipeline for one of the biggest DJs on the planet. 

Dream situation time... you can go back to any period in clubland history, and play at any club. Who would you have playing alongside you and what tune would you drop?

I didn't start DJing until around 2001, but had my first releases in 1998.  It would be really fun to go back to 98/99 and play some of my early stuff.  I think the obvious club choice would be Amnesia in Ibiza. I have since played there which was incredible, but it would have been amazing to have dropped my remixes of Lost Witness' 'Happiness Happening' (watch below) or DJ Sakin's 'Protect Your Mind' there in those crazy days when trance took Europe by storm!  

As for a Djing partner? I think I'd have to go with Judge Jules...he was a huge supporter back then, I've always rated his eclectic sets, and I experienced hearing some of my first remixes in the booth with the judge at various clubs when I was just getting started.

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