Zone Magazine Issue 033 - Jan Johnson
In our feature interviews in this issue we talk to cover legendess vocalist and producer JAN JOHNSTON. A name that for Trance and Progressive fans simply means quality. Starting out in the early ‘90s with short-lived pop band JJ, her fortunes took an upward sweep working firstly with the King of Trance, BT on his ECSM album, and then Australian powerhouse Anthony Pappa (as Freefall) on breakthrough release ‘Skydive’. Signings to Perfecto, Universal and more has spread the Jan Johnson gospel and showcased not only her vocal talents, but also her song writing abilities. Soundtrack syncs and contributions to Grammy Award nominated albums as well as 4 solo albums and countless singles has kept this doyen of the scene at the top of her profession.
In our feature interviews in this issue we talk to cover legendess vocalist and producer JAN JOHNSTON. A name that for Trance and Progressive fans simply means quality. Starting out in the early ‘90s with short-lived pop band JJ, her fortunes took an upward sweep working firstly with the King of Trance, BT on his ECSM album, and then Australian powerhouse Anthony Pappa (as Freefall) on breakthrough release ‘Skydive’.
Signings to Perfecto, Universal and more has spread the Jan Johnson gospel and showcased not only her vocal talents, but also her song writing abilities. Soundtrack syncs and contributions to Grammy Award nominated albums as well as 4 solo albums and countless singles has kept this doyen of the scene at the top of her profession.
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//TUNES
HARDDANCE // Nutty T
TOP TUNE //
10
Mindflux - My Mind Is Music [Hyper Reality]
7
Hard Trance producer Mindflux really delivers the goods here with his new album My Mind Is Music.
The tracks are expertly crafted, with great tracks from start to finish. The tracks are all infused with
drive and energy with some great collabs with the likes of XLS, Dave Spinout & TrickyDJ and
Kuznetsow. Each track feels extremely unique which you don't see a lot of in the Hard Trance scene
anymore. All the tracks are pretty special with a high level of production. For me the stand out
tracks are Like A Dream and Everlasting Grief (ADM's Uber Remix) which I didn't think you could
top the Original but this sure comes close. Enormous album check it out!
https://www.hardstyle.com/albums/mindflux-my-mind-is-music/109163
Minus 25 - Der Bin Ich EP [Pulse]
Netherlands producer Barry Stabij brings forth his Techno project Minus 25. First up we are treated to 'Der Bin Ich'
translated to This Is Me. The track is full of hypnotic synths dark throbbing bass and a pulsating rhythm. Next up is
'I Wanna Be Nasty' which is a dirty hands on affair of deep dark bass and big hellacious kicks. The tracks keep
coming with 'My Heart Could Beat' this is a pure underground banger with crispy rides, big bellowing kicks and dark
industrial percussion hits. Last up is 'Kalt' this track is a more of a hybrid with elements from both Techno and
Hard Trance. Filled with big energy driven filtering synths, rolling basslines and reverberated claps and percussion.
Keep up the good work!
https://pulselabel.bandcamp.com/album/der-bin-ich
RECOMMENDED
DJ Vortex - Back To The Oldschool [Save The Rave]
Italian maestro Vortex is back, this time with a crunchy reverse bass slammer.
The track begins with a filtered kick and bass, which builds to a brilliant vocal that just
fits the track like a glove. With the vocal quoting 'Perhaps the most famous classic in all
the world of music.' Then kicks in the famous rave stabs from 'James Brown Is Dead.'
These come to a screeching halt with a massive kick and reversed bass. Accompanied by
marching snares, chopped vocals and early Hardstyle screeches. If you are looking for
something melodic this is not for you, but if you're looking for that early Hardstyle
flavour with dirty reverse bass, chopped vocals and screeches this is definitely for you.
https://www.beatport.com/release/back-to-the-oldschool/3164946
9
7
DJ Thera Ft Yuna-X - Starfleet (T.C.C Remix) [TCC Records]
Thera once again dawns the T.C.C alias to bring this early Hardstyle beast. The main component of
the track that peaked my interest straight away was the gated kicks in the track. They are combined
with some gorgeous distorted screeches, acid laden stabs and detuned saw leads. The break is
arranged magnificently with a nice cello, atmospheric pads, twinkling pianos and a beautiful vocal
from Yuna-X. Very reminiscent of the 2005 style tracks but with a new taste in your mouth.
https://fromthehard.nl/product/dj-thera-feat-yuna-x-starfleet-t-c-c-remix-digital/
7
Cally & J-Trax - Hold On [HDUK]
Cally & J-Trax debut the new HDUK Label with this Euphoric Hardstyle banger. The track
starts off with a spacey arps and building kicks to a really nice enchanting vocal and
heavenly pads. The track continues with some big detuned synths and a big kick and bass.
The break is really beautifully processed with underlaying bass tones and the vocal
continues then you're treated to a masterful melody that is absolutely on point. A great
debut track for the label.
https://www.beatport.com/release/hold-on/3024416
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