gardenstate, the collaborative effort between Sweden’s super-producer Marcus Schössow and promoter Matt Felner, has released its debut album. Entitled “Inspirations,” the album crosses 90s Trance and Melodic Techno, and is heavily Breaks influenced. Additionally, the record features collaborations with Gabriel & Dresden, Andy Moor, PROFF, SøNIN, and West Of The Sun. There’s also a team up with Gjon’s Tears, which is a rework of his 2020 Eurovision entry, “Tears”.
The rundown
“Inspirations” opening track, “Aurora” is co-produced with Paavo from Above & Beyond and features vocals from Nandini Srikar. It’s about a love letter to the life-affirming experience Marcus had playing in India. Additionally, Paavo’s studio is also the birthplace of “Revival,” a collaboration with Gabriel & Dresden, Andy Moor, and PROFF. Long-time friends SØNIN and BLR join gardenstate for “Koski,” while “Répondez-moi” is a dance-floor rework of the track “Tears” from 2020 Eurovision contestant, Gjon’s Tears. As mentioned, there’s a heavy Breaks influence across the album, including “1995,” and BBC Radio 1-endorsed “Take Me There” with GVN, Anjunabeats’ 700th catalogue release.
The ethos
Making music on their own terms, the gardenstate sound is a melting pot of Dance Music genres. These include 90s Trance nostalgia, brooding Melodic Techno, peak-time Breaks, and poignant song writing. Accordingly, very few acts can work their way into the DJ sets of Kölsch, Cristoph, Tiestö and Above & Beyond at the same time. Releases on Joris Voorn’s Spectrum Records and Yotto’s Odd One Out have nurtured an underground following. On the other hand, reworks of A&B and Gabriel & Dresden have introduced them to the Trance and Progressive crowd. Be it through passion, determination, or just sheer stubbornness, gardenstate continues to bloom.
Out now
gardenstate’s debut album “Inspirations” is out now on Anjunabeats and available for purchase here. In addition to their recent Group Therapy 450 show, the boys joined Above & Beyond for two sold out Red Rocks shows in October 2021. gardenstate will embark on a multi-continent tour in support of the record, and fans can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and via their official website for dates and more information.
